Dr. Anna Hopkins is a Senior Lecturer in conservation biology and molecular ecology at Edith Cowan University's School of Science. She is the Course Coordinator for postgraduate Environmental Science programs and has held academic positions since 2016. Her research focuses on soil microbial ecology, forest pathogens, eDNA applications, and climate change impacts. She has taught courses including Plant Pathology, Genetics, and Soil Processes. Education: PhD (University of Tasmania, 2007), Diploma of Modern Languages (UWA, 2002), BSc (Hons) (UWA, 2002) Her research interests include mycorrhizal-plant interactions, soil fungal responses to disturbances, and regenerative agriculture. Notable awards include the 2010 New Zealand Zonta Women in Science Award and the 2017 ECU Athena Swan Award. Recent articles highlight her work on soil microbial dynamics, invasive species management, and eDNA applications in ecology. She has led projects funded by organizations like the Australian Coal Association and WWF Australia, focusing on biodiversity restoration and ecosystem health. Awards: Multiple international and teaching awards, including recognition for poster presentations and research excellence. Advising & Grants: Supervises 5 PhD/MSc students and leads grants totaling over $1M in projects like eDNA tracking and Gilbert’s Potoroo conservation. Professional roles include Deputy Coordinator of the IUFRO Working Party on Forest Nurseries and Vice President of the Australasian Mycological Society.
Dr. Gary Brewer is a Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with a 60% research and 40% teaching appointment. He has served as department head at NDSU (1997-2006) and UNL (2006-2018). His research focuses on field crops entomology, IPM of pasture cattle flies, salt creek tiger beetle conservation, and pollinator health. He has pioneered a push-pull strategy using coconut oil-derived repellents and led curriculum design for Rwanda’s Conservation Agriculture program. Education: B.S. in Zoology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1974) M.S. in Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1978) Ph.D. in Entomology, Kansas State University (1984) Research Interests: Brewer’s work spans insect ecology, pest management, and conservation. Key areas include stable fly and horn fly control, pollinator protection, and endangered species recovery (e.g., Salt Creek tiger beetle). His lab develops natural product-based pest repellents and evaluates biopesticides for sustainable agriculture. Grants & Contributions: $362,150 USDA grant for undergraduate research in beneficial insect protection (2018) $325,000 USDA grant for multi-tactic stable fly control (2017) NE Game and Parks funded salt creek tiger beetle reintroduction programs Labs & Teams: Brewer’s team collaborates with industry (e.g., Vestergaard Frandsen) and international partners to advance IPM strategies. His work bridges field research with applied solutions for farmers and conservationists.
Philippe Christe is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolution at the University of Lausanne (UNIL), Faculty of Biology and Medicine. His research centers on host-parasite interactions, with a focus on bats, birds, and their ectoparasites, integrating behavioral, physiological, and genetic approaches. He leads the Christe Group, which investigates evolutionary and ecological dynamics in host-parasite systems, particularly avian malaria and bat-mite relationships. He is actively involved in conservation initiatives, including the Jorat Peri-Urban Nature Park, and collaborates with KORA on human-wildlife interactions. Bachelor's degree in biology, UNIL (1989) PhD in Zoology and Animal Ecology, UNIL (1994) Philippe Christe’s research interests lie at the intersection of parasitology, evolutionary ecology, and conservation biology. He investigates how host defenses evolve in response to parasitic pressures, examining trade-offs between immunity and life history traits such as reproduction and survival. His work often integrates field studies with experimental and molecular techniques. Key model systems include Parus major (great tit) and Culex pipiens in avian malaria, and bat species with their ectoparasitic mites. He also explores broader ecological interactions, including predator-prey dynamics and wildlife conservation in human-modified landscapes. His recent publications reflect a strong emphasis on disease ecology, wildlife conservation, and molecular methods. Articles span topics such as avian malaria transmission, lynx population dynamics, snow leopard behavior, and habitat fragmentation effects on insects. These works employ advanced techniques like DNA metabarcoding, spatial modeling, and long-term monitoring, demonstrating a trend toward interdisciplinary, data-driven ecological research with direct conservation applications. Dubois Foundation Prize for an educational CD-Rom on bats (2004) Communication Award from the Faculty of Biology and Medicine of UNIL (2017) Philippe Christe has supervised numerous PhD and Master’s students, contributing significantly to training the next generation of ecologists and evolutionary biologists. His group collaborates widely with institutions such as the Museum of Zoology in Lausanne and KORA, and participates in large-scale conservation projects involving snow leopards, lynx, and bats. He has been involved in research grants related to host-parasite coevolution, wildlife monitoring, and conservation strategies. His leadership in establishing the Jorat Peri-Urban Nature Park and involvement in the UNIL Interdisciplinary Center for Mountain Research highlight his commitment to applied science and environmental stewardship. He leads the Christe Group, which conducts research on host-parasite coevolution, with a focus on bats and their ectoparasites, and birds affected by avian malaria. The group combines fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and molecular analyses, and includes post-docs, PhD students, and technical staff. Collaborations extend to researchers in Bern, Paris, and Spain, fostering an international and interdisciplinary research environment.
