Borja Valverde Pérez is an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). His research advances sustainable water resource recovery through biotechnology innovations. Research focuses on microalgae cultivation, microbial protein production, and bioelectrochemical systems for water treatment. Key projects explore nutrient recovery from waste streams and greenhouse gas mitigation in biological processes. Recent publications demonstrate innovative approaches to wastewater valorization, including microalgae-bacteria consortia for pollutant degradation and inorganic bioelectric systems for low-temperature denitrification. Work integrates experimental validation with life cycle assessment. He coordinates projects on industrial symbiosis and circular economy applications in water systems. Current initiatives investigate decarbonization pathways for water resource recovery facilities through energy-flexible operation.
Richard Anantua is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy within the College of Sciences at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), and also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Rice University since 2024. His research group is pioneering Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) science in Texas, focusing on computational and theoretical astrophysics related to black holes and relativistic phenomena. Assistant Professor, UTSA – 2022–Present Adjunct Professor, Rice University – 2024–Present Postdoctoral Fellow, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics – 2019–2021 Postdoctoral Fellow, UC Berkeley – 2016–2019 Education: Ph.D. in Physics – Stanford University M.S. in Physics – Stanford University B.S. in Physics and Philosophy – Yale University B.S. in Economics and Mathematics – Yale University Ed.M. in Education Policy and Management – Harvard University Richard Anantua’s research focuses on computational astrophysics , particularly the modeling of emission near supermassive black holes using general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (GRMHD) simulations. His work bridges theoretical models with observational data from cutting-edge instruments like the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) and its next-generation counterpart (ngEHT). Key areas include black hole accretion flows, relativistic jets, plasma physics, and neutrino emission. He has developed methodologies to connect simulation variables—such as electron temperature, magnetic field strength, and current density—to observable signatures across the electromagnetic spectrum. The recent publications from his group reflect a strong trend in high-resolution modeling of black hole environments , with emphasis on M87, Sgr A*, and theoretical constructs like primordial black holes and dark matter alternatives. These works integrate numerical simulations with observational predictions, particularly for EHT and ngEHT capabilities, covering emission morphology, jet stability, plasma composition, and neutrino physics. The interdisciplinary nature of his research spans astrophysics, plasma physics, and computational science. Scientific Engagement and Mentorship: Active mentor of postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, master’s students, and undergraduates at UTSA. Group members regularly present at national conferences such as the American Astronomical Society (AAS) and SCEECS. Supervised master’s thesis on GRMHD emission modeling. Anantua has been involved in major collaborations, including the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration during his postdoc at Harvard, and continues to lead a vibrant research group at UTSA. His lab focuses on advancing computational tools for black hole imaging and theoretical modeling of extreme astrophysical environments.
Iris Stewart-Frey is a Professor in the Department of Environmental Studies & Sciences at Santa Clara University (SCU), part of the College of Arts and Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in Hydrology from Stanford University and a B.S. in Geology and Geophysics from the University of Hawai’i. Her research focuses on climate change impacts on water resources, environmental justice, and interdisciplinary approaches to sustainability. She has led projects on Central America’s climate vulnerability, water equity in California, and urban stream temperature dynamics. Professor Stewart-Frey’s work integrates spatial analysis and community-based methods to address issues like food security, water justice, and the disproportionate environmental burdens faced by marginalized communities. She has secured grants from the US EPA and National Science Foundation and serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of the American Water Resources Association. Her professional roles include chairing her department and advising organizations like the Tuolumne River Trust. Education: Ph.D. in Hydrology, Stanford University B.S. in Geology and Geophysics, University of Hawai’i Her research spans climate modeling, hydrological processes, and policy implications, with recent studies highlighted in International Journal of Climatology , World Development , and Journal of Hydrology . She emphasizes collaborative approaches, mentoring undergraduate researchers, and bridging academic and community efforts for environmental justice. Awards: Former Clare Boothe Luce Scholar Grants: PI/co-PI on US EPA and NSF grants Advising: Co-mentored 2 graduate students and 2 postdoctoral researchers Guides undergraduate researchers in water resources and GIS Initiatives: Co-organizer, Northern California Network for Community-Academic Partnerships Member, SCU’s Environmental Justice and the Common Good Initiative
Dr. Jennifer Follstad-Shah is an Adjunct Assistant Professor and Visiting Scholar in the Department of Biology at Duke University. Her research focuses on ecosystem ecology, particularly the impacts of global change on river and riparian systems, biogeochemical processes, and restoration practices. PhD in Biology, University of New Mexico (2006) B.A. in Political Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison (1995) Her work examines temperature effects on stream metabolism, ecoenzyme stoichiometry, and nitrogen dynamics in riparian zones. She integrates field studies, lab experiments, and meta-analytical approaches to address climate change, river regulation, and invasive species impacts on ecosystem function. Research trends in her publications include global warming effects on carbon cycling, microbial nutrient acquisition, invasive plant impacts on soil chemistry, and the efficacy of river restoration. Her studies often span scales from local soil microsites to continental analyses. Dr. Follstad-Shah collaborates with institutions like the National Science Foundation, Duke Center on Global Change, and National River Restoration Science Synthesis teams. Her work informs restoration practices and climate change mitigation strategies.
