Joshua Benoit is a Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Cincinnati, specializing in insect physiology and stress biology. His research focuses on mechanisms of insect stress tolerance, hormonal regulation of metabolism, and reproductive physiology, with applications to vector biology and pest control. He holds a B.S. in Biochemistry from Wittenberg University (2005) and a Ph.D. in Entomology and Physiology from Ohio State University (2009). His work integrates molecular, organismal, and population-based approaches to study medically important insects such as mosquitoes, tsetse flies, and ticks. Key research areas include insect lactation, dehydration tolerance, and the role of insulin in nutrient regulation. He leads the Benoit Lab , which emphasizes training biologists in diverse techniques (bioinformatics, field research, lab methods). Dr. Benoit has secured over $4.5M in federal grants, including NIH and USDA funding for projects on mosquito hydration, tick biology, and parasite resistance. Recent studies explore how environmental stress impacts vector-borne disease transmission and insect reproductive bottlenecks. His work bridges fundamental biology and applied pest management strategies.
Manish N. Raizada is a Professor in the Department of Plant Agriculture at the University of Guelph's Ontario Agricultural College, serving as International Relations Officer. His research spans fundamental and applied studies in crop probiotics and sustainable agriculture for small-scale farmers. His research focuses on three core projects: (1) Plant Microbiome Inheritance, where his lab discovered seed-borne microbiomes and pollen microbiome selection; (2) Evolving Bacteria for Farmers, developing nodule-crushing techniques for legume inoculation; and (3) Empowering Small Scale Farmers through Sustainable Agriculture Kits (SAKs) impacting 272,000 people. His work integrates microbial ecology with practical farming solutions, emphasizing indigenous knowledge systems and democratization of agricultural technologies. Raizada's publications reveal strong trends in plant-microbe interactions (particularly maize and legumes), sustainable intensification for smallholders, and microbiome engineering for pathogen resistance. His work spans agricultural science, microbiology, and development studies with emphasis on real-world implementation in Nepal, Haiti, and Africa. He actively mentors graduate students and postdocs, with alumni securing faculty positions globally. His lab has developed practical resources including Farmpedia (an online encyclopedia for small-scale farmers in 108 languages) and SAKBooks (picture-based agricultural lessons). Raizada collaborates extensively with international organizations including UN FAO (where he's delivered keynote addresses), IFA, and CGIAR. His work has been featured in BBC World Service, CBC Radio, and Canadian Geographic, demonstrating significant policy and public impact.
Maria Pilar Coy Fuster is a Full Professor at the University of Murcia , affiliated with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and the Department of Physiology . Her research focuses on reproductive physiology, in vitro fertilization (IVF), oviductal mechanisms, epigenetics, and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in mammals, particularly pigs and cattle. Education : Degree in Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia (1987) PhD in Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia (1991) Diplomate in Animal Reproduction, European College of Animal Reproduction (2001) Research Interests encompass understanding oviductal glycoproteins like OVGP1 that regulate polyspermy, genomic and proteomic analysis of reproductive fluids, epigenetic impacts of ART, and developing biobanks for reproductive biofluids. She co-discovered a conserved oviductal mechanism in ungulates (absent in humans) that enhances IVF efficiency, leading to a PNAS publication and a patent. Scientific Awards include: Mention of Quality by the Spanish Ministry of Education Mention of Excellence by the Spanish Ministry of Education She has secured substantial funding, including a €3.8 million European Horizon 2020 grant for the Rep-Biotech Marie Sklodowska-Curie program, producing 15 international PhDs. Currently, she leads the AFRODITA network. Teaching Contributions include designing the internationally recognized Master and PhD programs in Reproductive Biology and Technology at the University of Murcia. She plays a leadership role as an Associate Editor for journals like Molecular Reproduction and Development and Molecular Human Reproduction .
Professor Ezio Rosato is a Professor of Biology at the University of Leicester's School of Biological Sciences. His research focuses on molecular genetics of circadian rhythms, examining biological clocks across diverse organisms from insects to crustaceans. Research investigates genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying circadian timekeeping, seasonal adaptations, and light-responsive behaviors. Current projects explore cryptochrome-mediated magnetosensitivity, circadian neuronal plasticity, and environmental influences on biological timing. Recent publications analyze ultrastructural changes in clock neurons, genetic regulation of seasonal phenotypes, and evolutionary dynamics of circadian systems. His work employs molecular genetics, behavioral analysis, and comparative genomics across model organisms. Professor Rosato collaborates internationally on chronobiological research and contributes to teaching programs in genetics and molecular biology.
