Dr. Mahendra Bhandari is an Assistant Professor at Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Corpus Christi, affiliated with the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He holds a B.S. in Agriculture from Tribhuvan University (2011), an M.S. in Plant, Soil and Environmental Science from West Texas A&M University (2016), and a Ph.D. in Agronomy from Texas A&M University (2020). Affiliations: Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Roles: Lead researcher in Digital Agriculture, UAS-based phenotyping, and precision agriculture His research focuses on integrating remote sensing (UAS, satellite, ground sensors), big data analytics, and machine learning to improve crop management and breeding. Key areas include high-throughput phenotyping for cotton, corn, and sorghum; UAS data integration for crop yield prediction; and digital twin frameworks for in-season management. Collaborators include Dr. Juan Landivar-Bowles and Dr. Jinha Jung. Publications emphasize UAS applications in crop monitoring, yield estimation, and disease detection. His work bridges agronomic principles with emerging technologies to enhance agricultural resilience. Key Projects: UAS-based HTP system development Satellite-UAV data fusion for precision irrigation Mechanistic models for cotton yield forecasting Labs/Teams: Leads the Digital Agriculture research team at Texas A&M AgriLife, focusing on UAS innovation and AI-driven agricultural solutions.
Philippe Christe is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolution at the University of Lausanne (UNIL), Faculty of Biology and Medicine. His research centers on host-parasite interactions, with a focus on bats, birds, and their ectoparasites, integrating behavioral, physiological, and genetic approaches. He leads the Christe Group, which investigates evolutionary and ecological dynamics in host-parasite systems, particularly avian malaria and bat-mite relationships. He is actively involved in conservation initiatives, including the Jorat Peri-Urban Nature Park, and collaborates with KORA on human-wildlife interactions. Bachelor's degree in biology, UNIL (1989) PhD in Zoology and Animal Ecology, UNIL (1994) Philippe Christe’s research interests lie at the intersection of parasitology, evolutionary ecology, and conservation biology. He investigates how host defenses evolve in response to parasitic pressures, examining trade-offs between immunity and life history traits such as reproduction and survival. His work often integrates field studies with experimental and molecular techniques. Key model systems include Parus major (great tit) and Culex pipiens in avian malaria, and bat species with their ectoparasitic mites. He also explores broader ecological interactions, including predator-prey dynamics and wildlife conservation in human-modified landscapes. His recent publications reflect a strong emphasis on disease ecology, wildlife conservation, and molecular methods. Articles span topics such as avian malaria transmission, lynx population dynamics, snow leopard behavior, and habitat fragmentation effects on insects. These works employ advanced techniques like DNA metabarcoding, spatial modeling, and long-term monitoring, demonstrating a trend toward interdisciplinary, data-driven ecological research with direct conservation applications. Dubois Foundation Prize for an educational CD-Rom on bats (2004) Communication Award from the Faculty of Biology and Medicine of UNIL (2017) Philippe Christe has supervised numerous PhD and Master’s students, contributing significantly to training the next generation of ecologists and evolutionary biologists. His group collaborates widely with institutions such as the Museum of Zoology in Lausanne and KORA, and participates in large-scale conservation projects involving snow leopards, lynx, and bats. He has been involved in research grants related to host-parasite coevolution, wildlife monitoring, and conservation strategies. His leadership in establishing the Jorat Peri-Urban Nature Park and involvement in the UNIL Interdisciplinary Center for Mountain Research highlight his commitment to applied science and environmental stewardship. He leads the Christe Group, which conducts research on host-parasite coevolution, with a focus on bats and their ectoparasites, and birds affected by avian malaria. The group combines fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and molecular analyses, and includes post-docs, PhD students, and technical staff. Collaborations extend to researchers in Bern, Paris, and Spain, fostering an international and interdisciplinary research environment.
