Nicole Gerardo is a Professor at Emory University and Director of the Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences. Her lab studies evolutionary ecology in insect-microbe systems, including aphid-bacteria symbioses and fungus-growing ants. Education includes a Ph.D. from University of Texas at Austin (2004) and B.A. from Rice University (1997). Research integrates experimental evolution , genomics , and field ecology to address: Mechanisms of symbiont-mediated pathogen defense Transmission dynamics in mutualisms Host immunological trade-offs Agricultural applications of protective microbes Recent work examines priority effects in symbiont colonization, monarch butterfly microbiomes, and coevolution in ant-fungal systems. Field sites span Panama, Brazil, and agricultural ecosystems.
Professor Dietrich Darr is a faculty member at Hochschule Weihenstephan-Triesdorf (HSWT), specifically within the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Nutrition. His academic journey includes previous professorship at Hochschule Rhein-Waal (2012-2024) and visiting positions at Universidade de Brasília (2023-2024), Vietnam National University of Forestry (2020), and ICRAF Central Asia office (2018). Dr. Darr's research focuses on sustainable and resilient farming and food systems with particular expertise in agribusiness, corporate management, and sustainable resource utilization. His work prominently features baobab tree applications in African and European food industries, agroforestry systems, non-timber forest products, and sustainable land management. His international research projects span Sub-Saharan Africa, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia. His recent publications reveal strong trends in sustainable value chain development, climate-smart agriculture, and innovative approaches to rural livelihood improvement. The articles demonstrate consistent focus on practical applications of agroforestry systems, analysis of non-timber forest products commercialization, and sustainable land management solutions for smallholder farmers in developing regions. Dr. Darr leads numerous research projects including SUFACHAIN (2022-2025) on sustainable agroforestry value chains in Central Asia, CONFARMED (2024) on edible insects for circular food economy in Uganda, and previously led BAOQUALITY (2019-2022) on baobab quality improvement for food security in Africa. His projects are primarily funded by German institutions including BMBF, BMEL, and DFG. As an active member of professional organizations including ATSAF, EFARD, IUFRO, DeFAF, and EURAF, Dr. Darr contributes to international agricultural research communities with focus on tropical and subtropical agriculture, agroforestry, and forest research.
Katrin Vogt is a Group Leader at the University of Konstanz and an Affiliated Scientist at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior. She serves on the IMPRS Board and Faculty, focusing on behavioral neuroscience in Drosophila larvae. Her research explores how social context and internal states (e.g., hunger) modulate neural circuits and behavior, utilizing genetic tools like optogenetics, RNAi, and CRISPR. Key Research Areas: Behavioral flexibility under internal state changes Neural integration of sensory and state signals in the antennal lobe Role of serotonin (CSD neuron) in modulating output pathways Computational modeling of state-dependent circuit dynamics Notable Achievements: Discovered state-dependent olfactory valence switching (e.g., geranyl acetate shifts from aversion to attraction under food deprivation) Elucidated glutamatergic inhibition mechanisms in picky local interneurons Identified 5-HT7 receptor's role in upregulating uniglomerular projection neuron activity Recent Publications: 2025: PLoS Biology on multimodal sensory neurons 2024: Current Biology commentary on behavioral neuroscience 2023: Current Biology on multisensory memory merging Academic Affiliations: University of Konstanz (Group Leader, Department of Collective Behavior) Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior (Affiliated Scientist) IMPRS for Organismal Biology (Faculty Member) Scientific Awards: DFG Research Fellowship (Project No. 345729665) Students & Collaborators: PhD students: Hari P. Narayanan, Akhila Mudunuri Research assistants: Nora Tutas, Julius Klein, Constantin Dyroff DAAD summer student: Élyse Zadigue-Dubé Recent graduates: Amelie Edmaier (BSc 2023), Constantin Dyroff (BSc 2023)
John Grieco is a Research Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and a joint faculty member at the Eck Institute for Global Health at the University of Notre Dame. He serves as Associate Director of the Eck Institute and co-director of the Belize Vector and Ecology Center (BVEC), where he leads a multidisciplinary research program focused on the ecology, behavior, and control of vectors of diseases such as malaria, dengue, Chagas, and Japanese encephalitis. University: University of Notre Dame School: College of Science Department: Department of Biological Sciences Position: Research Professor Joint Appointment: Eck Institute for Global Health Leadership Role: Associate Director, Eck Institute for Global Health; Co-Director, BVEC Dr. Grieco completed his Ph.D. at the Uniformed Services