David Donald Hansen is Professor and Head of Biological Sciences at University of Calgary, leading research on stem cell regulation using C. elegans model systems. His work examines proteasomal control of germline development and balance between proliferation/differentiation decisions. Honored with multiple teaching awards including Killam mentorship and U Make a Difference awards. Research Focus: Genetic controls of germ line development in C. elegans Proteasome regulation of chromodomain proteins RNA-binding proteins in oocyte maturation
Teresa E. Pawlowska is a Professor in the Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Section of Cornell University's School of Integrative Plant Science. Her research focuses on fungal-bacterial symbioses and evolutionary mechanisms in early-divergent fungi. Her research interests span Fungal evolutionary biology Evolutionary and population genomics Innate immunity in fungi Arbuscular mycorrhizae systems Fungal-bacterial interactions with particular emphasis on symbiotic associations between Mucoromycota fungi and their bacterial endosymbionts. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals dominant trends in microbial symbiosis evolution, with strong focus on genomic adaptations in bacterial endosymbionts (particularly 'Candidatus Moeniiplasma' ), metabolic integration mechanisms, and evolutionary consequences of host-symbiont coevolution. Key research areas include lipid metabolic changes governing mutualism establishment, defense mechanisms against antagonistic bacteria, and the role of mobile genetic elements in symbiont longevity. Scientific recognition includes Donald C. Burgett Distinguished Advisor Award (2018) NSF-funded REU program leadership for underrepresented minorities Multiple student awards at international conferences USDA pre-doctoral fellowship for lab members Professor Pawlowska actively mentors PhD students including Meg Branine, Delia Tota, and Nicole Reynolds, with research supported by NSF and USDA grants. She directs the "Microbial Friends & Foes" REU program and maintains active collaborations with international institutions including North-West University (South Africa) and Oregon State University. Her lab, located in Plant Science Building, focuses on experimental evolution, genomics, and ecological studies of fungal-bacterial systems.
David Hyten, Jr. serves as the Haskins Professor of Plant Genetics within the Department of Agronomy & Horticulture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he leads research advancing soybean genomics and breeding methodologies for global food security. Education: Ph.D., University of Maryland, 2005 M.S., University of Tennessee, 2002 B.A., Southern Illinois University, 1999 Research Focus: Dr. Hyten's program integrates high-throughput genotyping with quantitative genetics to dissect complex traits including disease resistance (cyst nematode, stem borer), seed composition (protein/oil), and yield stability. His work pioneers genomic selection pipelines and recombination hotspot analysis to accelerate breeding cycles, with emphasis on translating genomic discoveries into practical cultivar development through marker-assisted selection and predictive modeling. Publication Trends: Recent outputs (2021-2025) reveal evolving emphasis from foundational genomics (recombination mapping, QTL identification) toward applied breeding solutions, including cost-effective DNA extraction methods, pedigree-based imputation techniques, and community strategic planning for soybean genomics. His work increasingly addresses genotype-environment interactions and stability of key traits across diverse production systems.
Professor Vincent Archambault holds a full professorship at the University of Montreal's Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, and leads the Cell Cycle Regulation Research Unit at the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC). His work focuses on molecular mechanisms regulating the cell division cycle, particularly in Drosophila models, with implications for cancer research. Education: B.Sc. in Biochemistry, Université de Montréal (1999) Ph.D. in Cell Cycle Studies, Rockefeller University (2004) Postdoctoral training at University of Cambridge (2004–2009) Research Interests: Cell cycle control, mitotic regulation, cancer biology, protein kinases (e.g., Polo, Greatwall), phosphatase networks (PP2A), and Drosophila model systems. His research identifies therapeutic targets for cancer by studying disruptions in cell cycle pathways. Key contributions include co-discovering Greatwall kinase and its role in mitotic regulation. Over 50 peer-reviewed articles highlight his work on nuclear reassembly, cytokinesis, and phosphatase-kinase interactions. Awards: Maud Menten New Principal Investigator Award (2009) GE Healthcare New Scientist Award (2015) Human Frontier Science Program Fellowship (2005–2009) Grants: Over 15 projects funded by CIHR, CRSNG, and others, totaling millions in research support. Labs/Teams: Leads the IRIC Cell Cycle Regulation Unit, collaborating with teams like Sylvain Meloche and Jean-Claude Labbé.
Jaap Keijer is a Full Professor and Chairholder in the Department of Human and Animal Physiology at Wageningen University & Research. His research focuses on metabolic physiology, particularly energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, and the interplay between diet, aging, and chronic metabolic diseases. He leads projects investigating nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (NNT) in energy metabolism, galactose's effects on metabolic programming, and the role of environmental factors like hypoxia in muscle physiology. He serves on the editorial board of Molecular Nutrition and Food Research and advises the German Institute of Human Nutrition. His work integrates molecular, cellular, and whole-organism approaches to understand health and disease mechanisms. Key research themes include metabolic adaptations in obesity, mitochondrial dysfunction in aging, and translational biomarker development for physical activity and metabolic health. Dr. Keijer teaches courses on molecular nutritional physiology, model organisms for lifespan research, and dissection-free human/animal physiology. His projects address clinical challenges such as sarcopenia, atrial fibrillation, and nutrient interventions for metabolic disorders. Recent studies explore dietary galactose's programming effects on intestinal metabolism and the impact of NNT deficiency on cardiac health. His lab employs advanced techniques like single-cell transcriptomics and Seahorse extracellular flux analysis to study metabolic pathways in humans and animal models. Publications emphasize mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic biomarkers, and translational models for aging and disease. His work bridges basic research and clinical applications, aiming to improve metabolic health through dietary and lifestyle interventions. Current initiatives include developing a human gut-on-a-chip model and validating integrative biomarkers for physical activity in adolescents.