Dr. Justin Gerlach is a Fellow at Peterhouse College and an Academic Associate at the University Museum of Zoology, University of Cambridge. He specializes in broad-spectrum ecology, integrating conservation biology, evolutionary studies, and biodiversity analysis with a focus on island ecosystems in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. His research has pioneered invertebrate reintroduction programs and revealed groundbreaking insights into giant tortoise behavior. Education: DPhil in Zoology from Oxford University Current projects: Biodiversity assessment across Cambridge colleges, Partula snail reintroduction, tortoise aging studies Research interests center on preventing species extinction through conservation, studying species interactions, and evolutionary dynamics. Key initiatives include saving island invertebrates, investigating tortoise predation, and environmental DNA applications for ecosystem reconstruction. Recent publications highlight island conservation challenges, evolutionary patterns, and ecological innovations. Themes include biodiversity preservation, species reintroduction, and interdisciplinary approaches to conservation biology.
Professor Zoran A. Ristić serves as Head of Department at the Department of Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Novi Sad. With over 40 years of academic and professional engagement in wildlife management, he has established himself as Serbia's leading expert in hunting science and game biology. His research interests focus on Wildlife Management , Game Biology , and Hunting Tourism , with particular expertise in population dynamics of game species, hunting ground management, and sustainable utilization of wildlife resources. His work bridges academic research with practical applications through extensive collaboration with hunting associations across Serbia, Republika Srpska, and Croatia. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward integrating ecological monitoring with management practices , particularly in roe deer population genetics, habitat assessment using remote sensing, and disease surveillance in wildlife. His work consistently addresses practical challenges in game management while advancing methodological approaches. Silver Order of the Hunting Association of Yugoslavia (1986) Gold Order of the Hunting Association of Serbia (1995) University of Novi Sad Plaque for Best Rated Professor (2008-2013) Over 40 hunting association awards and diplomas Professor Ristić has mentored 1 doctoral student, 3 master's students, 15 specialist students, and 105 diploma students. His extensive grant portfolio includes leadership roles in over 15 major research projects funded by the Provincial Secretariat for Science, Ministry of Agriculture, and hunting associations, focusing on game population dynamics, habitat management, and wildlife health monitoring. He directs the Hunting Breeding, Protection and Scientific Research Commission of the Hunting Association of Vojvodina and serves on multiple editorial boards for hunting publications.
Rich Etchberger is a Professor in the Department of Wildland Resources at Utah State University's S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Uintah Basin campus. He founded the wildlife science program in 1995 and pioneered hands-on education in Utah's energy development corridor, earning the 2015 Carnegie U.S. Professor of the Year award for Utah. His educational background includes a Bachelor's in Ecology from Unity College (Maine), and Master's/Doctorate in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Arizona. Teaching methodology integrates classroom theory with fieldwork through partnerships with the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service, exemplified by black-footed ferret reintroduction projects in Pariette Wetlands. Etchberger revolutionized accessibility through eLearning, creating USU's first general education online course (USU 1350 Integrated Life Science) in 2002. His flipped classroom model and multimedia-rich instruction consistently rank among USU's highest student evaluations across all delivery formats. His scientific awards include: 2015 Carnegie Professor of the Year for Utah 2014 Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year (College of Natural Resources) 2011 Professor of the Year (USU-Uintah Basin) Securing 65 grants totaling $2.4M, Etchberger mentored 300+ undergraduates in paid internships, resulting in peer-reviewed publications and 26 professional conference presentations. His program achieves 100% alumni career/grad school placement, with graduates dominating Bureau of Land Management roles in the Uintah Basin. He maintains critical partnerships with natural resource agencies through an 18-year internship agreement, directly linking student training to Basin environmental management and economic development. His community-focused approach ensures scientific training addresses local energy development challenges while preserving ecological health.
