Jenn Brophy is an Assistant Professor of Bioengineering at Stanford University, developing technologies for genetic engineering of plants and microbes to address environmental stress resilience and agricultural sustainability. Her lab focuses on synthetic genetic circuits for plant root reprogramming and stress response optimization. B.S. in Bioengineering, UC Berkeley (2010) Ph.D. in Biological Engineering, MIT (2016) Postdoctoral Fellow, Stanford University (Biology) Research spans synthetic biology, plant genetics, and microbiome engineering, emphasizing climate adaptation and sustainable biotechnology. Current projects include: Plant-microbe interaction engineering Stress-responsive biosensors High-throughput genetic tool development Plant cell atlas integration Sustainable laboratory practices Her recent publications highlight advances in recombinase circuits, root architecture engineering, and plant cell mapping, with applications in climate resilience and microbiome design. Collaborators include José Dinneny (Stanford) in plant synthetic biology research.
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.
Craig L. Just holds the Donald E. Bently Professorship in Engineering and serves as a Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Iowa's College of Engineering. He also works as a Faculty Research Engineer at IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering. With a PhD in Environmental Engineering and Science (2001) and an MA in Chemistry (1994), both from the University of Iowa and University of Northern Iowa respectively, his career spans over two decades of academic and practical contributions. Education: PhD, Environmental Engineering and Science, University of Iowa (2001) MA, Chemistry, University of Northern Iowa (1994) BS, Chemistry, University of Northern Iowa (1992) Dr. Just's research focuses on water quality monitoring through sensor technology, freshwater mussel biosensing , pharmaceutical contaminant removal , and PCB exposure analysis from dredging operations. His work bridges environmental engineering with ecological health and sustainable systems. Recent publications highlight trends in anaerobic digestion optimization , PCB emission characterization , and machine learning applications for biogas prediction. He has extensively studied constructed wetlands , nitrogen cycling , and flood risk mitigation in agricultural and urban contexts. As director of the Iowa Wastewater and Waste to Energy Research Program, he leads initiatives connecting bioremediation , smart infrastructure , and community engagement . His projects span from hydrological modeling in Iowa to international water programs in Honduras.
Dr Mark Farrell is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the School of Agriculture and Environment , The University of Western Australia, and a Principal Research Scientist leading the Biogeochemistry Team at CSIRO - Agriculture and Food since 2010. BSc (Hons) and PhD in Biogeochemistry from The University of Wales, Bangor (UK) Active in soil organic matter and nitrogen dynamics, focusing on microbial-plant interactions in dryland grains and agroecosystems . Lead scientist for the National Landcare Programme project on Mixed Cover Crops. Chair of the 2019 International Symposium on Soil Organic Matter . Editorial roles: Associate Editor at Soil Research and Deputy Editor at European Journal of Soil Science . His research spans soil health , nutrient cycling , and environmental remediation , with recent work on soil carbon sequestration , constructed wetlands , and salinization in the Murray-Darling Basin. Publications highlight nitrogen dynamics , microbial biomass , and grassland ecosystems . He contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) . Collaborations include institutions across Australia , the UK (Bangor and Lancaster Universities), and international projects on soil carbon policy. His work is cited widely, with over 5,157 citations in Scopus, and has been featured in 9 news outlets and 46 Mendeley readers for his 2023 Marine Pollution Bulletin article.
Dr. Partha Narayan Mishra is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland, with expertise in geotechnical engineering and electromagnetic soil characterization. He holds a PhD in Geotechnical Engineering (2020) and dual master's/bachelor's degrees (2015) from National Institute of Technology Rourkela, India. PhD Thesis: Soft soil characterization and improvement for reclaimed land application (2020) Dual Degree: B.Tech. Hons. in Civil Engineering and M.Tech. in Geotechnical Engineering His research focuses on soft soil improvement, unsaturated soil mechanics, electromagnetic characterization of geomaterials, biomediated geotechnical engineering, and clay barrier systems for waste disposal. He has published 30+ articles in top-tier journals and conferences, with recent work on mine waste utilization, MSE wall stability, and electromagnetic dewatering techniques. He co-supervises 2 PhD and 5 Master's students at UQ, having previously guided 1 PhD, 1 Master's, 2 Bachelor's, and 3 summer research theses. He initiated the global AGERP lecture series (2020), reaching 125+ countries, and holds teaching certifications from the Higher Education Academy (UK). Professional affiliations include the Australian Geomechanics Society, ISSMGE, IGS, and ASCE. He has reviewed 50+ journal articles and held leadership roles in UQ committees.
