Mary Silber is a Professor in the Department of Statistics and the College at the University of Chicago, and serves on the Executive Committee of the Committee on Computational and Applied Mathematics (CCAM). Her research focuses on dynamical systems and bifurcation theory, with applications to climate science, ecological dynamics, and pattern formation. She investigates tipping points in climate systems and self-organized vegetation patterns in drylands, exploring mathematical mechanisms behind abrupt transitions and noise-driven instability. Her work bridges theoretical mathematics with real-world phenomena, including Arctic sea ice melt processes and feedback mechanisms in ecosystems. Notable grants include a $50M interdisciplinary initiative between Northwestern and UChicago for life sciences data science and a collaborative Institute for Foundational Data Science. Silber’s contributions span bifurcation theory, spatio-temporal chaos, and control of unstable dynamical systems, with a focus on symmetry-breaking and model reduction techniques. Her recent research emphasizes resilience in dryland ecosystems under climate variability and the role of percolation thresholds in Arctic melt pond dynamics. Despite no formal student listings, her work is supported by interdisciplinary collaborations and federal grants in applied mathematics and environmental science.
Kenneth S. Sacks is a Professor of History and Classics at Brown University, with a focus on Greek intellectual history and American Transcendentalism. He previously served as Dean of the College at Brown (1995–1998) and taught at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (1976–1995). Holding a PhD in Ancient History from UC Berkeley (1976), he has authored seminal works such as Understanding Emerson and Diodorus Siculus and the First Century . His research explores the intersection of classical antiquity and American thought, including projects funded by the Mellon Foundation Sawyer Seminar Program. Awards include the Rabbi Joseph L. Baron Faculty Achievement Award and recognition as a top educator by Wisconsin students. He teaches courses on Hellenistic Greece, Transcendentalism, and the history of historical writing. Education: PhD, MA (UC Berkeley); BA (University of Pittsburgh) Research: Currently co-PI on a $105,000 grant for Mediterranean cultural exchange studies (Brill Press publication pending). His teaching spans ancient and American intellectual history, including popular courses like World of Walden Pond and History of Greece . He has held leadership roles in academic committees and boards, including the Howard Foundation and Brown’s Ancient Studies Program.
Dr. Stephanie Spahr is a Research Group Leader at the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) in Berlin, Germany, where she leads the Organic Contaminants research group within the Department of Ecohydrology and Biogeochemistry. Previously, she served as a Junior Research Group Leader at the University of Tübingen's Center for Applied Geoscience (2019-2021) and as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Stanford University's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (2016-2019). Dr. Spahr earned her PhD in Environmental Chemistry from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) and the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag) in 2016. Her doctoral research focused on the formation of N-nitrosodimethylamine during water disinfection with chloramine. She completed her MSc in Geoecology at the University of Tübingen in 2012, with thesis work on carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of benzotriazoles conducted at Eawag, and her BSc in Geoecology/Ecosystem Management at the same institution in 2010. Dr. Spahr's research focuses on trace organic contaminants in aquatic systems, with particular expertise in transformation processes of contaminants in natural and engineered systems, advanced oxidation processes for water treatment, urban blue-green infrastructure, and compound-specific isotope analysis. Her work bridges environmental chemistry, engineering, and ecology to address water quality challenges in urban and natural water systems. She employs advanced analytical techniques to track contaminant sources and transformation pathways, with a strong emphasis on practical applications for water treatment and environmental protection. Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on biochar-based water treatment technologies, particularly for stormwater management. She investigates how biochar amendments can remove trace organic contaminants from urban runoff, with recent work examining persulfate activation mechanisms, the role of chloride in reactive species formation, and the performance of engineered media filters under dynamic conditions. Her research also extends to understanding contaminant transport in rivers, the ecological impacts of pollutants, and developing analytical methods for environmental monitoring. The interdisciplinary nature of her work connects chemical processes with ecological outcomes. Outstanding Review Paper Award 2023 in Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology Selected for the Falling Walls Female Science Talents Intensive Track 2023 Selected mentee in the Leibniz Mentoring Programme 2022-2023 Best poster award (1st prize) at the Wasser 2022 of the Water Chemistry Society Selected fellow in the Postdoc Academy for Transformational Leadership 2020-2022 (Robert Bosch Stiftung) Selected fellow in the Athene Program for early female career researchers at the University of Tübingen, 2020-2021 As a Research Group Leader, Dr. Spahr supervises multiple research projects including 'POllution in UrbaN ponds, eco-evolutionary Dynamics, and Ecosystem Resilience (POUNDER)', 'Dynamic hyporheic zone', 'NYMPHE', and the 'Incident-related special investigation programme for the environmental disaster in the Oder River'. She serves on the Executive Board of the German Water Chemistry Society and heads its Expert Committee on 'Oxidative Processes'. Her collaborative work spans numerous institutions across Germany and internationally, addressing critical water quality challenges through interdisciplinary approaches. Dr. Spahr leads the Organic Contaminants research group at IGB Berlin, which focuses on understanding the fate and treatment of organic pollutants in water systems. Her team employs advanced analytical techniques including compound-specific isotope analysis to track contaminant sources and transformation pathways. The group collaborates extensively with other departments at IGB and with international partners on projects addressing urban water challenges and ecological impacts of pollution. Current research emphasizes innovative water treatment technologies, particularly biochar-based systems for stormwater management, and investigating the complex interactions between contaminants, aquatic ecosystems, and human activities.