Axel Moehrenschlager is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Calgary's Faculty of Science. He concurrently serves as Director of Conservation & Science at the Calgary Zoological Society and holds adjunct roles at Clemson University (Adjunct Associate Professor) and New Zealand's University of Canterbury (Erskine Fellow). His expertise spans conservation translocations, species reintroduction, and community-based conservation, with a focus on leveraging science for global biodiversity preservation. Moehrenschlager earned a B.Sc. from the University of Alberta (1993) and a D.Phil. in Zoology from Oxford University (2001). He chairs the IUCN's Conservation Translocation Specialist Group, driving policy integration of the IUCN Reintroduction Guidelines. He advises the UN Equator Prize and the St. Andrews Prize for the Environment, emphasizing sustainable conservation practices. His research integrates ecological, social, and policy dimensions, addressing challenges like sylvatic plague in prairie dogs, amphibian reintroductions, and swift fox genetics. Publications highlight innovative methodologies in conservation translocations, climate change impacts, and community-led conservation. His work bridges academic research with practical applications, aiming to harmonize biodiversity conservation with human well-being. Moehrenschlager has received the Erskine Fellowship (University of Canterbury) and contributed to over 30 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. His leadership at the Calgary Zoo's Centre for Conservation Research fosters international collaborations, focusing on Africa and Madagascar. Current projects explore translocation success metrics and the ethical dimensions of conservation actions.
Andrew Carter is a researcher at Charles Sturt University, actively contributing to wildlife conservation and ecological research. His work is centered on population ecology, biodiversity monitoring, and the management of invasive species, particularly in arid and semi-arid Australian landscapes. His research focuses on the conservation of endangered species through innovative monitoring techniques such as camera-trapping and spatial analysis. Key themes include the behavior and management of invasive predators like the European red fox and feral cat, as well as the long-term success of reintroducing threatened mammals into predator-free fenced reserves. The recent publications reflect a strong trend in large-scale ecological synthesis, predator ecology, and practical conservation interventions. His work integrates field data with technological tools to inform management strategies and policy. Andrew collaborates widely across Australian ecological research networks, contributing to major multi-author studies on continental-scale wildlife monitoring. His research has significant implications for conservation practice, particularly in quantifying the effectiveness of eradication programs and habitat restoration.
Robert Emmet Jones is a Professor and Associate Head in the Department of Sociology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He serves as a Senior Fellow with the Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment and the Center for the Study of Social Justice, and holds faculty associate appointments in the Environmental Studies Program and Watershed Program. Education: PhD, Washington State University, 1990 Dr. Jones specializes in environmental sociology with expertise in human dimensions of ecosystem management, public opinion and policy, and environmental justice. His interdisciplinary research bridges social and natural sciences, examining rural-urban dynamics, conservation behavior, and community responses to environmental hazards. Key methodological strengths include survey design and analysis of socio-ecological systems. His publication portfolio reveals consistent focus on urban forestry valuation, public support for environmental protection, and social justice dimensions of pollution. Recent works analyze biophysical indicators in forest conservation, homeowner attitudes toward urban trees, and racial disparities in environmental health outcomes, demonstrating applied research with policy relevance. Dr. Jones has mentored graduate students through funded projects on wolf reintroduction, salmon restoration, hazardous waste management, and GMO policy. His research portfolio includes collaborations with agencies managing the Columbia River Basin, Oak Ridge Nuclear Reservation, and Southern Appalachian water systems. He maintains active roles in the Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment, Center for the Study of Social Justice, and Watershed Program, directing interdisciplinary teams addressing regional environmental challenges through community-engaged scholarship.