Professor Jim Haseloff is a faculty member at the University of Cambridge, serving as Head of the Synthetic Biology for Engineering Plant Growth Group within the Department of Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences. His research focuses on applying engineering principles to construct new genetic systems in plants, with particular emphasis on using Marchantia polymorpha as a model system for understanding and engineering plant growth and development. Professor Haseloff's research interests span synthetic biology, genetic circuit design, plant transformation technologies, and the development of low-cost tools for biological research. His laboratory develops novel DNA tools and imaging techniques for visualizing, manipulating, and modeling genetic interactions and morphogenesis in plants. His work bridges the gap between fundamental plant biology and applied engineering approaches to reprogram plant development and physiology. The lab has established Marchantia polymorpha as a simplified model system with a streamlined genome, haploid genetics, and an open form of development ideal for quantitative analysis. Analysis of Professor Haseloff's recent publications reveals a strong focus on advancing the Marchantia model system for synthetic biology applications. His work spans genetic tool development, chloroplast engineering, plant sensing technologies, and fundamental developmental processes. Notably, his research increasingly integrates low-cost sensing technologies with traditional plant biology, reflecting his commitment to making synthetic biology more accessible worldwide. Professor Haseloff is actively involved in several major initiatives including OpenPlant (promoting open technologies for plant synthetic biology), Biomaker (funding construction of low-cost devices for biology), and the Engineering Biology IRC. He has taught undergraduate courses on Plant and Microbial Sciences (NST PMS 1B), Plant Development (NST CDB 1B), and Synthetic Biology (NST PS 2), with extensive teaching materials publicly available online. His laboratory has pioneered techniques for cell-free expression systems that are 200-400 times cheaper than commercial versions, low-cost microreactors using 3D-printed components, and innovative in vivo plant sensing devices. The group has developed extensive resources for the plant synthetic biology community, including standardized DNA parts, microscopy techniques, and educational materials for no-code programming in biology.
Jill F. Banfield serves as a Professor at the University of California, Berkeley with dual appointments in the Department of Earth and Planetary Science and Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management , plus an affiliation with the geochemistry group at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Her research program centers on geomicrobiology and environmental microbiology, investigating microbial community dynamics through field-intensive studies at: Iron Mountain, northern California Angelo Coast Range Reserve, northern California Rifle and East River sites, Colorado Crystal Geyser, Utah Employing cultivation-independent genomic and proteomic methodologies, her group examines: Microbial mineral dissolution and precipitation processes Biogenic nanoparticle formation and reactivity Microbial community ecology and evolutionary mechanisms Shale weathering and clay mineral transformations Riparian zone sediment, soil, and deep subsurface microbial processes The team develops specialized bioinformatics pipelines for genome-resolved analysis of environmental 'omics' data to decode microbial functional capacities and environmental impacts. While the available documentation confirms active laboratory operations and field collaborations with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, it omits specifics regarding student advisement, grant portfolios, and training programs.
Susan E. Burns is a Professor at the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering , Georgia Institute of Technology. She holds multiple administrative roles, including Interim Associate Vice President for Research Operations and Infrastructure and Associate Chair for Administration and Finance. Burns earned all her degrees (B.C.E., M.S., Ph.D.) in civil engineering from Georgia Tech. NSF CAREER Award (2000) Arthur Casagrande Professional Development Award (ASCE) Edmund Friedman Young Engineer Award (ASCE) Class of 1969 Teaching Scholar (Georgia Tech) Fellow, American Society of Civil Engineers (2013) Her research focuses on geoenvironmental engineering , emphasizing waste material reuse (dredged sediments, fly ash), stormwater treatment , soil erosion control , and microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) . Recent publications analyze microplastic transport, arsenic speciation in fly ash, and LCA of dredged sediment reuse. Funding sources include NSF, DOE, US Army Corps of Engineers, and state departments of transportation. Professor Burns has led major conference proceedings (e.g., IS Atlanta 2008, ICSE-5) and served on editorial boards like ASCE's Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering. Her administrative roles include chairing graduate committees, overseeing curriculum changes, and managing geosystems group operations.
