Science Associates / Specialization:
Nitrogen Cycle
Akihiro Koyama
Akihiro Koyama
Affiliation
Michigan State University
Location
East Lansing, Michigan, USA
Research Description
My research goal is to better understand plant-microbe interactions in the rhizosphere and their roles in ecosystem processes. Specifically, I want to study how interactions between plants and soil microbes shape ecosystem-level processes, such as nutrient cycling and plant community dynamics, across space and time, in response to changing environments.
specializations
biomes
Alfred Balenor Buernor
Alfred Balenor Buernor
Affiliation
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University
Location
Morocco
Research Description
My research is focused on understanding the microbial diversity and their drivers in ecosystems and how to preserve, protect and use them in sustainable agriculture.
specializations
biomes
Alija Bajro Mujic
Alija Bajro Mujic
Affiliation
California State University, Fresno
Location
Fresno, California, United States of America
Research Description
I am broadly interested in the systematics, evolutionary biology, and ecology of fungi. Specifically, I am fascinated by ectomycorrhizal symbioses and their influence on plant establishment, forest community structure, and ecosystem stability. I've recently been interested in identifying novel fungal secondary metabolites and their biomedical applications.
specializations
biomes
Andrew Elohim Laloo
Andrew Elohim Laloo
Affiliation
National University of Singapore
Location
Singapore
Research Description
My research interests lie in the role microorganisms play in nutrient cycling particularly of carbon and nitrogen in various ecosystems from peatlands to sediments and wastewater treatment systems.
specializations
biomes
Aslia Asif
Aslia Asif
Affiliation
National Chung Cheng University, Minxiong Taiwan
Location
Taiwan
Research Description
My research focuses on plant–soil–microbe interactions, exploring how arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), beneficial bacteria, and nematodes influence plant adaptation, nutrient uptake, and stress resilience. I integrate functional gene analysis, microbial ecology, and rhizosphere dynamics to understand multitrophic interactions and develop microbiome-based strategies for sustainable agriculture and ecological restoration.
specializations
biomes
Benjamin Narh-Madey
Benjamin Narh-Madey
Affiliation
University of Ghana
Location
Accra-Ghana
Research Description
My research delves into maize yield mechanisms, particularly the interplay between quantitative traits and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF). I use genetics, genomics, and computational methods to study how AMF colonization influences maize yield, especially in plants infected by maize streak virus (MSV).
specializations
biomes
Catalina Alicia Guerra León
Catalina Alicia Guerra León
Affiliation
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Location
Santiago, Chile
Research Description
Wroking on mycorrhiza control over SOM dynamics in mediterranean forests of Chile. Assessing the impact of increased relative abundance of EcM systems due to pine plantation for timber production and cellulose.
specializations
biomes
Chandra Man Rai
Chandra Man Rai
Affiliation
Utah State University
Location
Bhutan
Research Description
I am working on how environmental changes such as forest expansion or tree line movement impact the underground microbial communities and their role in ecosystem processes
specializations
biomes
Christopher Ngosong
Christopher Ngosong
Affiliation
University of Buea
Location
Buea Cameroon
Research Description
Understanding mycorrhizal ecology and it's implication in agro-ecosystem functioning. Inferring on the effect of farm management practices on mycorrhizal dynamics and productivity.
Re-engineering the rhizosphere microbiome with arbuscular mycorrhiza to improve crop performances. Overall, soil-plant-microbe-insect interactions.
specializations
biomes
David Johnson
David Johnson
Affiliation
The University of Manchester
Location
Manchester, UK
Research Description
Ecology of mycorrhizal fungi; Plant-soil interactions
specializations
biomes
Dr. Adriana L. Romero-Olivares
Dr. Adriana L. Romero-Olivares
Affiliation
New Mexico State University
Location
Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA
Research Description
Responses and adaptation of fungi to global climate change and impacts to biogeochemical cycles.
