Dr. Corey T. Callaghan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at the University of Florida . Based at the Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center , his research focuses on global change ecology using big data from citizen science platforms like eBird and iNaturalist, combined with geospatial analyses and macroecological theory . Ph.D. (2019) from UNSW Sydney M.S. (2015) from Florida Atlantic University B.S. + B.S. (2013) from Canisius College His work examines urban ecology , including how species traits influence urban tolerance across birds, amphibians, and butterflies. He develops adaptive sampling frameworks to optimize citizen science data collection while addressing biases. Current projects analyze human-nature interactions through citizen science participation, secondary data in photographs, and machine learning for biodiversity monitoring. He actively contributes to conservation strategies for urban biodiversity and data-driven restoration efforts . Recent publications highlight his expertise in cross-taxa comparisons , continental-scale analyses , and ecosystem service quantification . He leads the Global Ecology Research Group at the University of Florida, emphasizing collaborative science and open-source methodologies .
Simone D. Castellarin is a Professor in the Department of Applied Biology at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Land and Food Systems, and holds the Canada Research Chair Tier 2 in Viticulture. His research focuses on the molecular and physiological mechanisms governing berry ripening and composition in grapes, blueberries, and raspberries, with emphasis on genomic regulation under environmental stressors like heatwaves and drought. PhD in Plant Biology from the University of Udine (2007) Postdoctoral training at Hochschule Geisenheim University and University of California Davis Research areas include terpene biosynthesis, jasmonate signaling, cuticular wax dynamics, and agronomic strategies for climate change mitigation. Key projects involve remote sensing for vineyard zoning , hormone application effects , and genetic studies of berry quality traits . His work spans collaborations with industry bodies like the BC Wine and Grape Council and academic partners including the Cantu Lab at UC Davis. Recent publications highlight genomic analyses of terpene synthases, water deficit impacts on metabolites, and postharvest quality assessments. Awards include the 2009 Rudolf Hermanns Prize for viticultural research. He supervises numerous PhD and Master's students, and leads the Castellarin Lab at UBC's Wine Research Centre.
Christian FISCH is an Associate Professor in Business Economics and Entrepreneurship at the University of Luxembourg's Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT). His research focuses on the intersection of entrepreneurship with digital technologies, venture finance, and socio-cultural influences. Key areas include blockchain-based financing mechanisms (e.g., ICOs), the psychological and digital identity aspects of entrepreneurs, and the impact of environmental/climate factors on entrepreneurial activity. He has published extensively in top journals, addressing topics such as B Corp certification signaling effects, venture capital decision-making, and the paradox of technology adoption among SMEs. His work spans both theoretical contributions (e.g., extending Schumpeterian frameworks) and applied analyses (e.g., post-pandemic entrepreneurial resilience). FISCH collaborates with global institutions, leveraging mixed-methods approaches including digital trace analysis from platforms like Twitter to study investor behavior and entrepreneurial traits. He has no listed awards but maintains active research agendas in decentralized finance, climate entrepreneurship, and cross-cultural entrepreneurial motivations. Professional activities include editorial roles in entrepreneurship journals and advising on innovation policy. His research often addresses emerging trends such as NFTs in creative industries, DAO governance structures, and the role of trademarks/patents in regional innovation ecosystems.