Dr Zoe M Harris is a Senior Lecturer and Director of the Centre for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Surrey. She specializes in sustainable land use, bioenergy systems, and vertical farming technologies. Her research focuses on minimizing environmental impacts while enhancing food and energy provision, particularly through projects like the Taeda Tech Project (aeroponic biomass cultivation) and VF-UKFSR (vertical farming resilience). She leads the Bioenergy, Land Use and Agri-Innovation Group and holds roles in international committees like the IEA Bioenergy Executive (Head of Communications). Her work spans interdisciplinary collaborations, policy advising, and science communication, including training scientists in theatre-based communication. She also champions diversity in energy research through the IVUGER network. Education: BSc Biology and PhD from the University of Southampton. Previous Roles: Research Fellow at Imperial College London, Science Officer at DEFRA, Policy Adviser at BEIS/DfT. Key Projects: Taeda Tech (£4m), Social Enterprise Food Systems, Serious Games for Energy Solutions. Teaching: Director of Practitioner Doctorate in Sustainability; Fellow of HEA; course leader for Global Sustainability, Earth System Science, and Low Carbon Transitions. Labs/Teams: Leads the Bioenergy, Land Use and Agri-Innovation Group; collaborates with industry and academia on aeroponics, biomass, and circular economy. Awards: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA); grants from UKERC, DecarboN8, and BEIS. Her research bridges climate science, ecology, and socio-economic factors, addressing global challenges like BECCS deployment, biodiversity loss, and gender equity in STEM.
Prof. Ellen Kandeler is a leading academic in soil biology and microbial ecology at the University of Hohenheim , heading the Department of Soil Biology within the Institute of Soil Science and Site Science. Her work focuses on microbial interactions, soil organic matter dynamics, and the impacts of land use and climate change on soil systems. She actively contributes to interdisciplinary projects funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), including studies on mineral-organic matter associations, pesticide degradation, and agroecosystem resilience. Research interests include rhizosphere dynamics, biogeochemical cycles, and the ecological functions of soil microorganisms, with applications in sustainable agriculture and environmental protection. She is also involved in institutional roles as a Deputy Ombudsperson for Scientific Integrity and member of committees overseeing large-scale research infrastructure. Her recent publications emphasize climate-soil feedbacks, microbial community assembly, and the biodegradation of agrochemicals. Projects like the DFG-FOR 1695 on agricultural landscapes under climate change highlight her commitment to addressing global environmental challenges through soil science. Prof. Kandeler’s work bridges fundamental and applied research, with a focus on translating soil microbial processes into strategies for sustainable land management and mitigating anthropogenic impacts on soil health.
Maureen Beaudor is a Research Fellow in the High Meadows Environmental Institute (HMEI) at Princeton University. Her research focuses on the nitrogen cycle's key processes and their interactions with climate change and human activities, particularly in agricultural and environmental contexts. She develops and applies Earth System Models to investigate how climate change and food/ feed production impact atmospheric chemistry and nitrogen dynamics. Her work integrates interdisciplinary approaches, combining biogeochemical cycles, atmospheric chemistry, and land-use modeling to address global environmental challenges. She collaborates with the Carbon Mitigation Initiative (CMI) at HMEI to explore mitigation strategies and their regional water quality consequences. Her recent publications emphasize ammonia emissions from agriculture and livestock, fire emissions' role in nitrogen cycles, and the development of advanced modeling frameworks for nitrogen pathways. These studies contribute to understanding climate-ecosystem feedbacks and informing sustainable agricultural policies. Maureen holds no scientific awards listed but actively contributes to global emission inventories and climate scenario analyses. She advises no students but collaborates extensively with interdisciplinary teams in environmental modeling and data validation.
Prof. Annemiek ter Heijne is a Full Professor of Environmental Technology at Wageningen University & Research, affiliated with the Agrotechnology & Food Sciences faculty and leading the Environmental Technology group. She focuses on circular economy solutions, microbial electrochemistry, and sustainable resource recovery from waste streams. Her research integrates biological, chemical, and physical processes to develop technologies like bioelectrochemical systems for methane production and nutrient recovery. Education: MSc in Environmental Sciences (Wageningen University), PhD in Environmental Technology (Wageningen University & Wetsus). She has held a 0.8 FTE position since her PhD, balancing work with family and hobbies. Her leadership emphasizes collaboration, work-life balance, and the ethical use of AI in science. Research Interests: Bioelectrochemical systems, microbial fuel cells, carbon capture via electrochemical processes, and sustainable wastewater treatment. She explores how bacteria can clean wastewater while generating energy, emphasizing circularity and global sustainability. Key Projects: Scaling up methane-producing bioelectrochemical systems, CO₂-to-methane conversion, and optimizing bioanodes for ammonium recovery. Collaborates with industry to translate lab innovations into real-world applications. Awards: NWO Vidi Grant (2019) Advising: Supervises 18 PhD candidates including D. Metz (Circular Nutrients), Y. Chang (Sulfur Recovery), and J. Steller (Power-to-Methane) Grants: Multiple EU and industry funded projects on electrochemical technologies Labs/Teams: Leads the Environmental Technology group and chairs the Wageningen Energy Alliance, fostering cross-disciplinary energy research.