Malgorzata Blicharska is a Senior Lecturer in Sustainable Development at Uppsala University, affiliated with the Department of Geosciences and the Institute for Research on Conflicts of Interest in Sustainable Social Transformation. Her work spans multiple research domains focused on sustainable natural resource management and policy implementation. Dr. Blicharska's research focuses on sustainable development with expertise in ecosystem services, biodiversity conservation, climate change governance, and the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem (WEFE) nexus. She integrates social science perspectives with environmental management, examining policy implementation and stakeholder engagement in conservation initiatives. Her work includes extensive research on urban ponds, recreational fisheries, and nature-based solutions, particularly focusing on ponds and wetlands as key components of sustainable landscape management. Her recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on transdisciplinary approaches to environmental challenges, with growing focus on nature-based solutions, drought vulnerability in forested regions, and governance aspects of implementing the WEFE nexus concept. Her work increasingly addresses justice dimensions in environmental management and stakeholder engagement in policy implementation. LANDPATHS: Swedish Environmental Protection Agency-funded program on multifunctional landscapes (coordinator) PONDERFUL: Horizon 2020 project on pond biodiversity and ecosystem services (WP lead) NEXOGENESIS: Horizon 2020 project on WEFE nexus policy integration (WP lead) Wet-Kit: Swedish Environmental Protection Agency project on wetland optimization PUDDLE-JUMP: Formas-funded project on small artificial waterbodies
Professor Sabine Dittmann is a leading expert in coastal ecosystem ecology and marine sciences at Flinders University, Australia. As a Professor of Marine Biology in the College of Science and Engineering, her work bridges research and environmental management, focusing on hypersaline estuaries, blue carbon restoration, and invasive species control. She holds a Habilitation in Ecology from the University of Bremen (2001), PhD from the University of Göttingen (1987), and MSc from the same institution (1984). Her research interests include coastal ecosystem health, mangrove and saltmarsh restoration, and decision support frameworks for marine conservation. She has advised government agencies on marine parks, Commonwealth Marine Reserves, and the Coorong ecosystem. Key roles include national president of the Australian Marine Sciences Association (2012–2014), current president of the Royal Society of South Australia, and member of the Australian Antarctic Science Council since 2019. Her recent work emphasizes the global challenges of hypersaline wetland restoration, invasive species impact, and blue carbon methodologies. Over 112 publications span estuarine dynamics, benthic macrofauna, and policy-relevant ecosystem assessments. Projects like the Coorong benthic surveys highlight her commitment to translating science into conservation action.