University, an M.S. at Texas A&M University, and earned his B.S. from the University of Notre Dame. His research spans vector behavior, spatial repellency, insecticide resistance, and disease risk modeling using GIS and remote sensing. He has led and collaborated on field studies in Belize, Thailand, Nepal, Peru, Mexico, and South Korea, and maintains partnerships with industry leaders such as BASF, SC Johnson, and Olfactor Laboratories. His recent publications highlight innovations in spatial repellent deployment, mosquito trap efficacy, and novel vector control strategies. The research consistently emphasizes translational outcomes for public health, particularly in low-resource settings. His work is supported by major initiatives including the Spatial Repellents Program, IMPACTS, AEGIS, and BRICC, often in collaboration with WHO, PAHO, and the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Grieco actively mentors undergraduate and Master of Science in Global Health students, supervising numerous capstone projects on vector-borne disease interventions. His lab, the Achee/Grieco Lab, is known for its field-based, interdisciplinary approach and commitment to training the next generation of global health scientists. Medical Entomology Vector Ecology and Behavior Vector Control Strategies Spatial Repellents and Irritants Infectious Disease Dynamics Disease Risk Mapping (GIS/Remote Sensing) Arbovirus and Malaria Transmission Scientific awards and honors are not explicitly mentioned in the provided texts. Dr. Grieco advises numerous students at both undergraduate and graduate levels, particularly through the Master of Science in Global Health program. His lab supports student research on topics including insecticide resistance, community perceptions of vector control, disease surveillance, and behavioral effects of repellents. He also leads the High-Throughput Screening System (HITSS) for evaluating vector behavioral responses. The Achee/Grieco Lab operates the Belize Vector and Ecology Center (BVEC), which conducts extensive field research, community outreach, and surveillance in Belize. BVEC collaborates with the Ministry of Health, University of Belize, and international partners. The lab also participates in global networks such as the Worldwide Insecticide Resistance Network (WIN) and the Remote Emerging Disease Intelligence NETwork (REDI-NET).
Martin Schreier is a Professor and head of the Institute for Marketing Management at the Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU). His research focuses on marketing, product development, consumer behavior, and user-driven innovation. A key finding from his work demonstrates that crowdsourced product ideas yield higher sales and gross margins compared to designer-generated products, as evidenced by a Japanese enterprise study showing €10 million revenue growth over three years. His studies also highlight how labeling products as user-ideated enhances consumer trust and sales performance. Schreier's research spans diverse topics, including the psychological drivers of customization, blockchain applications in marketing, and the role of consumer communities in innovation. Recent studies examine generative AI in luxury product co-creation, groundedness in retail experiences, and ethical implications of crowdsourcing. His work bridges academic insights with real-world applications, advising companies on leveraging user creativity and designing effective innovation incentives. He has published extensively on the economic and psychological impacts of consumer-driven innovation, with a focus on cross-cultural differences and market-specific strategies. His findings challenge traditional R&D models, emphasizing the commercial potential of user participation in product development across non-luxury sectors.
Dr. Julia Riley is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Mount Allison University. Her research focuses on amphibian and reptile behavior, evolution, and ecology, with a strong emphasis on conservation. She leads the Riley Integrative Ecology Lab, which investigates topics such as social behavior in lizards, developmental plasticity in reptiles, and the impacts of urbanization on species adaptation. Dr. Riley collaborates with institutions across Canada and globally, including Dalhousie University and the New Brunswick Museum. Her work integrates behavioral ecology, evolutionary biology, and conservation science, addressing questions like how environmental factors shape animal traits and how urbanization affects ecological interactions. She actively promotes conservation strategies, such as evaluating protective measures for turtle nests and mitigating road mortality for amphibians and reptiles. Research Themes: Amphibian/Reptile Conservation, Behavioral Ecology, Urban Ecology, Evolutionary Adaptation Key Collaborations: Dr. Joshua Baxter-Gilbert, Dr. Mike Whiting, Dr. Liese Schwanz Funding Partners: NSERC, New Brunswick Innovation Fund, Nature Conservancy of Canada Dr. Riley’s lab emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining fieldwork with quantitative analysis. She mentors students in MSc/PhD programs through her adjunct appointments and prioritizes training in grant writing, field techniques, and ethical research practices.
