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Dr. Jason Gibbs is an Associate Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences. He also serves as the Curator of the J. B. Wallis / R. E. Roughley Museum of Entomology (WRME), a significant center for the study of bee biodiversity. His work is central to advancing knowledge in wild bee systematics, phylogenetics, and conservation. PhD in Biology, York University, Canada MSc in Botany, University of Toronto, Canada BSc in Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Canada His research focuses on the diversity, taxonomy, and conservation of wild bees , particularly halictid and panurgine bees. He employs integrative taxonomic approaches , combining morphological, molecular, and ecological data to resolve species boundaries and evolutionary relationships. His work extends to pollinator ecology , examining how habitat management, agricultural practices, and landscape changes affect bee communities and pollination services. He is deeply involved in bee conservation , including the rediscovery of rare species and the development of habitat strategies to support pollinators in human-modified landscapes. The trends in his recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on systematics and alpha-taxonomy , with numerous revisions of bee genera and checklists of regional faunas. He frequently uses DNA barcoding and phylogenomics to address taxonomic challenges. Additionally, his work explores pollination dynamics in agricultural systems , particularly in blueberry and other crops, assessing the roles of wild versus managed bees. There is a consistent theme of habitat enhancement and conservation across his research, with studies on floral strips, prairie restoration, and the impacts of land-use change. Dr. Gibbs is actively involved in mentoring and training the next generation of entomologists. His lab includes several graduate students and highly qualified personnel who contribute to his diverse research projects, as indicated by the asterisked names in his publications. He leads the Gibbs Wild Bee Lab, which is dedicated to understanding bee diversity and evolution. The lab combines field research with molecular and morphological analyses, and maintains close ties with the WRME museum, which serves as a vital resource for specimen-based research and education.

• Entomology
• Wild Bee Taxonomy
• Integrative Taxonomy
• +13 more

Felix Sperling is a Professor in the Biological Sciences Department at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Science. His research focuses on insect systematics, evolution, and biodiversity, with a particular emphasis on Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) and Coleoptera (beetles). He leads the Sperling Lab, which integrates molecular genetics, morphological analysis, and computational tools to study speciation, phylogenetics, and conservation. Current projects include investigating mountain pine beetles, spruce budworms, and swallowtail butterflies, with applications to pest management and biodiversity preservation. Courses taught include BIOL 335 (Principles of Systematics), ENT 327 (Terrestrial Arthropod Diversity), and ENT 527 (Advanced Terrestrial Arthropod Diversity). His lab trains students in taxonomy and genomics, with recent alumni including Leah Jackson (MSc 2024), Oksana Vernygora (PhD 2020), and Victor Shegelski (PhD 2020). The lab’s work frequently involves collaborations with museums and conservation agencies, leveraging natural history collections and genomic data to address ecological and evolutionary questions. Notable achievements include groundbreaking studies on species delimitation in butterflies and beetles, as well as the development of interactive tools for taxonomic analysis. The lab has also contributed to understanding the genetic basis of dispersal in forest pests like the mountain pine beetle.

• Insect Systematics
• Evolutionary Biology
• Biodiversity Conservation
• +7 more

Dr. Jonathan Davies is an Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Forestry, with dual affiliations in the Department of Botany and Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences. His research focuses on phylogenetic ecology, integrating evolutionary biology with ecological systems to address biodiversity conservation and climate change challenges. Academic Rank: Associate Professor Departments: Botany; Forest and Conservation Sciences Research Center: Biodiversity Research Center Email: j.davies@ubc.ca Research Interests : At the intersection of ecology and evolution, Davies' work explores phylogenetic approaches to conservation science, climate change biology, and disease ecology. His lab investigates: Climate change impacts on biodiversity and disease emergence Phylogenetic dilution effects in forest pest dynamics Evolutionary patterns in plant-herbivore interactions Statistical methods for phylogenetic analysis Global biodiversity patterns and diversification rates Eco-phylogenetics of protected area effectiveness

• Phylogenetic Ecology
• Applied Conservation Science
• Ecosystems and Climate Change
• +4 more