Angela K. Odle is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Medicine. Her roles include serving as a Basic Science Advisor in the College of Medicine Academic House Program, a member of the Graduate Council, and Assistant Track Director for the Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences. Education: Ph.D. and Postdoctoral Training at UAMS. Dr. Odle's research focuses on molecular neuroendocrinology, particularly the neuroendocrine control of the female reproductive axis and the role of Musashi proteins in regulating mRNA translation. Her work explores how leptin modulates GnRHR expression and metabolic functions in mouse models. Her publications highlight recent advancements in neuroendocrine mechanisms, including Musashi-mediated translational control during the estrous cycle, leptin's influence on GnRHR mRNA binding, and comparative studies on adipocyte versus somatotrope leptin signaling. Key Roles: Basic Science Advisor, Academic House Program Member, Graduate Council Assistant Track Director, Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program Researcher in Neuroendocrinology
Thomas V. O'Halloran is the Morrison Professor of Chemistry at Northwestern University, holding dual appointments in Molecular Biosciences and the Chemistry of Life Processes Institute (CLP). He directs the CLP Institute and serves as Associate Director of Basic Sciences at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center. His research integrates bioinorganic chemistry with molecular biology to study transition metal (zinc, copper, iron) regulation in biological systems. Dr. O’Halloran earned his B.S. from the University of Missouri (1979) and Ph.D. from Columbia University (1985). His work focuses on metalloregulatory proteins, metallochaperones, and metallome dysregulation in disease. Notable contributions include discovering zinc sparks during fertilization, developing arsenoplatin anticancer complexes, and pioneering nanobin drug delivery systems. Research interests span metallomics, metal trafficking in cancer, and zinc's role in developmental processes. His lab employs interdisciplinary methods: X-ray crystallography, fluorescence microscopy, ICP-MS metallomics, and nanoparticle engineering. Key projects include targeting ovarian cancer with uPA-receptor nanobins and understanding copper homeostasis in fungal pathogens. Education: B.S. University of Missouri (1979), Ph.D. Columbia University (1985) Affiliations: CLP Institute, Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center Key Techniques: Metal speciation analysis, nanoparticle synthesis, live-cell imaging His 150+ publications span Science , Nature Chemistry , and Angewandte Chemie . Awards include the Royal Society of Chemistry Dalton Award and NIH MERIT award.
Dr. Shea Tuberty is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Appalachian State University, where he teaches Invertebrate Zoology, Ecotoxicology, and Fauna of Australasia. He directs the Tuberty Lab focused on sustainable water resource management and serves as Director of the Quality Enhancement Plan. Additionally, he holds board membership and treasurer roles at Environmental Stewards Consulting, Inc., a non-profit advising communities impacted by hazardous waste. His educational background includes a B.A. from Vanderbilt University, M.S. and Ph.D. from Tulane University, and postdoctoral training at the University of West Florida/US EPA. Research centers on ecotoxicology and aquatic ecology in southeastern U.S. streams, investigating impacts of coal ash spills, sewage effluents, road salts, and industrial contaminants. Key projects examine endocrine disruption in fish, toxic metal bioaccumulation, and stream recovery post-remediation. His lab collaborates with Chemistry and Sustainable Technology departments to develop toxin-removal techniques while emphasizing community engagement through school outreach and water quality initiatives. Publications reveal consistent focus on environmental toxicology since the 1990s, with recent work addressing emerging threats like road salts and invasive Didymo diatom in Blue Ribbon flyfishing rivers. Early research established foundational knowledge on heavy metal bioavailability and endocrine disruption in crustaceans. Dr. Tuberty actively mentors high school, undergraduate, and M.S. students through the Tuberty Lab and AppAqua research cluster. He leads civic engagement projects with local schools and non-profits for water quality assessment, while collaborating on regional initiatives like CSETAC conferences and Upper South Fork New River studies. The Tuberty Lab operates within the AppAqua interdisciplinary cluster, studying headwater streams across six Southern Appalachian river systems (Catawba, Linville, New, N. Toe, Watauga, Yadkin). Partnerships with Chemistry and Sustainable Technology departments drive innovation in point-source toxin degradation, directly supporting ASU's sustainability strategic plan.