Dr. Rachel Parkinson is a Research Fellow at Wolfson College, University of Oxford, and holds a Lecturer position in Biology at Keble College. She is also an Eric & Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellow. Her research focuses on insect sensory processing, particularly how pollinators like bees perceive environmental stressors such as pesticides. She develops AI-driven tools to diagnose sublethal toxicity and leads projects using large language models for systematic reviews of pesticide risks. Her work aims to assess environmental threats to pollinators and devise mitigation strategies. Her research interests include neuroethology, pesticide impacts on insect behavior, and AI applications in ecological research. She collaborates with the Bee Lab to advance understanding of pollinator health and ecological resilience. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges biology, neuroscience, and computational methods to address global environmental challenges. Awards: Eric & Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellow Labs/Teams: Bee Lab, University of Oxford
Dr. DeAnna E. Beasley is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). She holds a PhD from the University of South Carolina (2013) and specializes in integrative ecology, focusing on how environmental changes—particularly urbanization—affect insect development, behavior, and biodiversity. Her research bridges ecological and social sciences to address urban resilience and biodiversity conservation. Teaching responsibilities include courses such as Ecology, Evolution, and Ant Ecology, along with supervising thesis projects and individual studies. She actively mentors undergraduate and graduate students in field and lab research, emphasizing community engagement and citizen science. Key research interests include urban ecology, insect-fungal interactions, and the socio-ecological dynamics of urban systems. Notable projects investigate honey bee health in urban environments and biodiversity patterns in green infrastructure. Her work frequently involves interdisciplinary collaborations and public outreach, including initiatives to promote diversity in STEM. Dr. Beasley is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in academia, serving on UTC's DEI committee and the Africana Studies Advisory Committee. She also contributes to professional societies such as the Ecological Society of America and engages communities through science education and media outreach.
Shana M. Caro is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Adelphi University, within the College of Arts and Sciences. Her research integrates behavioral neuroscience and evolutionary biology to investigate animal behavior, with a focus on birds and insects in both laboratory and field settings. Educational Background: DPhil, University of Oxford (2017) BA, Harvard University (2007) Her research interests include animal behavior, cognition, metacognition, communication, parental care, urbanization, and the effects of ultra-processed food and noise pollution on non-human animals. She explores how stress, evolutionary conflicts, and environmental challenges shape decision-making in animals. Notably, she investigates metacognition in great tits and chickens, personality effects on cognition, maternal hormonal manipulation of offspring, and sex differences in parental responses to offspring begging. Her recent publications reflect a strong trend in behavioral ecology and evolutionary theory, particularly in avian systems, with studies appearing in journals such as Nature Communications , PNAS , and Evolution Letters . Her work combines empirical research with theoretical models to understand signaling, parental investment, and behavioral plasticity. Scientific Awards and Fellowships: Stengl-Wyer Scholar, The University of Texas at Austin (2020–2022) Simons Junior Fellow, Columbia University (2017–2020) Dr. Caro advises both undergraduate and master’s students, guiding capstone and scholarly research projects on topics such as hormonal mediation of development, dietary effects on insect fitness, and olfactory foraging in sparrows. She has conducted international research in Kenya, the Netherlands, Costa Rica, and Uganda, working with species like superb starlings, great tits, capuchin monkeys, and chimpanzees. She teaches courses such as Animal Behavior, Neurobiology, and Urban Behavioral Biology, and maintains an active lab focused on behavioral mechanisms and evolutionary drivers.
