Mario Cupello

Mario Cupello is an Assistant Curator at Texas A&M University’s Insect Collection, affiliated with the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. in Entomology from the Federal University of Paraná (2022) and a Postdoctoral position at the same institution (2022–2023). His expertise spans the systematics and evolution of scarab beetles, curation of entomological collections, and field exploration. Dr. Cupello collaborates with Prof. John Oswald to manage over 3 million specimens, ensuring accessibility for researchers worldwide. He trains both undergraduate and graduate students in curatorial practices, emphasizing specimen preservation, database development, and collection management.

Educations:

• B.S. Biology (Zoology), 2009–2013, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
• M.Sc. Zoology, 2014–2016, National Museum, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
• Ph.D. Entomology, 2018–2022, Federal University of Paraná
• Postdoctoral Fellow, 2022–2023, Federal University of Paraná

Research Interests:

• Systematics and evolution of scarab beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea)
• Historical and theoretical foundations of systematics
• Biogeography and phylogenetic analysis of dung beetles
• Expansion and digitization of entomological collections
• Ecological impacts of deforestation on Amazonian invertebrates
• Promotion of Speciology as an integrative discipline

Collection Management: oversees specimen loans, database curation, and public engagement. His fieldwork spans Brazil and 40+ international museums, contributing to global biodiversity knowledge.

Labs/Teams: Integral member of TAMU Insect Collection, collaborating with institutions worldwide to advance entomological research and conservation.