Caleb Wilson

Caleb Wilson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Kentucky's Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. He leads the Wilson Lab, focusing on arthropod conservation and biological control in urban and forest ecosystems. His research emphasizes sustainable pest management strategies in urban landscapes, including understanding arthropod movement across vegetation layers and identifying plant traits that support natural enemies.

• Education:
  • PhD in Entomology, North Carolina State University (2022)
  • M.S. in Biology, Oakland University (2018)
  • B.S. in Environmental Sciences, University of Iowa (2016)
• Research Interests:
  • Insect conservation strategies in urban environments
  • Biological control via landscape ecology
  • Impact of urbanization on pollinators and arthropod communities

His lab investigates how urban landscapes function as ecosystems, linking arthropod communities across trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. Current projects explore scale insects on urban trees and the role of tree diversity in pest management. Advising includes M.S. students Zoë York and Ben Knowlton.

Notable collaborations include studies on emerald ash borer impacts and biological control via parasitoids and woodpeckers. The Wilson Lab’s work is supported by grants focused on ecological restoration and sustainable urban agriculture.

Future directions include expanding research on anthropogenic disturbance effects and optimizing tree diversification practices for pest management. The lab also engages in outreach to promote integrated pest management in urban settings.