Christopher Conway serves as Associate Professor of Psychology at Fordham University's College of Arts and Sciences, where he directs the Bronx Personality (B-PER) Lab. His research investigates borderline personality disorder, anxiety, depression, and distress tolerance using experience sampling methods and longitudinal designs. The lab examines personality development across key transitions such as romantic breakups and financial strain. 2007 BS in Psychology and Spanish, Duke University 2009 MA in Clinical Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles 2013 PhD in Clinical Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles Conway's work centers on distress tolerance as a protective factor against self-injurious behaviors, momentary personality processes using ecological assessment, and the HiTOP consortium 's dimensional classification of psychopathology. His lab develops quantitative models linking personality dimensions to clinical outcomes, with emphasis on how stressors trigger symptom changes. Recent publications reveal neuroticism's specific association with broadband internalizing symptoms rather than narrowband anxiety or anhedonia. His publications demonstrate consistent focus on transdiagnostic mechanisms and dimensional classification systems . Key trends include validating the HiTOP framework across cultures, examining distress tolerance in substance use contexts across four continents, and developing within-person models of self-injury using registered report methodology. Professional affiliations include: Society for Research on Psychopathology Association for Psychological Science Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies Association for Research in Personality Conway advises multiple graduate students in the B-PER Lab and leads several active studies including MOMENT (Measuring Our Momentary Emotions and Negative Thoughts), DENEM (Daily Experiences of Negative Emotions), and READI (Responses to Emotions And Daily Interactions). His lab participates in the multinational Cross-cultural Addictive Behaviors Study examining distress tolerance across seven countries. All research materials follow open science principles through his OSF repository. The B-PER Lab maintains active research programs examining personality development through: 3-year longitudinal Multiyear Adult Personality Project (MAPP) Cross-cultural Addictive Behaviors Study (CABS) Daily emotion regulation projects using smartphone-based assessments
Christopher Lawson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry at the University of Toronto, affiliated with the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering. He serves as Principal Investigator of the Microbiome Engineering Lab and is part of BioZone – the Centre for Applied Bioscience and Bioengineering. His research focuses on engineering anaerobic microbiomes for resource recovery from waste streams using systems biology, synthetic biology, and machine learning approaches. B.A.Sc., M.A.Sc. (University of British Columbia) Ph.D. (University of Wisconsin-Madison) Postdoctoral Training (Berkeley Lab) Lawson's work addresses the challenge of controlling complex microbial interactions in engineered systems to enable scalable biotechnologies for renewable energy, chemicals, and materials. His lab develops high-throughput methods integrating automation and computational tools to optimize microbiome assembly and metabolic fluxes. Recent publications highlight advancements in metabolic modeling , isotope tracing , and systems-level analysis of anaerobic microbiomes, with applications in wastewater treatment , anammox granules , and bioenergy production . His research bridges fundamental microbiology with industrial-scale bioprocess engineering. Scientific Awards ISME/IWA BioCluster Rising Star Award (2022) Jacobs Engineering Group/AEESP Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award (2020) Wesley Eckenfelder Graduate Research Award (2019) WEF Canham Graduate Studies Scholarship (2018) NSERC Post-Graduate Scholarship – Doctoral (2014) Lawson actively mentors students and postdocs, emphasizing technical rigor, communication skills, and independence. His lab collaborates within BioZone and with industry partners to advance "team science" principles. Current projects focus on creating engineered microbiomes for commercial-scale waste valorization.
Ross Meentemeyer is a Professor and Director of the Center for Geospatial Analytics at North Carolina State University, affiliated with the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources in the College of Natural Resources. He holds a Ph.D. in Geography from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (2000) and a B.S. in Geography from the University of Georgia (1993). His research focuses on geospatial analytics, ecological forecasting, biological invasions, and forest health, with a strong emphasis on integrating geospatial data and modeling to address environmental challenges. Dr. Meentemeyer's work includes developing decision-support tools for pest management, climate adaptation, and land-use planning. Notable projects involve forecasting invasive species spread via international trade, creating open-source geospatial platforms, and modeling floodplain development risks. He collaborates extensively with federal agencies like USDA, DOI, and NPS to translate research into practical solutions. His grants include multi-million dollar NSF and USDA-funded initiatives addressing plant disease pandemics, agricultural pest threats, and geospatial infrastructure development. Key outcomes include the PAdb system for pandemic prediction and the FUTURES model for urbanization forecasting. He also leads efforts to enhance stakeholder engagement through participatory modeling tools like Tangible Landscape. Research contributions span 20+ years, with over 100 peer-reviewed articles on topics like viewscape modeling, river water dynamics, and wildfire-epidemic interactions. His work bridges ecological and social sciences, emphasizing actionable solutions for sustainable land management and climate resilience.