Allen J. Moore is a Distinguished Research Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences. His work bridges evolutionary biology, genetics, and behavioral ecology with a focus on understanding the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying complex social behaviors in insects. Moore's research program centers on the evolution of parental care and social behavior, primarily using burying beetles (Nicrophorus species) as model organisms. His work integrates quantitative genetics, molecular biology, and behavioral ecology to investigate how indirect genetic effects shape coevolutionary dynamics between interacting individuals. A significant portion of his recent research examines the role of DNA methylation, particularly Dnmt1, in reproductive processes and behavioral plasticity across insect species. His approach combines field observations with molecular techniques to address fundamental questions about how genes and environment interact to produce adaptive behaviors. Analysis of Moore's recent publications reveals a strong trajectory toward understanding the epigenetic regulation of social behavior. His work demonstrates how molecular mechanisms like DNA methylation interact with environmental factors to influence parenting strategies, reproductive timing, and kin recognition. The research spans multiple insect systems including burying beetles, crickets, and whiteflies, providing comparative insights into the evolution of social behavior across diverse taxa. Moore maintains active collaborations within the University of Georgia, particularly with Patricia Moore in the Entomology department, as evidenced by their joint research on DNA methylation in insects. His lab appears to train graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, contributing to the next generation of evolutionary biologists while advancing our understanding of how complex social behaviors evolve and are maintained in natural populations.
Dina Dechmann is Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Department of Migration in Radolfzell, Germany. She leads the Ephemeral Resource Adaptations Research Group, focusing on how animals adapt to fluctuating resource availability through behavioral, morphological, and physiological strategies. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. in Animal Behavior from University of Zürich (2005) MS in Systematics & Ecology from ETH Zürich (1999) Habilitation at University of Konstanz (2018) Dr. Dechmann identifies as a classical behavioral ecologist with a passion for evolution, increasingly focusing on how resource distribution in time and space influences animal adaptations. Her research examines movement patterns (particularly in flying foxes and bats), energetics, information transfer during foraging, and morphological adaptations like wing shape. A significant focus involves seasonal phenological changes, especially in brain structure, as seen in her work on Dehnel's Phenomenon in shrews. She is actively involved in the ICARUS satellite tracking initiative to monitor bat migration. Her recent publications reveal consistent themes across animal behavior, neuroecology, and conservation biology. The work demonstrates sophisticated integration of field studies with molecular and physiological approaches, particularly in studying how animals navigate resource ephemerality. Key trends include bat migration patterns, brain plasticity in response to seasonal changes, and methodological innovations in wildlife tracking. Her research bridges fundamental behavioral ecology with practical conservation applications, especially regarding common bat species. Dr. Dechmann mentors a diverse international team including postdocs, doctoral students, and technical staff. Her group maintains strong collaborations across European institutions and with international partners, particularly in Panama where some field studies occur. While specific grant details aren't provided, her work on the ICARUS initiative and extensive publications suggest substantial research funding. The Ephemeral Resource Adaptations Group operates as a small, international team focused on resource distribution challenges for animals. Current projects examine migration as an adaptation to seasonal change, hibernation energetics in climate change contexts, social information sharing for ephemeral resources, alternative wintering strategies in small mammals, and impacts of research methodologies on animal behavior.