Carey E. Priebe is a Professor in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics at the Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University. He maintains strong affiliations with multiple research centers including the Johns Hopkins University Center for Imaging Science, the Mathematical Institute for Data Science, and the Human Language Technology Center of Excellence. His academic career spans several decades with significant contributions to statistical methodology and theory. Dr. Priebe's research focuses on computational statistics, statistical pattern recognition, and statistical inference for high-dimensional and graph data. His work bridges theoretical statistics with practical applications in areas such as brain connectome mapping, network analysis, and image processing. He has made significant contributions to spectral graph theory, graph matching, and vertex nomination, with applications ranging from neuroscience to national security. His publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to statistical methodology, with a notable emphasis on graph-based statistical methods. His research trajectory shows increasing focus on network data analysis, particularly in the last decade, with applications to brain mapping and connectome analysis as evidenced by his NSF BRAIN Initiative grant and Nature publication. 2013 Erskine Fellow (University of Canterbury) 2011 McDonald Award for Excellence in Mentoring and Advising 2010 ASA SDNS Distinguished Achievement Award 2009 Erskine Fellow (University of Canterbury) 2008 National Security Science and Engineering Faculty Fellow 2008 Pond Award for Excellence in Teaching NSF BRAIN EAGER grant recipient (2014) Professor Priebe has supervised an extensive number of doctoral students whose work spans statistical methodology, network analysis, and machine learning. His students have secured positions at prestigious institutions including academia (University of Wisconsin, Boston University), government research labs, and major technology companies (Microsoft, Facebook, Amazon). His research has been supported by significant grants from NSF, DARPA, and other agencies focused on national security applications and fundamental statistical methodology development. He maintains active collaborations across multiple disciplines and institutions, as evidenced by his numerous conference presentations and visiting appointments including at The Alan Turing Institute and The Isaac Newton Institute. His work bridges theoretical statistics with practical applications in neuroscience, security, and data science.
Dr. Rebecca Rooney is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Science at the University of Waterloo, specializing in wetland ecology and environmental toxicology. She contributes to graduate studies as Interim Associate Chair and leads the Rooney Lab , which focuses on wetland conservation, invasive species impacts, and contaminant dynamics in aquatic ecosystems. University of Waterloo Ecology and Evolution Research Group Her research spans several critical areas: Wetland hydrology and groundwater interactions Ecological impacts of microplastics and stormwater contaminants Invasive species management (particularly Phragmites australis ) Climate change effects on wetland biodiversity Environmental monitoring techniques The 15 most recent publications reveal consistent research themes in urban stormwater contamination, wetland connectivity, and microplastic pollution. These works employ field experiments, isotope tracing, and multi-metric monitoring frameworks to address ecological risks and inform conservation strategies. She actively investigates pesticide bioconcentration in biofilms, wetland reclamation in oil sands regions, and the ecological consequences of hydrological changes. Her lab integrates field-based methodologies with policy considerations to advance wetland science.
Professor Jes Sammut is a faculty member at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in the School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences . He serves as Deputy Dean for External Engagement and leads the UNSW Aquaculture Research Group , while also holding the position of Deputy Director (International) at the Centre for Marine Science & Innovation. Additionally, he is an Honorary Research Fellow at ANSTO , where he uses nuclear tools to study seafood provenance. His research spans biological, physical, and social sciences, focusing on aquaculture solutions across Australia, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, India, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Professor Bruce Jefferson is a Professor of Water Engineering at Cranfield University's Water Science Institute. He holds visiting positions at RMIT and the University of New South Wales in Australia. With a BEng and PhD from Loughborough University, he joined Cranfield in 1997, progressing through roles including Senior Research Fellow (2003) and Senior Lecturer (2006). His research focuses on optimizing water and wastewater treatment technologies, particularly resource recovery, anaerobic processes, and advanced oxidation. Key interests include low-energy nutrient removal, control of NOM and algae, and sustainable water production techniques like slow sand filter skimming. Education: BEng (Chemical Engineering) and PhD from Loughborough University. Research spans innovative treatment methods, such as microbubble applications in ozonation and coagulation strategies for PFAS removal. He collaborates with major water utilities (e.g., Anglian Water, Thames Water) and agencies like the EPA. Current projects include NextGen circular water solutions, pollution resilience in rivers, and phosphorus removal via wetlands. Advises six doctoral students and oversees research teams at Cranfield's Water Institute. Labs/Teams: Cranfield Water Science Institute, leading research groups in wastewater treatment, resource recovery, and environmental engineering.
Steven Loheide is a Professor in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His work bridges hydrogeology, ecohydrology, and environmental engineering with a focus on groundwater-dependent ecosystems. PhD (2006), Stanford University MS (2001), Indiana University BS (1999), University of Northern Iowa Loheide's research examines hydroecology , vegetative water use , and stream-aquifer interactions , particularly in the context of climate change , urban greening , and managed aquifer recharge . His recent publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches combining remote sensing , hydrologic modeling , and ecosystem services analysis . Key trends in his 15 most recent publications (2023-2025) span: groundwater-forest interactions during drought, urban ecohydrology impacts on energy balance, MAR design for multi-benefit ecosystems, and tree sway monitoring as ecohydrologic stress indicators. 2022 - Distinguished Professorship of Water Resources Engineering 2021 - Harvey Spangler Award for Innovative Teaching 2018 - Vilas Faculty Mid-Career Investigator Award 2014 - Fulbright Scholar (Argentina) 2010 - NSF CAREER Award Loheide teaches courses in groundwater hydraulics , ecohydrology , and hydroscience , advising graduate students through master's research , pre-dissertation , and thesis projects.