Lauren M. Lipner, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program at Long Island University (LIU) Post, within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. She holds a B.A. from Pennsylvania State University and earned her M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Adelphi University in 2020. Her academic and clinical training includes an APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship at Pennsylvania Hospital/University of Pennsylvania Health System, a clinical postdoctoral fellowship at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, and a research and teaching postdoctoral fellowship at Adelphi University. Her research focuses on psychotherapy process and outcome, with an emphasis on the development and repair of the therapeutic alliance. Key areas include alliance rupture resolution, factors contributing to premature treatment termination, and methodological approaches to measuring therapeutic dynamics. She has contributed extensively to the literature through peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and conference presentations. The most recent publications reflect a strong trend in advancing methodological rigor in studying alliance ruptures, utilizing control chart methods, single-case designs, and multi-method approaches. Her work bridges clinical practice with empirical research, particularly in cognitive-behavioral and integrative therapies for personality and anxiety disorders. Scientific awards and grants highlight her recognition in the field: Small Research Grant, Society for Psychotherapy Research (2021) Charles J. Gelso, Ph.D. Psychotherapy Research Grant, Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy (APA Division 29, 2023) Dr. Lipner has served as Principal Investigator on funded projects including 'The relationship between therapist flexibility, alliance rupture resolution, and premature treatment termination' and 'Reasons for dropout measure: Development and validation.' She is actively involved in professional organizations such as the American Psychological Association (Divisions 12 and 29), the Society for Psychotherapy Research, and the Society for the Exploration of Psychotherapy Integration. She regularly presents her research at national and international conferences, contributing to training and supervision literature, particularly in CBT and alliance-focused models. While no specific lab or research team is explicitly named in the text, her collaborative work with prominent researchers like Jeremy D. Safran, J. Christopher Muran, and Jacqueline P. Barber suggests active participation in a research network focused on psychotherapy process and integration. Her contributions to handbooks and case studies further indicate a strong commitment to clinical education and training.
Ferran Garcia-Pichel is a Regents Professor and Center Director at Arizona State University’s School of Life Sciences, affiliated with the Biodesign Center for Fundamental & Applied Microbiomics, Center for Biodiversity Outcomes, Water Institute, and Global Drylands Center. He holds a PhD in Microbiology from the University of Oregon (1999) and has been a faculty member at ASU since 1999. His research focuses on microbial adaptations in arid environments, including biogeochemical cycling, soil crust formation, and sustainable land restoration. Key interests include cyanobacterial sunscreen compounds (scytonemin), carbonate dissolution mechanisms, and hydrogen production. Teaching responsibilities include advanced microbiology, microbial ecology, and geomicrobiology courses such as MBB 495 Undergraduate Research and BIO 493 Honors Thesis. Awards span from the 2021 Regents Professor distinction to the 2023 Sperry Award for restoration science. His lab explores interdisciplinary approaches to study microbial communities in desert soils, marine intertidals, and atmospheric dust, with applications in climate resilience and biomedicine. Research highlights include biocrust restoration strategies, microbial nitrogen fixation networks, and the role of GABA/Glu signaling in spatial organization. Collaborations address global challenges like fugitive dust mitigation and carbon sequestration. The lab is based at the Biodesign Building B on ASU’s Tempe campus.
Min Chen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, affiliated with the Russell Labs. His research focuses on terrestrial ecosystem modeling, remote sensing applications, and human-Earth system interactions. He holds a PhD in Earth & Atmospheric Sciences from Purdue University, an MS in Remote Sensing and GIS from Beijing Normal University, and a BS in Computer Science from Beijing Normal University. His postdoctoral work included roles at the Carnegie Institution for Science and Harvard University. Research interests include forest carbon dynamics, methane emissions from wetlands, wildfire risk analysis, and the integration of remote sensing with Earth system models. His work emphasizes advancing methods for global-scale environmental monitoring using satellite and drone technologies. Notable contributions include studies on forest edge dynamics, vegetation-climate feedbacks, and the application of machine learning in ecological modeling. Recent publications highlight advancements in leaf trait prediction using transfer learning, global wetland methane flux modeling, and the impacts of climate change on land-use patterns. His lab develops innovative approaches to track terrestrial carbon cycles and assess human-driven environmental changes. Ongoing projects explore urban land expansion effects on carbon balances and phenological shifts under global change scenarios.
Ben Halpern is a Professor at the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management and Director of the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) at UC Santa Barbara. He holds a PhD in Ecology from UCSB and a BA in Biology from Carleton College. His research focuses on marine ecology and conservation planning, with expertise in cumulative impact assessments, marine reserves, and the Ocean Health Index. He has led global projects on ocean health, biodiversity threats, and sustainable aquaculture, collaborating with institutions worldwide. Notable roles include co-founding the Conservation Aquaculture Research Team (CART) and serving as a part-time Chair in Marine Conservation at Imperial College London (2013–2018). Research interests span marine biodiversity conservation, climate change impacts on ecosystems, and the integration of ecological and social data into policy. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to address environmental challenges, such as mapping wastewater impacts, evaluating aquaculture sustainability, and developing tools for marine spatial planning. Awards include the Smith Fellowship Program (sponsored by The Nature Conservancy) during his postdoctoral work. He teaches Bren School courses, mentors graduate students, and leads collaborative research teams. Current projects include analyzing climate change effects on aquaculture and advancing the Ocean Health Index framework to support global conservation efforts.
