Science Associates / Specialization:
Carbon Cycle
Pablo Cornejo
Pablo Cornejo
Affiliation
Escuela de Agronomía, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Chile
Location
La Palma, Quillota, Región de Valparaíso, Chile
Research Description
Biotechnology of Soil Microorganisms; Soil and Environmental Sciences; Soil bioremediation; Extremophiles; Climate change and sustainability; Plant physiology and nutrition; Food production; Tolerance to abiotic stresses; Rhizosphere engineering, Design of biofertilizers; Arbuscular Mycorrhizas; Soil Yeasts; Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria
specializations
biomes
Paul Thomas
Paul Thomas
Affiliation
University of Stirling
Location
Isle of Bute, Scotland
Research Description
My research is primarily focused on edible ectomycorrhizal species and how we can develop cultivation of these novel crops. Other topics include: the response of species to climate change, community assemblages, interaction/dependence between different species and the distribution of genetic material in time and space (eg. mycophagy interactions).
specializations
biomes
Peter Chatanga
Peter Chatanga
Affiliation
National UYniversity of Lesotho
Location
Maseru, Lesotho
Research Description
Peter’s expertise lies in Plant Ecology and Biodiversity and is particularly interested in studying the complex networks of relationships between organisms and their environment, and how these interactions shape community structure and organisation, as well as ecosystem functioning. His research focuses not only on understanding the factors that influence species composition, diversity and abundance in ecological communities, but also the processes that drive the distributions of species at both fine and coarse spatial scales, as well as temporally.
specializations
biomes
Rodica Pena
Rodica Pena
Affiliation
Transilvania University of Brasov, Romania
Location
Brasov, Romania
Research Description
My research has focused on beneficial plant-fungal interactions, particularly mycorrhizal symbiosis, the ecosystem services they provide, and the interaction of multiple abiotic or biotic factors on their efficiency in improving plant nutrition. Additionally, I seek to understand the functional diversity patterns of mycorrhizal fungal communities in temperate forests.
specializations
biomes
Sadhana Shukla
Sadhana Shukla
Affiliation
Manav Rachna International Institute of Research & Studies
Location
India
Research Description
My research focuses on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in soil carbon sequestration, plant growth, and ecosystem balance. I study fungal diversity in soil and air, with interests in medicinal plant pathology. I investigate mycorrhizal influence on soil biota, plant health, and immunity via elicitors and nutrient signaling.
specializations
biomes
Santiago Perez-Bernal
Santiago Perez-Bernal
Affiliation
FiBL
Location
Switzerland
Research Description
I'm a microbiologist working at the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) in Switzerland, focusing on biodiversity in urban environments. My background is in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) as biofertilizers within different cropping systems. I'm now exploring how fungi can support biodiversity and sustainable agriculture in urban areas.
specializations
biomes
Shaylan Kolodney
Shaylan Kolodney
Affiliation
University of Maryland
Location
Maryland, USA
Research Description
I am a PhD student of agroecology, particularly interested in the relationship between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, switchgrass cultivation practices, and soil carbon sequestration. My research focuses on how we can manage agroecosystems in the face of climate change symptoms, such as saltwater intrusion.
specializations
biomes
Snehanjana Chatterjee
Snehanjana Chatterjee
Affiliation
Texas Tech University
Location
Texas, USA
Research Description
My research is based on how arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi influence soil resource use economics of plants. I am interested in seeing how AMF is helping plants allocate soil resources such as nutrients and water when there is a shortage of the said resources in different ecosystems.
specializations
biomes
snchatte@ttu.edu
Stav Livne Luzon
Stav Livne Luzon
Affiliation
Weizmann Institute of Science
Location
Israel
Research Description
My research focuses on plant and fungal ecology, specifically examining ectomycorrhizal fungal community composition in Semi-arid and Arid forests. I utilize advanced molecular techniques like sequencing and DNA-SIP to study carbon transfer among trees. My work integrates basic ecology with eco-physiological processes, investigating belowground interactions and their impact on ecosystems.