Jinsoo Hwang is a Professor in the Department of Foodservice Management at Sejong University's College of Hospitality & Tourism Management, where he has served since 2016 with progressive promotion to full Professor in 2022. He concurrently holds leadership roles including Head of the Graduate Program of Foodservice Management (2024) and previously led Sejong University's Graduate School of Tourism (2019-2022). Education: Ph.D. in Hospitality Management, Kansas State University (2011) M.S. in Hospitality Management, Florida International University (2007) M.B.A. in Hospitality and Tourism Management, Sejong University (2005) B.L. in Law, Cheongju University (2003) His research centers on service marketing dynamics and technology adoption in hospitality contexts, with particular expertise in consumer innovativeness, brand loyalty, and rapport building. Recent work examines emerging technologies including robot food delivery, facial recognition payments, and smart farm restaurant systems through cross-cultural lenses. His studies frequently apply theoretical frameworks like UTAUT, TAM, and social penetration theory to analyze consumer behavior in airline, restaurant, and golf resort settings. Publication trends reveal consistent high-impact output with 192 SSCI-indexed papers through 2025, averaging 20+ annual publications since 2019. His work predominantly appears in Q1 hospitality journals like International Journal of Hospitality Management (IF=11.7), focusing on technology-service intersections and cross-national consumer behavior comparisons. Key awards: 2024 Highly Cited Researcher (Web of Science) Sejong University Distinguished Professor (2023-2025) Research.com Top 4 Business Scientist in Korea (2024) SciVal Top 3 Author in Korean Business Research (2018-2023) Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award (2018) Hwang directs the Gwang603 Laboratory and serves as Head of Sejong University's Smart FM Track under the LINC+ industry-university cooperation program. His leadership extends to editorial roles in major hospitality journals where he frequently reviews submissions on technology adoption and consumer behavior. Current research initiatives focus on human-robot service interactions and sustainable foodservice innovations.
Andrea Perna is an Assistant Professor at the IMT School for Advanced Studies in Lucca, Italy, with a background in theoretical biology and biophysics. Previously, he held a Senior Lecturer position at the University of Roehampton, UK, and conducted research across Europe and Australia. His work focuses on collective animal behavior, pattern formation in biological systems, and ecology, combining experimental, computational, and mathematical approaches. Education: Degree in Biological Sciences from Scuola Normale Superiore and University of Pisa (Italy), followed by a PhD in Psychophysics (neurobiology) from Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa. Research Interests: Collective behavior in fish schooling, termite nest architecture, biophysical principles of animal group cohesion, and the interplay between individual behavior and ecosystem properties. Notable projects include modeling trail networks in ants and exploring how environmental factors influence nest construction in termites. Labs/Teams: Leads the Networks Unit at IMT School, collaborating with institutions like the Hawk Conservancy Trust and international researchers in ecology, mathematics, and physics. Active in mentoring PhD and post-doctoral researchers in complex systems and ecological modeling. Grants/Funding: Secured funding for post-doctoral positions studying termite nest evo-devo and collaborative projects on raptor flight mechanics.
Derek D. Houston is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Western Colorado University, affiliated with the Natural & Environmental Sciences Department and the Clark Family School of Environment & Sustainability. He holds a PhD in Biology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (2009), an MS in Zoology from Brigham Young University (2002), and a BS in Zoology from Brigham Young University (1999). His research focuses on phylogeography , molecular ecology , and conservation of desert fishes , with fieldwork spanning western North America, British Columbia, and Baja California. Key interests include: Evolutionary adaptations of aquatic organisms using DNA sequencing Population genetics of western North American fishes Ecological impacts of parasites on mutualistic systems Climate change effects on alpine and desert species Houston teaches courses including Biogeography, Cell Biology, Conservation Genetics, Ecology, and Fisheries Biology. His publications emphasize evolutionary patterns in aquatic insects and fishes , nematode-fig wasp interactions , and conservation genetics , frequently leveraging genomic tools to explore ecological relationships. He conducts fieldwork in diverse western ecosystems and values interdisciplinary collaboration to address conservation challenges.
Floria Mora-Kepfer Uy is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Rochester, within the School of Arts & Sciences. Her research focuses on the evolution of social behavior, particularly in insects, using integrative approaches that combine field and lab experiments with molecular and neural techniques. She investigates how relatedness, social interactions, environmental factors, and parasitic relationships influence cooperation, group formation, and neurobiological adaptations. Key research interests include the evolution of sociality, neuroethology, host-parasite interactions, behavioral ecology, and conservation. Her work employs model systems such as wasps (e.g., Mischocyttarus mexicanus, Polistes spp.) and explores topics like brain plasticity, sensory system adaptation, and genomic responses to environmental pressures. Dr. Uy’s research group actively accepts PhD students and utilizes a variety of methodologies, including neurogenomic analyses and behavioral experiments. While no specific grants or awards are listed, her publications highlight contributions to understanding social behavior mechanisms in insects.