Gary M. Shaw is the Rosemarie Hess Professor and Professor (Research) at Stanford University , with courtesy appointments in the Department of Epidemiology and Population Health and Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology - Maternal Fetal Medicine . He serves as Co-PI of the March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center at Stanford and PI of the California Center for Finding Causes and Preventives of Birth Defects . His research focuses on the Epidemiology of birth defects Gene-environment interactions in perinatal outcomes Nutritional factors in reproductive health . He has developed machine learning approaches for precision parenteral nutrition and predictive models for preterm birth, while investigating persistent metabolomic signatures following hypertensive pregnancy disorders. Shaw's recent work explores Climate change impacts on reproductive health Maternal-fetal immune interactions Epigenetic mechanisms in perinatal disease with applications of multiomics to neonatal intensive care units. As a member of Bio-X and the Maternal & Child Health Research Institute , he contributes to translational research networks while serving as Associate Editor for Birth Defects Research and American Journal of Medical Genetics . He supervises Med Scholar Project student Richard Liang Doctoral co-advisor for Saskia Comess and Richard Liang Master's advisor for Lenae Joe while leading the Division of Neonatology as Associate Chair for Clinical Research (2012-2025). His laboratory work integrates Metabolomic profiling Proteomic analysis Computational modeling Machine learning for biomedical data to advance neonatal care through precision medicine approaches.
Anne Holland is Professor of Physiotherapy and Head of Respiratory Research at Monash University and Alfred Health in Melbourne, Australia. She is an NHMRC Leadership Fellow (2021–2025) and a Chief Investigator for the NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Pulmonary Fibrosis and the NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Treatable Traits. Her research focuses on supportive therapies for chronic respiratory diseases, particularly COPD and pulmonary fibrosis, with a strong emphasis on pulmonary rehabilitation, telerehabilitation, and ambulatory oxygen therapy. Her research interests include: Respiratory physiotherapy Pulmonary rehabilitation (home-based and low-cost models) Access to care for chronic lung disease Telerehabilitation and digital health Symptom management in interstitial lung disease Exercise training and physical activity promotion Her recent publications focus on symptom management, digital self-management tools, treatable traits models, and clinical trials in pulmonary fibrosis and COPD. The body of work reflects a strong trend toward patient-centered, accessible, and evidence-based interventions that improve quality of life and clinical outcomes in chronic respiratory conditions. Her major scientific awards include: Society Medal, Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (2021) European Respiratory Society Gold Medal for Allied Health Professionals (2022) NHMRC Investigator Fellow (Leadership 1) (2021) Fellow, Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (2019) American Thoracic Society Pulmonary Rehabilitation Assembly Award (2016) Anne Holland supervises PhD students and is actively involved in advising and grant leadership. She is the Primary Chief Investigator on major trials such as the PERFORM trial and the TAPPET trial, and she leads a multinational ambulatory oxygen trial for fibrotic lung disease. Her work is supported by NHMRC and international collaborations. She is also President of the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand, reflecting her leadership in the field. Anne leads the Holland Respiratory Care Research Group at Monash, which focuses on innovative models of care delivery, validation of remote monitoring tools, and improving patient self-management in chronic lung disease. The team collaborates widely across Australia and internationally, particularly in trials involving pulmonary rehabilitation and treatable traits.
Dr. Qin Li is an Assistant Professor of Genetics at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, affiliated with the Penn Institute for Immunology & Immune Health (I3H), the Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, and the Penn Center for Genomic Integrity. He earned his BS and PhD in Biological Science and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology from Peking University, followed by postdoctoral training at Stanford University. Education : BS (Peking University, 2009), PhD (Peking University, 2014) Dr. Li’s research focuses on the ADAR1-dsRNA-MDA5 axis, exploring how RNA editing mediates self/non-self discrimination in the immune system. His work connects RNA editing quantitative trait loci (edQTLs) to inflammatory disease heritability and develops computational/experimental tools for RNA editing and sensing. Recent publications highlight his contributions to understanding RNA editing’s role in autoimmune diseases, CRISPR-based regulatory principles, and novel RNA ligand engineering. He mentors PhD and Master’s students in Bioengineering, Cell and Molecular Biology, and related programs.