Professor Christian Diehm is a full Professor in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point (UWSP), where he has taught since 2005 and has served as the Environmental Ethics Program Coordinator since 2006. He also co-coordinates the Environmental Studies Program and sits on the campus Animal Care and Use Committee. Education Ph.D. in Philosophy, Villanova University M.S. in Philosophy, Villanova University B.A. in Philosophy, Salisbury University Research Interests Diehm’s scholarly work explores the intersections of ethics and the natural world, focusing on deep ecology , animal ethics , environmental ethics , and the ethics of wildlife conservation . His investigations span theoretical frameworks such as Levinas-inspired environmental thought, ecofeminism, and the philosophical underpinnings of biodiversity and species preservation. Publication Trends Across more than two decades, his articles and edited volumes have consistently engaged with the moral dimensions of human–nature relationships. Recurring themes include the moral status of non-human animals, the philosophical justification for conserving species and ecosystems, critiques of anthropocentrism, and the application of phenomenological and deep-ecological insights to contemporary conservation dilemmas. Scientific & Teaching Awards UW-Stevens Point Excellence in Teaching Award (2013) Visiting Scholar, Institute for Environmental and Regional Studies, Pace University, New York (Fall 2002) Campus Roles & Service Professor Diehm chairs the Department of Philosophy and actively contributes to interdisciplinary environmental programs. He teaches courses ranging from introductory philosophy to advanced seminars in environmental and animal ethics, fostering an undergraduate major and certificate program in Environmental Ethics—one of the first and few in the United States. Labs, Teams & Future Work While no formal laboratory is listed, his intellectual community includes the International Society for Environmental Ethics (member since 2005) and collaborative networks with environmental philosophers and conservation scientists worldwide. Future scholarly directions are likely to continue interrogating the ethical challenges posed by emerging conservation technologies and deepening society’s connection to the natural world.
Alison Copeland is a Research Postgraduate (PhD) in the Department of Biosciences at Durham University. Her research focuses on Bermuda’s vegetation communities, particularly invasive plant species and their interactions with indigenous flora. Previously, she served as Biodiversity Officer for Bermuda’s Government, leading projects like the IUCN Red Listing of endemic plants and the Governor Laffan’s Fern recovery initiative. She holds an MSc in Geography from Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN), where her thesis involved seabed habitat mapping in Newman Sound fjord using multibeam sonar and field sampling. Her expertise spans marine and terrestrial conservation, with a focus on endangered species recovery, habitat management, and translating science into policy. Key affiliations include MUN’s Marine Habitat Mapping Group and the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. Awards include the Durham Doctoral Studentship (Faculty of Science) and a Bermuda Public Service Education Award. Her recent work highlights invasive species dynamics in island ecosystems, biodiversity assessments, and policy frameworks for conservation. She has contributed to over 15 peer-reviewed articles, emphasizing habitat mapping methodologies, invasive species management, and endangered species recovery strategies. Awards: $3000 Garden Club of Bermuda Grant (PhD support) Fellow of MUN’s School of Graduate Studies Grants: Durham Doctoral Studentship (2022–present) Her PhD project investigates the ecological origins and interactions of invasive plants in Bermuda, bridging field research with policy recommendations to enhance biodiversity protection.
Scott Mangan is an Associate Professor of Ecology in the Biological Sciences department at Arkansas State University's Beck College of Sciences & Mathematics. His research program investigates the mechanisms driving biological community organization through the lens of plant-microbial interactions, spanning tropical and temperate ecosystems. Education: PhD in Ecology, Indiana University – Bloomington (2006) MS in Ecology, University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh (1999) BS in Botany, University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh (1996) Dr. Mangan's work fundamentally re-evaluates classic plant ecology theories by incorporating microbial interactions, demonstrating their critical role in species coexistence, abundance patterns, and ecosystem functioning. His research integrates field experiments in tropical forests and temperate woodlands with greenhouse studies, molecular techniques, and analytical modeling. Key focus areas include plant-soil feedbacks, conspecific density dependence, and the conservation implications of microbial symbioses for endangered species. The Mangan Lab actively explores how anthropogenic disturbances like land-use change alter plant-microbe dynamics and community assembly processes. Recent publications reveal a dominant research trajectory centered on plant-soil-microbial feedback loops across diverse ecosystems, with significant emphasis on conservation applications for endangered legumes and tropical tree communities. His work consistently bridges theoretical ecology with practical restoration challenges, particularly examining how microbial communities mediate responses to habitat fragmentation and land-use history. Scientific Awards: No awards specified in source materials. Dr. Mangan mentors undergraduate and graduate students through the Biological Sciences program, welcoming energetic researchers to join his lab. His collaborative projects include NSF-funded research on genetic diversity and pathogen-mediated density dependence in tropical tree dynamics, reflecting his commitment to large-scale ecological questions requiring interdisciplinary approaches. The Mangan Lab operates from Lab Science West (Room 330-B) at Arkansas State University, maintaining active field sites in tropical forests and temperate ecosystems. The lab's research philosophy, captured by their motto 'Nothing in Ecology makes sense except in the light of microbial interactions,' drives investigations into how microscopic processes scale to ecosystem-level patterns.
