Gregory T. Payne

Gregory T. Payne is a Professor of Biology and Director of the School of Field Investigations and Experimental Sciences at the University of West Georgia, where he has served for 30 years. He holds a Ph.D. in Entomology from Clemson University (1987), an M.S. from Clemson (1982), and a B.S. in Biology from Georgia College (1980). His postdoctoral training at Cornell University focused on insect biochemistry.

Education:

• B.S. Biology, Georgia College, 1980
• M.S. Entomology, Clemson University, 1982
• Ph.D. Entomology, Clemson University, 1987

Research Interests: Dr. Payne specializes in entomology, particularly insecticide resistance in agricultural pests like cotton, corn, and tobacco. His work informs pest control strategies and collaborates with academia, government, and industry. His research also extends to aquatic ecology, including watershed assessments, immune responses in fish, metal accumulation in aquatic insects, and pollinator conservation through apiaries and campus pollinator gardens.

Administrative Roles:

• Former Biology Program Coordinator
• Former Associate Dean of the College of Science and Mathematics
• Current Chair of the Department of Natural Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Physics)

Teaching: Teaches courses in Human Anatomy & Physiology, Entomology, Invertebrate Zoology, Toxicology, and Comparative Animal Physiology. Active in thesis supervision (e.g., BIOL-6999).

Labs/Teams: Oversees the Biology Program apiary and campus pollinator garden projects, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.