Prof. Dr. Andreas Focks is a Professor of Environmental Systems Modelling and serves as the Director of the Research Center for Environmental Systems Research at the University of Osnabrück. He is affiliated with the Institute for Environmental Systems Research, where he leads research in environmental modeling and risk assessment of chemicals. His work spans multiple research groups focused on understanding complex interactions between environmental stressors and ecological systems. Dr. Focks' research focuses on the development and application of mechanistic effect models for risk assessment of chemicals and other environmental stressors. His primary areas of expertise include: Toxicokinetic-toxicodynamic (TKTD) models Equation-based or individual-based (IBM) population models Mathematical models to describe environmental behavior of chemicals Risk assessment frameworks for pesticides and other environmental stressors Chemical fate modeling in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems His extensive publication record demonstrates a strong focus on improving environmental risk assessment methodologies through advanced modeling techniques. His recent work emphasizes the importance of temperature effects on toxicokinetics, development of more accurate prediction models for chemical impacts, and integration of multiple stressors in environmental risk assessment. Dr. Focks has made significant contributions to mechanistic effect modeling, particularly in pesticide risk assessment for both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Dr. Focks has been actively involved in numerous European research initiatives aimed at advancing environmental risk assessment methodologies. His work has contributed to important policy discussions regarding chemical regulation and environmental protection in Europe, including collaborations with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on Toxicokinetic/Toxicodynamic effect models for regulatory risk assessment.
Hanna Breunig is a Research Scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Deputy of the Sustainable Energy & Environmental Systems Department. She holds a secondary appointment in the Earth Systems and Society Domain within the Climate and Ecosystem Science Division. Her work focuses on validating emerging energy technologies through process design, techno-economic modeling, and market analysis. Education: PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering from UC Berkeley (2015), MSc (2011), and BSc from Cornell University (2010). Her research spans hydrogen storage , CO2 capture/utilization , brine management , and technoeconomic modeling for systems in data centers, hospitals, mines, aviation, and ports. She co-leads the DOE HyMARC consortium and the systems analysis team for the ARCHES California Hydrogen Hub. Recent publications highlight advancements in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for hydrogen storage, solar hydrogen production , and high-temperature thermal energy storage . She has received accolades like the 2023 Energy & Environmental Science Lectureship and 2014 Schmidt MacArthur Fellowship. Scientific Awards: 2023 Energy & Environmental Science Lectureship 2021 Early Scientific Career Award 2019 CEC Bioenergy Project Leadership 2017 LDRD Early Career Award 2014 Schmidt MacArthur Fellowship Hanna mentors graduate and undergraduate students and contributes to tools like the BioSiting v2 software for U.S. bioeconomy resource analysis.