Professor Dörthe Tetzlaff is a leading figure in ecohydrology, serving as Head of Department (A1) Ecohydrology at the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) and as Full Professor of Ecohydrology at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Geography Department. She also holds an Honorary Professorship at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. Her work bridges theoretical hydrology with practical applications for water security and environmental management. Professor Tetzlaff's research focuses on ecohydrological processes, particularly using stable water isotopes to understand water cycling, catchment functioning, and landscape connectivity. Her work spans from pristine natural systems to complex urban environments, with particular emphasis on drought resilience, water security, and nature-based solutions. She has pioneered tracer-aided modeling approaches to quantify water storage, fluxes, and ages across the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum. Her publication record shows a clear trend toward increasingly sophisticated integration of multi-tracer approaches with ecohydrological modeling, with recent work focusing on urban systems, drought impacts, and nature-based solutions. The publications demonstrate expertise across hydrology, biogeochemistry, and ecological applications, with strong methodological development in isotope hydrology and modeling techniques. Polubarinova-Kochina Hydrologic Sciences Mid-Career Award of the American Geophysical Union AGU (2024) Water Resource Prize of the Rüdiger Kurt Bode Foundation (2024) Member of the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities (2023) Fellow of The European Academy of Sciences (2022) Fellow of the Geological Society of America GSA (2020) Professor Tetzlaff actively supervises numerous PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, with her group focusing on cutting-edge ecohydrological research. She leads multiple significant research projects including WETSCAPES2.0, ECCO, ISO-SCALE, and BiNatUr, which address critical questions about water security, climate change impacts, and nature-based solutions in urban environments. Her work is supported by substantial funding from various national and international sources. She leads the Ecohydrology research group at both IGB and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, which employs an integrative approach combining field measurements, isotope techniques, and advanced modeling to understand water dynamics across diverse landscapes. The group collaborates extensively with international partners across Europe, North America, and Asia, contributing to global understanding of hydrological processes.
Dr. Lesley Batty is a Reader in Ecological Education at the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham. She plays key leadership roles as Head of Wellbeing and Head of Employability and Placements within the School, reflecting her strong commitment to student development and inclusive education. Her educational background includes a PhD from the University of Sheffield, an MRes and BSc from the University of Reading, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching from the University of Birmingham. She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a HEFi Scholar, underscoring her excellence in teaching. Dr. Batty's research centers on the ecology of industrial pollution, particularly in post-mining landscapes. She investigates phytoremediation techniques for contaminated soils, focusing on heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Her work extends to ecological education, where she explores inclusive teaching practices, barriers in STEM laboratories, and the integration of employability skills into the curriculum. She is actively involved in national educational policy through her role as Lead Secretary of the British Ecological Society Special Interest Group in Teaching and Learning and as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Geochemical Exploration. Her recent publications reveal a dual focus: one stream on environmental contamination and remediation (e.g., metal and PAH pollution in brownfield sites, phytoremediation with bacteria and chelates), and another on innovative pedagogy in geography and ecology (e.g., virtual field trips, inclusive lab practices, and the future of fieldwork education). This reflects her unique position at the intersection of environmental science and educational leadership. Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) HEFi Scholar Lead Secretary, British Ecological Society Special Interest Group in Teaching and Learning Dr. Batty is a dedicated educator and researcher who bridges the gap between environmental science and pedagogical innovation. She has made significant contributions to both her field of research and the national discourse on ecological education. Her leadership in student wellbeing and employability, combined with her research on pollution and inclusive learning, demonstrates a holistic approach to academic life. She actively supervises research, as evidenced by her co-authorship with doctoral researchers, and welcomes PhD applications in her areas of expertise. She is a key member of several research groups, including those focused on Physical Geography, Global Biogeochemistry, and Environmental Health Sciences at the University of Birmingham. Her collaborative work, especially in large consortia on conservation education, highlights her strong network and impact in the academic community.