Ruta Mehta is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign . Since 2016 she has led a vibrant research program in algorithmic game theory, market design, and fair division, while actively shaping the community through service roles such as Program Co-Chair of WINE 2020 and Area Chair of EC 2021. Education Ph.D. in Computer Science & Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, 2012. (Advisors: Prof. Milind Sohoni & Prof. Bharat Adsul; ACM India Doctoral Dissertation Award 2012) M.Tech. in Computer Science & Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, 2005 B.E. in Computer Engineering, Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) Baroda, 2003 Research Interests Mehta’s work lies at the intersection of theoretical computer science , mathematical economics , and social choice theory . She investigates the computability and complexity of equilibria—both market and Nash—under a variety of utility models, and designs provably efficient algorithms that are practical for real-world resource-allocation tasks. Current themes include: Algorithmic Game Theory: equilibrium computation, smoothed analysis, learning in games Fair Division: envy-freeness up to any good (EFX), mixed manna, competitive equilibrium with chores Interdisciplinary Applications: genetic evolution, machine-learning markets, climate-aware allocation Publication Trends Her 15 most recent works (2017–2025) span Operations Research , Mathematics of Operations Research , STOC, SODA, EC, ITCS, AAMAS, and NeurIPS. The articles cluster around three thrusts: (i) rigorous hardness and approximation results for market equilibrium in Leontief and PLC exchange economies, (ii) algorithmic advances toward guaranteed EFX allocations and competitive equilibrium with mixed manna, and (iii) novel game-theoretic analyses of genetic diversity and strategic resource allocation under budget constraints. Scientific Awards & Honors NSF CAREER Award (2018) Outstanding Post-Doctoral Researcher Award, Georgia Tech (2014) Rising Stars in EECS (2013) ACM India Doctoral Dissertation Award (2012) Google India Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship (2012) IBM PhD Award (2010) IBM PhD Fellowship (2009–2010) Grants, Advising, and Community Leadership Mehta currently mentors a growing group of graduate students and post-docs. She is PI on an NSF CAREER grant and has served on federal panels reviewing NSF CISE proposals. Beyond research, she founded the EC (AGT) Mentoring Workshop , co-located with the ACM Economics & Computation conference, to broaden participation of women and under-represented minorities in algorithmic game theory. Labs & Teams Her research group operates within the Theory & Algorithms cluster at UIUC, leveraging ties with the Decision & Control group and the Social & Algorithmic Thinking initiative. She is an active member of ACM SIGecom and regularly organizes reading groups on algorithmic game theory and fair division.
Cameron Muir is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Brock University. He holds a Ph.D. from McMaster University. His research focuses on behavioral neuroendocrinology, reproductive and stress physiology, and hormonal mechanisms in human sexual behavior and stress adaptation. He investigates steroid hormones' roles in reproduction, stress, aggression, and pheromonal communication, with a particular interest in how psychological events and environmental factors influence hormonal changes. Dr. Muir has conducted extensive studies on hormonal biomarkers (e.g., saliva, perspiration) and their relationship to stress, sexual behavior, and environmental estrogens. His work bridges animal models (rodent studies) and human research, exploring how steroids act as stress hormones and potential pheromones in mammals. His publications span stress physiology in children and athletes, hormonal disruptions in mice, and methodological advancements in steroid measurement. While no explicit awards are listed, his contributions to endocrinology and behavioral science are evident through his prolific research output. Dr. Muir’s advising and grants focus on interdisciplinary projects, though no specific grants or student advisees are detailed here. His research lab likely explores hormonal adaptations in dynamic environments, though no lab name is provided.
Susanna Röblitz is a Professor at the Department of Informatics within the Computational Biology Unit at the University of Bergen. Her research focuses on mathematical modeling of high-dimensional dynamical systems in life sciences, including molecular conformation dynamics, systems biology, and pharmacology. She specializes in rare event sampling, meshfree methods, clustering algorithms, and uncertainty quantification, with a particular emphasis on oscillatory systems such as hormonal rhythms. Her teaching includes courses such as BINF100 Introduction to Bioinformatics and BINF305 Systems Biology . Her research has been supported by grants from the Research Council of Norway and Nordforsk, including projects like Markov State Models for Cellular Phenotype Switching and RAS-TOOLS . Key research areas include hormonal regulation (e.g., menstrual cycle modeling), gene regulatory networks, and applications in pharmacokinetics and aquaculture. Recent work highlights include the development of Markov state models for gene networks and spectral clustering techniques for analyzing complex biological systems. She has supervised students such as Anna Kristina Fredheim Grandma, whose master’s thesis focused on pharmacokinetic modeling in personalized dosing. Her interdisciplinary collaborations span computational biology, veterinary medicine, and clinical pharmacology.