David Olefeldt is an Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Renewable Resources Department at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences. His research focuses on catchment carbon cycling in boreal and Arctic landscapes, emphasizing wetland functions, permafrost thaw impacts, and greenhouse gas fluxes. He investigates both terrestrial and aquatic aspects of carbon dynamics, including methane emissions and dissolved organic carbon transport. Olefeldt combines fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and remote sensing to address climate change feedbacks in northern ecosystems. Affiliations: Catchment and Wetland Sciences Research Group (CAWS) Teaching: Courses include BIOL 333 (Wetland Science and Management), REN R 250 (Water Resource Management), and REN R 333 (Wetland Sciences and Management). His work bridges soil and aquatic sciences, with recent studies on permafrost carbon vulnerability, wildfire effects on carbon export, and global wetland methane synthesis. He emphasizes connecting small-scale studies to large-scale climate projections, particularly in peatland-rich regions. Labs/Teams: Active in the CAWS group, focusing on integrated catchment studies and wetland science.
Amanda Maycock is Professor in Climate Dynamics at the University of Leeds' School of Earth and Environment, where she directs the Institute for Climate and Atmospheric Science (ICAS). She holds an MPhys from Manchester (2006), MSc (2008) and PhD (2012) in Atmosphere, Oceans and Climate from Reading. Her research specializes in climate dynamics, atmospheric circulation, stratosphere-troposphere interactions, and radiative transfer, with ongoing projects including ExtAnt, TWISTA, and the Leverhulme Prize-funded climate dynamics initiative. Research interests span: Climate variability and change mechanisms Atmospheric teleconnections and jet stream dynamics Stratospheric impacts on surface climate Chemistry-climate feedbacks including ozone layer interactions Radiative transfer modelling and climate projections Her recent publications (2020-2025) demonstrate strong focus on: Arctic-midlatitude climate linkages and jet stream behavior ENSO teleconnections and hydrological extremes Polar vortex influences on European storminess Climate mitigation impacts on stratospheric temperature Renewable energy-climate interactions Scientific honors include: Philip Leverhulme Prize (2018) Arne Richter Award for Early Career Researchers (2019) STAC Outstanding Early Career Award (2022) water@leeds Water Woman Award (2023) NERC Independent Research Fellowship (2015-2020) She leads 12 PhD students including projects on atmospheric rivers, ENSO dynamics, and jet stream extremes, supported by NERC, EPSRC, and Met Office collaborations. Current grants include £5M+ from Horizon Europe, Wellcome Trust, and UKRI for projects examining Antarctic extremes (ExtAnt), stratospheric aerosols (TWISTA), and sustainable aviation (JetZero). Directs ICAS research group with 4 postdoctoral researchers and coordinates the NERC PANORAMA DTP Atmosphere Theme. Contributes to IPCC assessments and co-chairs WCRP/SPARC initiatives on atmospheric temperature changes.
Christian Stranne is an Associate Professor at Stockholm University's Department of Geological Sciences, specializing in Marine geophysical mapping and modeling. He leads research projects investigating climate change impacts on methane dynamics and Arctic glacial systems. Research Focus Climate warming-induced methane release from marine sediments Arctic ice-ocean-atmosphere interactions Acoustic mapping of oceanographic features Submarine groundwater discharge mechanisms Glacial sedimentation and retreat dynamics Scientific Contributions His work integrates field observations with numerical modeling, particularly through: Development of geomechanically-coupled hydrate dissociation models Pioneering acoustic techniques for mixed layer depth mapping Quantifying glacial erosion rates in Greenland fjords Awards & Grants Swedish Research Council Postdoctoral Fellowship (2015) Swedish Research Council Grant for methane release study (2018) Swedish Research Council Grant for sediment-ocean-atmosphere methane study (2022) Field Experience Christian has extensive polar expedition experience: 6 major icebreaker expeditions to Antarctica and Arctic Ocean Research cruises in Sweden, Finland, Brazil, and Chile Expertise in CTD/LADCP operations and mooring deployments