specializations
biomes
Dr. Krishna Saharan
Dr. Krishna Saharan
Affiliation
Agriculture University Jodhpur
Location
Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Research Description
At the Agriculture University of Jodhpur India, Krishna Saharan holds a dual role as an Assistant Professor and a Soil Microbiologist. Her studies are primarily concerned with the interactions between plant microorganisms (mycorrhiza fungi and plant growth-promoting rhizobacterua), the functional variety of PGPRs and AM fungi, and their field applications. Her research has shown important connections between the functions of agroforestry, soil biogeochemical cycle, mycorrhizae, mycology, bioinoculants, soil microbial ecology, fungal ecology, plant-microbe interactions, and agroforestry agriculture microbiology.
specializations
biomes
Dr. Nandkumar M. Kamat
Dr. Nandkumar M. Kamat
Affiliation
Goa University
Location
Mapusa, Goa, India
Research Description
Exploration of microbial diversity of Goa with special focus on actinobacteria, yeasts, basidiomycetes and wild edible mushrooms specifically Termitophilic agaricales in the state of Goa, India and along the Western Ghats
specializations
biomes
Dr. Valeria Faggioli
Dr. Valeria Faggioli
Affiliation
Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria
Location
Research Description
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in agroecosystems and natural lands
specializations
biomes
Fernando Casanova Lugo
Fernando Casanova Lugo
Affiliation
Tecnológico Nacional de México
Location
Mexico
Research Description
Estoy interesado en el estudio de las interacciones subterráneas en los agroecosistemas tropicales. En específico, me interesa conocer la contribución de las plantas y microorganismos a la respiración del suelo en diversos sistemas agroforestales tradicionales y su impacto en el cambio climático.
specializations
biomes
Guillaume Delhaye
Guillaume Delhaye
Affiliation
Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
Location
London, UK
Research Description
Diversity and distribution of ectomycorrhizal fungi, functional traits, forest dynamics, community ecology, biogeography, response of fungal communities to environmental changes.
specializations
biomes
g.delhaye@kew.org
Guillermo Bueno
Guillermo Bueno
Affiliation
Pyrenean Institute of Ecology
Location
Jaca, Spain
Research Description
I explore biotic interactions' impact on plant communities, focusing on mycorrhizal and rhizobial symbioses. My research investigates ecological responses to global changes, emphasizing plant mycorrhizal traits' distribution and their role in ecosystems. I employ various approaches to understand these dynamics across different spatial scales.
specializations
biomes
Haiyang Zhang
Haiyang Zhang
Affiliation
Hebei University
Location
Hebei China
Research Description
arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; plant-fungal interactions; biological nitrogen fixation; symbiosis; soil nutrient cycling and biogeochemistry
specializations
biomes
Jack Orebaugh
Jack Orebaugh
Affiliation
Oak Ridge National Lab
Location
United States
Research Description
Investigation of plant~fungal interactions centering around organic matter decomposition, stress response, and disturbance affects utilizing -Omics approaches, spectroscopy, and computational methods. The goal of my work is to understand how plant~fungal interactions impact ecosystem ecology and how we can scale up from lab to ecosystem scale.
specializations
biomes
Janey Lienau
Janey Lienau
Affiliation
Yale University
Location
New Haven, CT, USA
Research Description
My research investigates the roles of the soil food web (including fungi, microbes, and invertebrates) in ecological processes including nitrogen cycling, decomposition, and forest regeneration.
specializations
biomes
Laura Yahdjian
Laura Yahdjian
Affiliation
University of Buenos Aires, Facultad de Agronomia. IFEVA-CONICET
Location
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Research Description
My broad scale research interests focus on the effects of global change on both, natural and managed terrestrial ecosystems. My attention has concentrated on ecosystem-level issues such as sensitivity of grasslands to drought, consequences of livestock grazing on primary production and carbon storage, and effects of plant invasions on biodiversity. My field sites cover a range of natural and human modified ecosystems in the Patagonia and Pampas region of Argentina, where I am studying changes in biological soil crusts with grazing intensity and the impacts of nutrients in plant - soil biota interactions.
specializations
biomes
Louise Rütting
Louise Rütting
Affiliation
Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg
Location
Germany
Research Description
Overall research question is: how is the plant – soil nitrogen cycle in Montane cloud forest in Peru affected by lack of rain and clouds
1) Are plants and microbes in canopy soil and in ground soil N or P limited ? 2) Does drought by rain removal - decrease or increase gross N mineralization ?