Maria Timofeeva is an Associate Professor in the Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography (EBB) department at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), with additional affiliation at the Danish Institute for Advanced Study (DIAS). She holds an Honorary Fellow position at the University of Edinburgh since December 2019. Her research focuses on cancer prevention and prediction, particularly studying the effects of environmental and genetic factors on cancer risk and progression. Dr. Timofeeva earned her Dr.sc.hum in Epidemiology from Heidelberg University (2005-2009), with a dissertation on genetic polymorphisms as risk factors for early onset lung cancer. Prior to her current position, she worked as a Statistical Geneticist at the University of Edinburgh (2013-2019) and as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (2009-2013). Her research interests center around understanding the genetics of cancer risk through multi-omic analysis. She leads several significant projects, including the Interdisciplinary Project on Adherence to Colorectal Cancer Screening, meta-analysis of factors associated with false-positive and false-negative FOBT results (registered in PROSPERO ID: CRD42022315767), and the COlorectal Cancer screening Among RElatives (CoCARE) twin-family study in Denmark. Her methodological expertise spans observational epidemiological studies (case-control, population-based cohort studies, twin studies), meta-analysis, umbrella reviews, and multi-omics data analysis. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on colorectal cancer genetics, with particular emphasis on genome-wide association studies, Mendelian randomization approaches, and trans-ancestry analyses. Her work frequently leverages large datasets including the UK Biobank and international consortia, with applications in cancer risk prediction and understanding gene-environment interactions. Dr. Timofeeva has an extensive publication record with 73 publications listed in her profile. Her research has been cited across multiple platforms, with mentions in news outlets, social media, and academic readership platforms like Mendeley. She is actively involved in academic service, serving as a peer reviewer for journals including BMC Cancer and Scientific Reports, and participating in conferences such as the 26th Nordic Congress of Gerontology. She also serves on evaluation committees, including with the World Cancer Research Fund International (April-May 2024). Her teaching activities include courses on evidence-based drug utilization and biostatistics, as well as supervision of research projects on gene expression in twins. Dr. Timofeeva has engaged with the public through media contributions, including an interview titled 'Jeg vil forstå, hvorfor vi får kræft' (November 15, 2021), where she discussed understanding why we get cancer.
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.
Dr. Jason Gibbs is an Associate Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences. He also serves as the Curator of the J. B. Wallis / R. E. Roughley Museum of Entomology (WRME), a significant center for the study of bee biodiversity. His work is central to advancing knowledge in wild bee systematics, phylogenetics, and conservation. PhD in Biology, York University, Canada MSc in Botany, University of Toronto, Canada BSc in Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Canada His research focuses on the diversity, taxonomy, and conservation of wild bees , particularly halictid and panurgine bees. He employs integrative taxonomic approaches , combining morphological, molecular, and ecological data to resolve species boundaries and evolutionary relationships. His work extends to pollinator ecology , examining how habitat management, agricultural practices, and landscape changes affect bee communities and pollination services. He is deeply involved in bee conservation , including the rediscovery of rare species and the development of habitat strategies to support pollinators in human-modified landscapes. The trends in his recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on systematics and alpha-taxonomy , with numerous revisions of bee genera and checklists of regional faunas. He frequently uses DNA barcoding and phylogenomics to address taxonomic challenges. Additionally, his work explores pollination dynamics in agricultural systems , particularly in blueberry and other crops, assessing the roles of wild versus managed bees. There is a consistent theme of habitat enhancement and conservation across his research, with studies on floral strips, prairie restoration, and the impacts of land-use change. Dr. Gibbs is actively involved in mentoring and training the next generation of entomologists. His lab includes several graduate students and highly qualified personnel who contribute to his diverse research projects, as indicated by the asterisked names in his publications. He leads the Gibbs Wild Bee Lab, which is dedicated to understanding bee diversity and evolution. The lab combines field research with molecular and morphological analyses, and maintains close ties with the WRME museum, which serves as a vital resource for specimen-based research and education.
Xihong Lin is a Professor of Statistics at Harvard University and a Professor of Biostatistics at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. She is a distinguished academic, holding membership in both the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Medicine. Her research focuses on scalable statistical inference for big data, statistical machine learning, causal inference, and integrative data analysis, with applications in genomics, public health, and precision medicine. Lin’s work addresses challenges in analyzing large-scale genomic and multi-ancestry data, including methods for rare variant association testing, ancestry-adjusted sample analysis, and scalable computing frameworks. Her contributions span biobank studies (e.g., UK Biobank, TOPMed) and clinical applications in lung cancer, cardiovascular health, and smoking cessation. Her scientific awards reflect her leadership in statistical genetics and public health. Key research trends include leveraging single-cell sequencing for functional genomics, developing ensemble machine learning methods for health subtyping, and enhancing polygenic risk prediction across diverse populations. Lin’s methodologies prioritize interpretability and scalability, enabling impactful analyses of complex observational and genomic datasets. Awards: Member, National Academy of Sciences; Member, National Academy of Medicine Her grants and advising efforts focus on interdisciplinary collaborations, bridging statistics, AI, and domain sciences. Lin leads initiatives to improve genomic data management and ethical use of federated data (e.g., FADI framework). She is affiliated with labs advancing statistical genetics and cloud-based workflows (e.g., STAAR workflow).