Gerhard J. Gries is a Professor and NSERC-Industrial Research Chair in Multimodal Animal Communication Ecology in the Department of Biological Sciences at Simon Fraser University. His research focuses on insect, spider, and tick communication ecology, emphasizing semiochemical, sonic, visual, infrared, and bacterial signals, as well as pest management solutions. The Gries Lab collaborates with industry partners (e.g., BASF Canada, Scotts Canada) to develop eco-friendly pest control strategies. The lab’s facilities include analytical chemistry labs, electrophysiology setups, and advanced imaging systems. Research Themes: Animal communication, chemical ecology, pest behavior, and multimodal signaling. Funding: NSERC-IRC, industrial partnerships. Key research interests include understanding how pests like mosquitoes, ants, and spiders use environmental cues and developing sustainable control methods. The lab has trained numerous students (over 100 undergraduates and graduates) and published extensively in entomology and ecology journals. Notable achievements include the 2004 NSERC-IRC award, which supports industry-academic collaboration for triple-win outcomes: scientific advancement, societal benefits, and industrial innovation. The lab’s work on spider-ant interactions and insect pheromones has gained media attention (e.g., NewScientist, National Geographic). Lab facilities include gas chromatography, thermal imaging, and sound/vibration analysis tools, enabling cutting-edge research. Future work focuses on expanding eco-friendly pest solutions and exploring insect communication systems.

• Animal Communication Ecology
• Insect Behavior
• Chemical Ecology
• +3 more

Jana Vamosi is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Calgary and Assistant Director of the Herbarium. She holds a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Simon Fraser University (1996) and a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution from the University of British Columbia (2001). Her research focuses on biodiversity conservation, particularly Canada’s plant species, with an emphasis on identifying extinction hotspots and understanding climate change impacts. She leads initiatives integrating macroevolutionary and community ecology perspectives to study plant-insect interactions and phylogenetic risks of extinction. Her teaching includes courses such as PLBI 541 Taxonomy of Seed Plants and PLBI 327 Systematics and Diversity of Plants . Her work bridges ecological and evolutionary scales, addressing topics like pollination networks, plant reproductive strategies, and the role of herbarium data in conservation. Recent studies highlight pollinator dependency, climate-driven phenology shifts, and polyploid resilience to environmental changes. Her lab collaborates on projects like the iNaturalist database and explores global pollen limitation patterns. She emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining field studies with phylogenetic analyses to inform conservation strategies for threatened species.

• Biodiversity Conservation
• Plant Ecology
• Macroevolution
• +5 more

Quentin Charles Cronk is a Professor in the Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, at the University of British Columbia (UBC). His research at the Biodiversity Research Centre integrates comparative genomics , molecular developmental biology , and evolutionary biology to study plant form, focusing on the evolution of morphological diversity in Leguminosae (floral morphology) and Populus trichocarpa (adaptive tree evolution). He employs next-generation sequencing of genomes and transcriptomes, with funding from NSERC and Genome Canada. Research Themes : Adaptive evolution, hybridization, epigenetics, floral development, conservation genomics. Model Organisms : Leguminosae (pea family), black cottonwood trees, Macaronesian Lotus , European Salix . Scientific Collaborations : His lab collaborates with researchers like Dr. Diana Percy (plant-insect interactions) and has hosted postdocs and students studying topics such as pollination syndromes, plastid genomics, and population differentiation. Current PhD students include Nicholas Bard (with Dr. Jonathan Davies), Mikko Paajanen (St Helena flora conservation), and Saskia Wolsak (Bermuda ethnobotany). Key Publications highlight his work on adaptive introgression in poplars, floral symmetry genetics, conservation of island endemics, and ultrabarcoding using plastid genomes. Former lab members like Dr. Armando Geraldes and Dr. Daisie Huang have advanced population and evolutionary genomics.