3) and has stronger impact in the epiphytes N uptake than in ground-living herbs ?
specializations
biomes
Mark Worthing
Mark Worthing
Affiliation
Awinakola Foundation
Location
Coastal British Columbia
Research Description
Exploration of at-risk old growth forests and cultural keystone ecosystems in coastal rain-forests of British Columbia with an emphasis on Kwakwaka'wakw territories of Northern Vancouver Island and Southern Great Bear Rainforest.
specializations
biomes
Melina Rodríguez Badillo
Melina Rodríguez Badillo
Affiliation
Universidad Regional Amazónica IKIAM
Location
Tena, Ecuador
Research Description
I am a microbiologist and university researcher specializing in microbial diversity in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, emerging pathogens, and natural extracts with therapeutic potential. My focus is on the impact of microorganisms on health, biotechnology, agriculture, and the environment, combining applied research with innovative teaching.
specializations
biomes
Michael Sakha
Michael Sakha
Affiliation
Kenyatta University
Location
Kenyatta University main campus
Research Description
My research is on the role of arbuscular mycorrhiza on carbon cylces processes
specializations
biomes
Moses Ngugi
Moses Ngugi
Affiliation
Eberhard Karl University of Tübingen
Location
Germany
Research Description
Adapting grassland and agroecosystems to multiple concomitant biotic and abiotic stressors, with a special focus on sub-Saharan Africa. My research examines the role of belowground traits-root and rhizosphere strategies- particularly the plant 'outsourcing' nutrient acquisition strategy through mycorrhizal partners.
specializations
biomes
Muhammad Riaz
Muhammad Riaz
Affiliation
Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan
Location
Faisalabad, Pakistan
Research Description
Dr. Riaz works as a Professor in Environmental Science at Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan. His research interests include soil biogeochemistry, biochar for C sequestration, soil organic matter dynamics, soil quality and health indicators, organic waste cycling and recycling, nutrient and water use efficiencies in agroecosystems.
specializations
biomes
Mustafa Saifuddin
Mustafa Saifuddin
Affiliation
New York University
Location
New York, NY
Research Description
Decomposition, Soil Microbial Communities, Carbon Cycling, Nitrogen Cycling, Global Change, Environmental Justice
specializations
biomes
Naveen Dilawar
Naveen Dilawar
Affiliation
Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan
Location
Pakistan
Research Description
Potential of rhizospheric fungi to reduce copper and lead toxicity in Triticum aestivum L.
specializations
biomes
Nelly Jazmín Pacheco Cruz
Nelly Jazmín Pacheco Cruz
Affiliation
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Location
México
Research Description
Estudiante de doctorado. Especializada en la genética de la conservación de especies forestales en los bosques de la Sierra Juárez de Oaxaca, México. Interesada en los efectos del cambio climático y en las interacciones entre plantas y ecosistemas del suelo (hongos y bacterias).
specializations
biomes
Niloufar Hagh-Doust
Niloufar Hagh-Doust
Affiliation
University of Tartu
Location
Tartu, Estonia
Research Description
Niloufar Hagh Doust is an ecologist with a special interest in fungal ecology, forest ecology, community ecology, plant-microbe interactions, beneficial symbionts, climate change, and carbon & nutrient cycling. Her research mostly focuses on the ecology of plant-associated microbes (Especially fungi) and their potential benefits in forestry and agriculture.
specializations
biomes
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
Raphael Wangalwa
Raphael Wangalwa
Affiliation
Mbarara University of Science and Technology
Location
Mbarara, Uganda
Research Description
Research focuses on documenting the diversity and understanding the ecology and population dynamics of under explored organisms including mycorrhizal fungal communities of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, an Afromontane forest located in southwestern, Uganda.
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
Sarah Symanczik
Sarah Symanczik
Affiliation
Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL)
Location
Frick, Switzerland
Research Description
Scientists work in the Nutrient Management and Symbiosis group within the Soil Science Department at FiBL. My work focuses on understanding the effects of agricultural management practices and climate change on the structure and functioning of the soil microbiome and the use of biofertilizers in agriculture.
specializations
biomes
Thapelo Raseepho
Thapelo Raseepho
Affiliation
National University of Lesotho
Location
Roma Lesotho
Research Description
Soil fungus on carbon sequestration
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
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
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.