Dr. Zhaohai Li Professor of Statistics at George Washington University, specializing in statistical methodologies for genetic epidemiology and clinical biostatistics. His research focuses on meta-analysis techniques, empirical Bayes methods, and population-based study designs. He has contributed extensively to improving statistical approaches in clinical trials and addressing challenges in genetic association studies. Education: Ph.D. in Statistics, Columbia University, 1989 Research Interests: His work addresses critical issues in modern biostatistics including: Population stratification in genetic studies Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium testing Optimal experimental design for case-control studies Handling missing data in genetic linkage analysis Development of robust statistical tests for complex survey data Publications Overview: Dr. Li's recent work emphasizes methodological advancements in: Bayesian approaches to population genetics Meta-analytic frameworks for combining study results Statistical solutions for multi-stage clinical trials Algorithmic improvements for genome-wide association analyses Professional Contributions: His articles consistently address practical challenges in biomedical research, bridging theoretical statistics with real-world genetic and clinical applications.
Dr. Anna De Simoni is a Clinical Associate Professor in Primary Care Research at Queen Mary University of London. She specializes in improving self-management and adherence to medications for patients with long-term conditions, particularly asthma and stroke. She co-leads the Centre for Primary Care and leads the AD-HOC NIHR Programme Grant, focusing on digital social interventions and online peer support systems. Her research integrates network science, big data analytics, and computational social science to enhance primary care outcomes. Education: MBBS (Medicine), PhD in Neurophysiology (University of Milan), followed by postdoctoral fellowships at UCL and the University of Cambridge. She holds NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowship and Lectureship awards, and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and a Member of the Royal College of General Practitioners (MRCGP). Research Interests: Digital health interventions, medication adherence strategies, primary care after stroke/TIA, domestic violence in healthcare settings, and patient engagement in online communities. She employs mixed-methods approaches including systematic reviews, qualitative studies, and computational analyses. Key Awards: EU Marie Curie Individual Fellowship (2010-2012), NIHR Academic Clinical Lectureship (2013-2016). Current roles include co-leadership of the Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research (AUKCAR) and supervision of postgraduate students in MSc/PhD programs. Grants and Projects: AD-HOC NIHR Programme Grant, PAM Programme on Adherence to Medication, TEAM-care project on asthma management. Collaborations include industry partners and charities to develop scalable digital solutions for chronic disease management. Labs/Teams: Clinical Effectiveness Group at Queen Mary, Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research (AUKCAR).
Guanghao Qi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biostatistics at the University of Washington. His research focuses on developing statistical and machine learning methods for multi-omics approaches in genetic studies, particularly integrating single-cell RNA-seq, GWAS, and functional genomic data. Key areas include single-cell eQTL analysis, Mendelian randomization, and multi-trait genetic association analyses. Education: PhD in Biostatistics from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (2020), BS in Mathematics from Fudan University (2015). Research interests emphasize high-dimensional data analysis, allele-specific expression in single cells, and causal inference using genetic variants. Notable achievements include a 2025 NIH K01 award for developing methods to integrate single-cell eQTL and GWAS data, and the development of the TWiST method for single-cell transcriptome-wide association studies. Recent work highlights advancements in computational tools like SURGE for context-specific genetic regulation analysis, and evaluations of Mendelian randomization methods in studies of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. His work often bridges computational biology and statistical theory to address challenges in interpreting large-scale genomic datasets. Awards: NIH K01 Award (2025) Key Contributions: TWiST method (2025), SURGE framework (2024), HIPO power optimization (2018) Labs/Teams: Active collaborations in genomic epidemiology and statistical genetics, with a focus on single-cell multi-omics integration and causal inference methodologies.