Professor Jim Morton serves as Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Lincoln University, New Zealand, while maintaining his position as Professor in the Department of Wine Food & Molecular Biosciences. With a PhD from the University of Canterbury and advanced degrees from the University of Otago, he has established himself as a leading researcher in protein biochemistry with applications to food science and agriculture. His research interests focus on protein modification and proteases , with particular emphasis on meat quality, cataract development in sheep models, and the application of proteomic and metabolomic approaches. Professor Morton has developed innovative research programs examining how proteins change during cooking and processing, with significant work on sheep cataract models that led to novel calpain inhibitors. His current research investigates meat color stability and tenderization processes while applying protein characterization expertise to diverse food and wine projects. Professor Morton's publication record demonstrates consistent high-impact research, with recent work focusing on pulsed electric field technology for meat processing, protein modifications in meat, and bioactive compounds in plant foods. His research shows strong translational value, connecting fundamental biochemistry with practical agricultural and food industry applications. As Dean since 2021, Professor Morton provides leadership for one of New Zealand's premier agricultural faculties while continuing active research supervision and collaboration. His work bridges multiple disciplines including biochemistry, food science, veterinary science, and molecular biosciences, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of modern agricultural research. Professor Morton has supervised numerous graduate students across diverse topics including edible insects, hemp protein hydrolysates, consumer food behavior, and lamb color stability. His collaborative approach is evident in the wide range of co-authors across his publications, demonstrating engagement with both national and international research communities.
Helen Johnson is a Professor of Ocean and Climate Science at the University of Oxford's Department of Earth Sciences and a member of St Cross College. She serves as the Academic Convenor of the Oxford Climate Research Network (OCRN). Her research focuses on ocean circulation's role in the climate system, particularly in the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, using fluid dynamics, numerical models, and observations. She teaches courses on climate processes, climate change, and oceanography at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Education and Career: BSc in Physics and Meteorology from the University of Reading; PhD in Physical Oceanography from the same institution; postdoctoral work at the University of Victoria, Canada; Royal Society University Research Fellow (2005–2013); Associate Professor at the University of Oxford (prior to 2020); and Adjunct Professor at the University of Bergen, Norway (2014–2017). Research Interests: Johnson’s work combines theoretical approaches, numerical modeling, and field observations to study ocean dynamics. Her group explores processes like dense water formation, meridional overturning circulation, and Arctic/Atlantic interactions. They also investigate coral reef connectivity in the Indian Ocean and the impacts of climate change on oceanic systems. Publications Highlight Trends: Recent work emphasizes Arctic and North Atlantic circulation variability, climate model improvements, and coral reef connectivity. Key themes include subpolar gyre dynamics, wind-driven circulation changes, and the role of surface factors in ocean stratification. Awards: Recognized as a Royal Society University Research Fellow (2005–2013). Her research group actively engages in fieldwork, including oceanographic expeditions and ice studies. Advising and Labs: Leads a research group focusing on ocean-climate interactions. Collaborates with institutions globally, including the University of Bergen. Engages in interdisciplinary projects, such as climate communication through theater and STEM education initiatives. Labs/Teams: Active in the OCRN and collaborates with international groups on Arctic and Atlantic oceanography projects.
Christian Griebler is a Professor at the Faculty of Life Sciences in the Functional and Evolutionary Ecology department at the University of Vienna. His research focuses on microbial communities, groundwater ecosystems, and the impacts of climate change and urbanization on subterranean environments. He leads projects such as Management for Groundwater Sustainability in Urban Areas and Subterranean Ecosystems - Vertical Dimensions of Conservation , addressing challenges like groundwater quality, biodiversity preservation, and adaptation to climate change. Key research interests include microbial dynamics, ecosystem services provided by groundwater, and the vulnerability of subterranean species. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those addressing climate action, clean water, and biodiversity conservation. Recent publications highlight trends in groundwater warming, microbial community responses to environmental stressors, and the ecological significance of subterranean habitats. His findings underscore the need for policy frameworks to protect groundwater ecosystems, including guidelines for urban development and sustainable land use. Notable activities include public lectures on groundwater biodiversity and media engagements explaining his research. Collaborations span international teams studying groundwater biodiversity, viral ecology, and climate change impacts.