Prof. Dr. Florian Jeltsch leads the Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation research group at the Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Potsdam. His work spans multiple ecological domains with a focus on understanding biodiversity patterns and processes in changing environments. His research group investigates community ecology across various landscapes including grasslands, agricultural systems, and drylands. Dr. Jeltsch's research interests encompass Community Ecology of Grasslands and Agricultural Landscapes, Community Ecology of Drylands, Biodiversity in Heterogeneous Environments, Movement Ecology and Biodiversity Dynamics, and Applied Regional Conservation. His work integrates theoretical and empirical approaches to address pressing ecological questions related to global change. He has been instrumental in developing and applying individual-based models to understand complex ecological systems. Analysis of Dr. Jeltsch's recent publications reveals a strong focus on individual-based ecological modeling, movement ecology, and the impacts of landscape heterogeneity on biodiversity. His work spans from theoretical foundations to practical conservation applications, with particular emphasis on savanna ecosystems, habitat fragmentation effects, and climate change impacts. The research demonstrates integration of multiple scales from individual energetics to community dynamics. Dr. Jeltsch has mentored numerous doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers who have gone on to establish their own research careers. His group has been involved in multiple collaborative projects including BioHet, GrassYear, BioMove, and ORYCS, addressing biodiversity conservation in heterogeneous environments. The Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation group maintains active research stations including the Gülpe Research Station, providing field-based research opportunities. The group's work bridges theoretical ecology with practical conservation applications, particularly in the context of global environmental change.
Dr. Sonya Hanna is a Lecturer in Marketing at Bangor Business School, Bangor University. She holds a PhD in Strategic Place Brand Management (2011), an MBA in General Management, and an LLB (Hons) in Law. Her academic roles include Director of Postgraduate Marketing Programmes, Exam Board Chair, and membership in university committees like Athena SWAN. She developed the MA Management for Climate Change programme launching in 2025/2026. Her research explores place branding through interdisciplinary lenses, focusing on: Sustainable tourism and climate change impacts on geographical entities UNESCO World Heritage Sites management Destination image perception and brand personality Digital-era place branding strategies She serves on the management board of Bangor's 'Places of Climate Change' Research Centre and contributes to journal editorial boards. Her publications demonstrate consistent focus on place branding evolution, with recent work emphasizing sustainability and climate communication. Research trends show progression from theoretical brand models (2011-2013) to applied sustainability contexts (2020-2025). Awards & Recognition: Emerald Literati Outstanding Reviewer (2017) Best Paper in Track Award, Academy of Marketing (2012) Top downloaded article in European Management Review (2019-2022) CELT Associate Award (2016) Nominated for Teacher of the Year (2020) Supervision & Projects: Supervised PhD candidate Surbhi Jain to completion. Leads £19,446 BU-IIA project on sustainable tourism development at UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Secured multiple grants including £10,000 for plastic pollution research and £3,000 for destination image studies. Active in professional networks: Fellow of Higher Education Academy, Fellow of Academy of Marketing Science, and Scientific Committee member for International Place Branding Association.
Ruth Kanfer is a Professor of Psychology at the Georgia Institute of Technology's School of Psychology, specializing in adult learning, motivation, and career development. Her research addresses the impacts of technological advancements, demographic shifts, and global economic changes on work and career trajectories. She co-directs the PARK Lab, focusing on topics such as self-regulation in job search, motivational dynamics, and the psychology of workplace environments. Dr. Kanfer holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from Arizona State University and has contributed to seminal works on aging and workforce diversity. She is a Fellow of prominent organizations including the Academy of Management and the American Psychological Association, and has received prestigious awards such as the SIOP's William R. Owens Scholarly Achievement Award. Her research employs mixed-methods approaches, including experimental studies and large-scale field research. Key themes include adult learning efficacy, team-based motivation, and the design of workspaces to enhance employee well-being. Dr. Kanfer has led projects funded by the Sloan Foundation and the National Academy of Sciences, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration. Notable contributions include studies on the future of work, the role of future time perspective in career decisions, and the application of a 'whole-person' framework to adult learning. Her work has been published in journals like Journal of Applied Psychology and American Psychologist . She actively participates in professional committees, including the Sloan Research Network on Aging and Work and the National Academy of Sciences' How People Learn II initiative.