Vahe Permzadian is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological Science at Missouri University of Science and Technology, where he has been employed since 2020. Prior to this position, he served as a Lecturer of Management in the School of Business and Economics at the State University of New York at Plattsburgh for one year. His academic background includes a Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from the University at Albany, State University of New York. Education Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from University at Albany, State University of New York M.A. in Experimental Psychology from Brooklyn College, City University of New York B.A. in Psychology from Queens College, City University of New York Research Interests Dr. Permzadian's research focuses on three key domains: adjustment and socialization of organizational newcomers, goal setting and motivation in work and achievement settings, and scholarship of teaching and learning. His work bridges industrial-organizational psychology with educational psychology, examining how psychological principles apply to both workplace and academic settings. He has conducted extensive research on assessment formats, open educational resources, and the relationship between personality traits and performance outcomes, with particular attention to motivational processes and their impact on individual achievement. Publication Trends Dr. Permzadian's recent publications show a strong methodological emphasis on meta-analyses and systematic reviews examining educational interventions and psychological processes. His work spans both organizational psychology (focusing on workplace motivation, social efficacy, and personality) and educational psychology (focusing on student learning, assessment formats, and educational resources). A notable trend is his investigation of how test formats (closed-book vs. open-book) affect learning outcomes, as well as the impact of open educational resources on student achievement, reflecting his commitment to evidence-based educational practices. Teaching Dr. Permzadian has taught a comprehensive range of courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels since 2013, including Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Organizational Psychology, Principles of Statistics, Psychology of Personality, Introduction to Psychology, Principles of Management and Organizational Behavior, Human Resource Management, and Training and Development. His teaching portfolio demonstrates expertise across core psychology domains and business applications, with many courses taught repeatedly over multiple years, indicating established curriculum development and instructional expertise.
Professor Owen Lewis is a Professor of Ecology and Tutorial Fellow at Brasenose College, University of Oxford. His research focuses on community ecology and conservation biology, particularly in tropical rainforests, emphasizing biodiversity maintenance, species interactions, and climate change impacts. He holds an MA (Oxford) and PhD (Leeds) and has led the Ecology and Conservation Section in the Department of Biology since 2007. His teaching includes ecology, entomology, and conservation biology across undergraduate years, alongside supervising fourth-year research projects. Lewis organizes annual tropical field courses in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. His research explores insect-driven ecosystems, invasive species, and human-ecosystem interactions. Notable contributions include studies on parasitoid communities under climate change, ant invasion dynamics, and seed predation in tropical forests. He leads the Community Ecology Research Group, collaborating internationally on biodiversity conservation and ecosystem functioning. His work integrates field experiments, molecular analyses, and ecological modeling to address global environmental challenges. Education: MA in Biological Sciences, St. Hugh's College, Oxford PhD in Population Ecology of Butterflies, University of Leeds Research Interests: Tropical biodiversity, insect-plant interactions, climate change effects, and conservation strategies in modified ecosystems. He prioritizes functional and community-level approaches to understand ecosystem resilience. Publications: Over 100 peer-reviewed articles, with recent focus on experimental climate impacts, food web structures, and invasive species effects. His work bridges theoretical and applied ecology, influencing conservation policies. Awards & Grants: Not explicitly listed, but his leadership roles and extensive publications suggest recognition in ecological research. Advising & Grants: Supervises undergraduate and postgraduate students, coordinates field courses, and secures grants for tropical research. Collaborates with institutions like the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and the Natural History Museum (London). Labs & Teams: Heads the Community Ecology Research Group, focusing on tropical forest biodiversity, functional ecology, and conservation biology. The group’s website highlights ongoing projects and international collaborations.