Ngoc T. Bui is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sustainable Chemical, Biological and Materials Engineering at the University of Oklahoma. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Connecticut (2014), an M.S. in Textile Engineering from Chonnam National University (2007), and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Organic Chemistry from HoChiMinh City University of Technology (Vietnam). His research focuses on the water-energy-environment nexus, developing advanced functional materials and membranes for sustainable separations, environmental remediation, and renewable energy applications. Dr. Bui's work integrates physics, chemistry, and engineering to study nanomaterials' physicochemical properties and their transport behaviors. His lab designs membranes and adsorbents from nanoscale building blocks, focusing on energy-efficient wastewater treatment from oil and gas industries and converting pollutants into valuable commodities. Key projects include bioinspired supramolecular complexes for heavy metal removal, carbon nanotube-based breathable protective fabrics, and adsorptive membranes for precision ion separation. His research outputs span over 30 peer-reviewed articles, patents on nanoporous membranes and adsorptive technologies, and contributions to textbooks like Desalination: Water from Water and Desalination 2nd Edition . Collaborations with Lawrence Berkeley and Livermore National Laboratories highlight his expertise in applied nanotechnology and sustainable engineering. Dr. Bui's lab emphasizes translational research through systems-level assessments, aiming to transform water, energy, and environmental landscapes. Current efforts include granulation technologies for nutrient recovery and fluidized-bed systems for industrial wastewater treatment.
Dr. Fan-Rui Meng is a Professor at the Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management, University of New Brunswick (UNB). He holds an adjunct professorship at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, China. His expertise spans hydrology, ecological modeling, watershed management, and climate change impacts. Dr. Meng earned his PhD in forest ecology from UNB and has held research leadership roles at institutions like the Noranda/Avenor and Bowater/Nexfor Forest Watershed Research Centres. He has extensive experience in soil conservation, GIS applications, and drone technology for environmental protection. Education: Bachelor and Master of Forestry Engineering, Northeast Forestry University, China PhD in Forest Ecology, UNB Research Interests: Hydrological processes in agricultural and forested watersheds Climate change adaptation in forest ecosystems Soil erosion and conservation strategies Integration of drone technology for environmental monitoring Carbon cycling in forest systems Modeling forest growth under climate projections Recent Research Trends: His recent work focuses on nitrate dynamics in agricultural watersheds, impacts of climate change on crop yields, and improving SWAT model accuracy through detailed land-use data. He has explored innovative methods for riparian zone mapping using UAVs and photogrammetry, emphasizing precision in environmental assessments. Awards: None explicitly listed in the provided texts. Grants & Advising: Dr. Meng has led numerous research projects but no specific grants or student advisees are mentioned. His work has been published in journals like Hydrological Processes , Journal of Hydrology , and Water Resources Management . Labs & Teams: He has directed research at the Noranda/Avenor and Bowater/Nexfor Forest Watershed Management Centres, focusing on applied ecological and hydrological research.
Dr Athanasios Angeloudis is a Reader (Associate Professor) and Director of Impact in the School of Engineering at the University of Edinburgh. He is affiliated with the Institute for Infrastructure and the Environment, leading research on hydro-environmental applications and offshore renewable energy systems. His academic roles include coordinating the Edinburgh Fluid Dynamics Group and serving as a member of NERC’s Peer Review College. Dr Angeloudis holds a PhD in Hydro-environmental Engineering (2014) and an MEng in Civil Engineering (2010) from Cardiff University. He is Chartered with the Technical Chamber of Greece (CEng) and a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers. His research focuses on environmental fluid mechanics, coastal processes, numerical methods, and data analytics. His teaching responsibilities include courses like Civil Engineering Hydraulics and Water Engineering Transport and Treatment . He has secured significant research funding, including the NERC Industrial Innovation Fellowship, and leads projects such as CoTide (tidal stream energy optimization) and ILIAD (maritime data services). Key research contributions span tidal energy systems, climate change impacts on river flows, and computational modeling frameworks like Thetis-SWAN . His work emphasizes collaboration with industry and international partners to advance sustainable energy solutions and environmental resilience.