Prof. Dr. Andreas Kappler is a Professor of Geomicrobiology at the University of Tübingen's Applied Geosciences department. He leads the Geomikrobiologie workgroup and holds an honorary professorship at Aarhus University. His research focuses on microbial interactions with iron, sulfur, and carbon cycles in environments ranging from permafrost thaw zones to ancient ocean analogs and extraterrestrial settings like Enceladus. Education: Ph.D. in Environmental Microbiology (2000, University of Konstanz) Diploma in Chemistry (1997, University of Konstanz) Postdoctoral work at Caltech (USA), EAWAG/ETH Zurich (Switzerland), and the Marine Biological Laboratory. Research Interests: His work explores microbial-driven mineral formation (e.g., pyrite, siderite), iron and sulfur biogeochemistry, permafrost thaw impacts on greenhouse gases, and ancient ocean geochemistry. He investigates how microbial processes shape Earth's element cycles and potential biosignatures for astrobiology. Key Contributions: Recent studies include iron-carbon interactions in thawing permafrost, nitrate-reducing Fe-oxidizing microbes, and microbial mineralization pathways under Enceladus-like conditions. His ERC-funded research examines Fe-oxidizing bacterial communities in modern/ancient systems. Awards & Recognition: Terry Beveridge Award (2012) ERC Starting Grant (2012) Fellow of the American Society of Microbiology Member of Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Göttingen Grants & Advising: Recipient of multiple grants including the prestigious ERC Starting Grant. Advises on microbial processes in extreme environments and collaborates internationally on astrobiology and climate change projects. Labs/Teams: Leads the Geomikrobiologie group at University of Tübingen, specializing in biogeochemical process analysis using state-of-the-art microscopy and geochemical techniques.
Michael Scott is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Construction Engineering at Oregon State University, part of the College of Engineering. He holds a Ph.D. in Structural Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley (2004), an M.S. from the same institution (1999), and a B.S. in Civil Engineering from North Carolina State University (1998). His research focuses on nonlinear structural analysis, dynamics, numerical methods, and software design, particularly in the context of bridges and fluid-structure interactions. He has developed widely used tools like OpenSees and contributed to multi-hazard resilience frameworks for infrastructure. Key research areas include tsunami impacts on coastal bridges, GPU-accelerated analysis, and machine learning applications for structural simulation. His work emphasizes sensitivity analysis and software reliability, with notable contributions to OpenSees and PFEM methodologies. He has been recognized with the 2019 Celebrate Excellence Awards for Online Teaching. His research also addresses bridge loading from truck platooning, seismic sensitivity, and ponding effects on structural steel roofs. Educations: Ph.D., Structural Engineering, UC Berkeley (2004) M.S., Structural Engineering, UC Berkeley (1999) B.S., Civil Engineering, NC State University (1998) Awards: 2019 Celebrate Excellence Awards, Online Teaching Award Key Contributions: Development of OpenSees software framework Pioneering work in PFEM for fluid-structure interaction Multi-hazard engineering for tsunami resilience
Professor Rita Henderson is a Professor in the School of Chemical Engineering at UNSW and Deputy Dean (Societal Impact & Translation) at UNSW Engineering. Her research focuses on water quality and treatment, algal biotechnology, and sustainable engineering solutions. She leads the Algal and Organic Matter (AOM) Lab, collaborating closely with the Australian water industry to address challenges in algal blooms, membrane fouling, and cyanobacteria management. She serves as Editor for Water Research and AWWA Water Science , and chairs UNSW’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Steering Committee. Education: PhD in Water Sciences (Cranfield University, 2008), MSc in Water Pollution Control Technology (2004), and MChem in Environmental Chemistry (University of Edinburgh, 2002). Her work integrates advanced analytical techniques, machine learning, and innovative separation methods to improve water treatment efficiency. Research interests include organic matter characterization, membrane technology optimization, and real-time monitoring of cyanobacterial blooms. Her contributions span algal harvesting via PosiDAF flotation systems, disinfection by-product formation, and sustainable wastewater pond technologies. She actively promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion in engineering education. Grants and collaborations highlight her industry partnerships, particularly in developing scalable solutions for water security. Her lab’s innovations aim to bridge gaps between research and practical applications, ensuring robust water treatment strategies for global challenges.