Dr. Arman Khoshghalb is a Senior Lecturer in Geotechnical Engineering at the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UNSW Sydney, where he has been a faculty member since 2012. His academic credentials include a PhD in Geotechnical Engineering from UNSW (2012), an MSc from Sharif University of Technology (2005), and a BSc in Civil Engineering from the same institution (2003). His research focuses on numerical modeling of multi-phase porous media , with emphasis on unsaturated soils, large deformation analysis, and dynamic soil behavior. Key areas include meshfree computational methods, soil-structure interaction, bio-cementation, and thermo-hydro-mechanical processes in geotechnical systems. His work bridges theoretical advancements with practical applications in slope stability, foundation engineering, and sustainable ground improvement. Dr. Khoshghalb's publications predominantly explore geomechanical modeling, experimental soil mechanics, and computational techniques. Recent trends highlight innovations in bio-cemented soils, thermal properties of unsaturated soils, and adaptive numerical methods for complex geotechnical simulations. Awards & Honors: IACMAG Excellent Paper Award (2017) UNSW Research Excellence Award (2012) Advising & Grants: He has supervised 7+ PhD students on topics ranging from weak rock mechanics to computational geomechanics. Funded projects include: ARC Discovery Project (2019–2021): "Non-isothermal dynamic strain localisation in unsaturated porous media" ($298,257) ARC Linkage Infrastructure Grant (2015): "Earthquake shaking table for soil-structure interactions" ($320,000) ARC Linkage Project (2014–2017): "Constitutive modelling of weak rocks" ($314,280) He leads research within UNSW's geotechnical engineering group, collaborating on large-scale experimental testing and computational frameworks for infrastructure resilience.
David Bastviken is a Professor at the Environmental Change Theme (TEMAM), Linköping University , specializing in environmental science and biogeochemical cycles. His research focuses on greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane and carbon dioxide, from freshwater systems and human activities, with implications for climate policy and pollution management. Research Pillars : Aquatic greenhouse gas dynamics, chlorine cycling in soils, drinking water disinfection by-products, landscape-scale carbon budgets Methodologies : Drone-based sensing, hyperspectral imaging, sensor networks, cross-disciplinary ecosystem experiments Notable findings include the discovery of underestimated methane emissions from lakes and rivers, the role of trees in methane uptake , and natural chlorine production in boreal forests. His work has been funded by ERC , Formas , VINNOVA , and The Swedish Research Council . Recent publications highlight climate sensitivity of methane emissions, day-night emission patterns , and global methane budget modeling. He leads international collaborations across Amazonas , Arctic , and Boreal regions.
Hans Christian Bruun Hansen is a Professor in Environmental Chemistry at the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen. His research focuses on solid-solution processes governing pollutant fate in soils and sediments with applications in soil and water remediation. His primary research areas include: Engineering and reactivity of iron(II)iron(III) hydroxides ("green rusts") Phosphate bonding in anoxic soils Fate of natural toxins like ptaquiloside and glucosinolates Hansen pioneered critical discoveries in environmental chemistry, including demonstrating green rusts' reducing capacity for nitrate-to-ammonium conversion and dehalogenation of chlorinated compounds. His recent work shows green rusts can form 1 nm thick iron oxide sheets for catalytic applications. His research on natural toxins documented carcinogenic ptaquiloside in soil and elucidated degradation kinetics. Hansen has secured over 35 million DKK in research funding through projects like SupremeTech (phosphorus remediation) and Iron-X (solvent degradation). He teaches environmental chemistry from BSc to PhD levels and has supervised 69 MSc and 25 PhD theses. As Head of the Section for Environmental Chemistry and Physics (40 researchers), he leads initiatives like the EnvEuro MSc program and Sino-Danish Water Research Center. His laboratory focuses on nanoscale remediation materials and natural toxin analysis.