Joanna Lambert is a Professor of Environmental Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder, specializing in wildlife ecology and conservation biology. Her research focuses on species interactions, resilience in the Anthropocene, and carnivore adaptation in human-impacted landscapes. She has held academic positions at the University of Texas, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and University of Oregon. Her work integrates field and laboratory data on primates and carnivores, emphasizing nutritional ecology and conservation strategies. Education includes a PhD from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and a postdoc at the University of Florida. She serves on the IUCN Primate Specialist Group, co-founded the Northwest Primate Conservation Society, and is a Fellow of AAAS and the Linnaean Society. Her lab investigates behavioral, ecological, and physiological adaptations of wildlife, with long-term field studies in Kibale National Park, Uganda, and expanding work in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Her research trends emphasize urban wildlife adaptation, rewilding strategies, and the ecological consequences of human activity. Notable articles address seed dispersal mechanisms, predator coexistence, and the impact of anthropogenic landscapes on biodiversity. Awards include recognition for her contributions to conservation biology and ecological science. Joanna advises students on interdisciplinary approaches to conservation and has directed the NSF Biological Anthropology program. She advocates for "rewilding" initiatives and engages in public outreach through blogs and field schools. Personal interests include extreme outdoor activities and global conservation advocacy.
Thomas Klefoth serves as Professor of Ecology and Nature Conservation and Fisheries Biologist at Bremen University of Applied Sciences, where he heads the ISTAB program (Institute for Sustainability and Environmental Management in Bremen). His expertise spans freshwater ecosystems, particularly gravel pit lakes, integrating fisheries science with biodiversity conservation and recreational angling management. His research focuses on ecological dynamics in small lake systems, examining angler behavior, habitat management, and species conservation. Key interests include ontogenetic niche shifts in fish, crayfish population viability, telemetry-based movement ecology, and socio-ecological aspects of environmental stewardship. His work consistently bridges empirical lake studies with stakeholder engagement to develop sustainable water management practices. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong interdisciplinary trend combining biotelemetry, experimental ecology, and social science methodologies. His research demonstrates how ecosystem-based approaches outperform single-species management, particularly in recreational fisheries contexts, while addressing contamination impacts and biodiversity-service trade-offs in human-dominated aquatic landscapes. Professor Klefoth leads multiple externally funded projects through 2028, including initiatives on sustainable water management by fishing clubs, campus greening, municipal biodiversity strategies, and organofluorochemical contamination. His advisory roles include service on the Lower Saxony Animal Welfare Advisory Board (2012-2020), Hameln Fishing Cooperative (as 2nd Deputy Chairman, 2015-2020), and Dümmer Advisory Board (2012-2015), demonstrating active integration of research with policy implementation.
Andrea Olive is a Professor at the University of Toronto cross-appointed to the Department of Geography. Her research focuses on biodiversity conservation, environmental policy, and hydraulic fracturing impacts in North America. She holds a Ph.D. from Purdue University, an M.A. from Dalhousie University, and a B.A. from the University of Calgary. Olive has authored influential books including Land, Stewardship and Legitimacy (2014) and The Canadian Environment in Political Context (2016), with a forthcoming co-edited volume on transboundary governance. Her work examines conservation policies in Canada and the U.S., emphasizing legal frameworks, indigenous rights, and ecological restoration. Her research interests span species at risk legislation, environmental justice, and the political dimensions of land management. Notable projects include analyzing barriers to bison conservation on Canadian prairies and evaluating the effectiveness of environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs). Olive’s scholarship bridges academic inquiry with practical policy solutions, addressing challenges such as hydraulic fracturing in Saskatchewan’s Bakken Formation and urban biodiversity management in Canadian cities. Recent publications (2022–2024) highlight themes of transformative governance, transboundary environmental cooperation, and the intersection of law and ecology. Her work consistently emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, with contributions to both political science and ecological literature. Olive’s cross-disciplinary approach informs policy debates on biodiversity conservation frameworks and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework implementation in Canada.