Bao-Zhu Yang is a Researcher at Yale School of Medicine , specializing in the Department of Psychiatry . With a PhD from University at Albany (2001), his work focuses on genetic mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders. Positions: Research Scientist in Psychiatry Labs: Gelernter Lab, Division of Human Genetics His research explores gene-environment interactions , admixture mapping , and comorbid substance use-depression using linkage/association methods. Supported by NIH K01 funding, he investigates genetic bases for conditions including childhood depression , alcoholism , and PTSD . Recent publications highlight: Microbiome studies in methamphetamine use disorder (2023-2025) Genetic polymorphism analyses in NGF and GABAergic pathways (2020-2024) Network approaches to nicotine-alcohol comorbidity (2019) Epigenetic research on child maltreatment effects (2020) Scientific Recognition: Young Investigator Award (2011) from NARSAD Brain and Behavior Research Foundation Active grant support includes NIH K01 career development award for gene-mapping in comorbid disorders. Collaborates with leading researchers including Joel Gelernter and Hongyu Zhao across 30+ joint publications. His work spans 15+ years with recent focus on integrative -omics approaches to addiction psychiatry. Based at 300 George St, New Haven, CT , Yang's laboratory work involves genetic epidemiology , transcriptomic integration , and neurogenetic mapping of substance use disorders.
Professor Christian Biener is a faculty member at the University of St. Gallen, affiliated with the School of Economics and Political Science and the Department of Economics. His research focuses on insurance economics, behavioral economics, and risk management, with particular emphasis on topics like cyber risk, microinsurance, health insurance design, and the societal impacts of emerging technologies such as chatbots and telematics. He holds a prominent role in academic and industry discourse through his extensive publication record and contributions to policy-relevant research. Biener’s work bridges theoretical economic analysis with practical applications, addressing challenges in global insurance markets, pandemic response strategies, and the interplay between technological innovation and human behavior. His research has explored how factors like microbiome composition influence economic decision-making, the ethical implications of contact-tracing apps, and the design of effective reinsurance strategies. He actively engages with industry trends, advising on future skills requirements in reinsurance and the balance between privacy and risk hedging in digital environments. His scholarly output spans over a decade, with recent trends emphasizing behavioral aspects of insurance decisions, the impact of global events on healthcare costs, and the transformational role of technology in insurance products. Biener’s articles consistently analyze both micro-level individual decision-making and macro-level market dynamics, offering insights that inform both academic theory and policy formation. While no formal awards are explicitly mentioned, his prolific publication record and institutional affiliation suggest significant recognition within the field. Biener’s work often incorporates experimental methodologies, such as randomized controlled trials, to empirically validate theoretical models. He collaborates across disciplines, integrating insights from psychology, computer science, and public health into his economic analyses. Biener’s current research agenda includes investigating the insurability of novel risks (e.g., cyber threats), optimizing microinsurance programs in emerging markets, and analyzing non-cognitive skills’ role in post-crisis economic recovery. He leads projects at the Institute for Economics (IVW) at HSG, contributing to both academic and applied research initiatives.
Guillaume Bourque is a Professor in the Department of Human Genetics at McGill University's Faculty of Medicine. He serves as an Investigator at the Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine and as the Scientific Director of the Canadian Centre for Computational Genomics (C3G). His laboratory is based at 740 Dr Penfield Ave, Room 6103, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H3A 1A4, where he leads research in computational genomics and bioinformatics. Professor Bourque's research focuses on understanding mammalian genomes using comparative genomic and epigenomic analyses. His lab investigates the evolution of regulatory sequences , the role of transposable elements in gene regulation , and the impact of genome rearrangements in evolution and cancer . His team develops computational methods and resources for the functional annotation of genomes with special emphasis on sequencing-based assays including ChIP-seq, RNA-Seq, exome- and whole-genome sequencing, and single-cell analysis. The lab's work involves examining billions of DNA base pairs to interpret how variation impacts basic biology and disease. Recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate Bourque's leadership in pangenome graph construction , transposable element analysis , epigenomic profiling , and cancer genomics . His work spans multiple disciplines from basic genome evolution to clinical applications in cancer and infectious disease. Notable projects include the development of tools like DeepPolisher for genome assembly polishing and contributions to understanding the genomic basis of long COVID. Bourque's laboratory is actively recruiting postdocs and graduate students with backgrounds in programming or statistics. The lab emphasizes quantitative approaches to biology, requiring applicants to have experience in quantitative biology as a plus. His collaborative work extends across multiple institutions and international consortia, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of modern genomic research.