specializations
biomes
stavl@weizmann.ac.il
Steven de Goede
Steven de Goede
Affiliation
Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW)
Location
Research Description
Effects of forest management and drought on forest soils, in particular the role of soil fungi in carbon cycling
specializations
biomes
Takem Ebangha Agbor Delphine
Takem Ebangha Agbor Delphine
Affiliation
Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation
Location
Yaoundé, CAMEROON
Research Description
As a researcher and Geospatial Analyst, I do a lot of mapping as daily routine and work in soil, climate and forest conservation projects,
specializations
biomes
tagbor2001@yahoo.ca
T. Bertie Ansell
T. Bertie Ansell
Affiliation
Stanford University
Location
California, USA
Research Description
I am interested in the molecular dialogue between plants, mycorrhizal fungi and bacteria during community formation. I apply electron tomography and light microscopy to study the structural organisation of community interactions during symbiosis and how the mechanisms of molecular transport inform our understanding of planetary health.
specializations
biomes
Thapelo Raseepho
Thapelo Raseepho
Affiliation
National University of Lesotho
Location
Roma Lesotho
Research Description
Soil fungus on carbon sequestration
specializations
biomes
Tijana Martinović
Tijana Martinović
Affiliation
Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia; Slovenian Forestry Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Location
Czechia
Research Description
Main research explores the environmental drivers of microbial community composition and functions in forest soils, including their adaptation to different forest management practices. Understanding microbial carbon utilization, particularly how these communities decompose organic matter and their role in the carbon cycle.
specializations
biomes
Trupti Sharma
Trupti Sharma
Affiliation
Wageningen University, The Netherlands
Location
Hyderabad, Telangana India
Research Description
I study AM fungi, ancient biotrophic fungi vital for plant nutrient uptake. Despite significance, their genetics remain elusive. I developed single nucleus isolation protocol to address this knowledge gap. Additionally, I explore mycorrhizal symbiosis in Parasponia-Trema, which parallels nodule symbiosis, to understand the evolution of symbiotic traits in plant-microbe relationships.
specializations
biomes
Urmila Mallick
Urmila Mallick
Affiliation
Yale University
Location
New Haven, Connecticut, USA
Research Description
My research explores the impacts of domestic and wild megaherbivores on mycorrhizal dynamics and ecosystem carbon balance in tropical and boreal systems. I apply methods across soil ecology, biogeochemistry, ecosystem ecology, and conservation biology to assess how animals mediate aboveground/belowground processes and can be incorporated into nature-based climate solutions.
specializations
biomes
Vatsala Koul
Vatsala Koul
Affiliation
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), New Delhi, India
Location
New Delhi, India
Research Description
I am a Microbial Geneticist, working to unravel plant-microbe interactions in the rhizosphere. Our team has successfully harnessed native, beneficial microbial interactions in soil and developed a functionally advanced Mycorrhiza Biofertilizer. This commercial product exploits the Mycorrhiza and its associated biofilm-forming bacteria to enhance crop yield and soil health .
specializations
biomes
Walter Huaraca Huasco
Walter Huaraca Huasco
Affiliation
University of Oxford and National University of Saint Anthony the Abad in Cuzco
Location
Cusco, Peru
Research Description
Horizontal and vertical precipitation effect on above-belowground carbon cycle and microbial community in upper montane forests
specializations
biomes
Yazhini Gunasekaran
Yazhini Gunasekaran
Affiliation
Vanavarayar Institute of Agriculture
Location
Tamil Nadu, India
Research Description
My research interests lie at the intersection of soil carbon dynamics, nutrient cycling, and plant-microbe interactions. I aim to elucidate the intricate relationships between soil organic matter, nutrient availability, and microbial communities to enhance our understanding of ecosystem functioning and resilience in the face of environmental change.