• Plant Biology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Comparative Genomics
• +6 more

Sarah Adamowicz is a Professor at the University of Guelph's Department of Integrative Biology within the College of Biological Science. Her research focuses on biodiversity, evolutionary biology, and molecular evolution, particularly in Arctic ecosystems and aquatic invertebrates. She leads initiatives in DNA barcoding, macroevolutionary studies, and ecological assessments using genomic tools. Her work integrates DNA sequence data, fossil records, and comparative analyses to explore species diversity patterns and evolutionary processes. Key projects include the Barcode of Life campaign, habitat restoration research, and developing bioinformatics tools like Debar and CanFlyet. Dr. Adamowicz’s publications span molecular evolution rates, phylogenetic reconstruction, and ecological impact studies in boreal and Arctic regions. She collaborates extensively on northern biodiversity projects, such as the Churchill Diptera barcode library and assessments of peat-based soil recovery in industrial sites. Her lab (SSC 2409/10) supports interdisciplinary research, combining fieldwork with computational methods. Current and future work emphasizes leveraging genomic data for conservation, understanding latitudinal biodiversity gradients, and advancing metagenomic techniques for ecological monitoring.

• Biodiversity
• Evolutionary Biology
• Molecular Evolution
• +4 more

Trina Rytwinski is a Research Associate in the Department of Biology at Carleton University, affiliated with the Faculty of Science. She holds a B.Sc. from Cape Breton University and advanced degrees (M.Sc. and Ph.D.) from Carleton. Her research focuses on understanding anthropogenic impacts on wildlife populations, particularly roads and dams. She collaborates with Dr. Steven Cooke and Dr. Joseph Bennett at the Canadian Centre for Evidence-Based Conservation to conduct systematic reviews and meta-analyses on conservation topics like road mitigation, fish passage, and captive breeding programs. Her work emphasizes evidence synthesis to inform policy and management decisions. Her research themes include road ecology, evaluating conservation strategies, and freshwater biodiversity. She has led projects on wildlife crossing structures, flow regime impacts on fish, and counter-wildlife crime interventions. Rytwinski has mentored students and contributed to workshops on evidence-based conservation methodologies. She actively participates in training programs for environmental scientists and policymakers, fostering collaboration between academia and practical conservation efforts. Rytwinski’s contributions span over 30 peer-reviewed articles and systematic reviews, addressing gaps in environmental management practices. She advocates for rigorous experimental designs and open science to bridge the knowledge-action gap in conservation. Her work highlights the need for evidence-based approaches to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts and support ecosystem resilience.

• Wildlife Conservation
• Road Ecology
• Environmental Management
• +3 more

Laurence D. Packer is a Full Professor of Biology at York University, part of the Faculty of Science. He holds the title of Distinguished Research Professor of Melittology and is a Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society. His research focuses on wild bees, encompassing taxonomy, phylogeny, biogeography, and conservation genetics, with a globally significant collection of over 300,000 bee specimens. Packer’s lab pioneered the Bee Barcode of Life (BeeBOL) initiative, generating over 12,000 DNA barcodes for bee species. Education: PhD in Zoology (University of Toronto, 1986), B.A. (Hons) in Zoology (University of Oxford, 1976). He has supervised numerous students, including 9 PhDs, 21 MScs, and 32 honours thesis students. Key research themes include bee systematics, pollinator decline, and DNA barcoding. Major awards include the Excellence in Graduate Mentorship Award (2011) and recognition for his book *Keeping the Bees*, which won awards for environmental journalism. His work spans international collaborations, including projects in Chile, India, Kenya, and China. Packer has authored/edited over 150 peer-reviewed publications and held editorial roles at *Canadian Journal of Zoology* and *Insect Conservation and Diversity*. Grants include funding from NSERC, National Geographic Society, and private donations, totaling millions for bee research. Media engagements include appearances on NPR, CBC, and international outlets discussing bee conservation and taxonomy.

• Bees
• Taxonomy
• Phylogeny
• +5 more

Andrew Donovan Young is an Assistant Professor of systematic entomology at the University of Guelph, Canada. His research focuses on the taxonomy, phylogenetics, and evolutionary history of flower flies (Diptera: Syrphidae), with an emphasis on making taxonomic tools accessible to non-specialists. He holds a B.Sc. in Zoology and an M.Sc. in Environmental Biology from the University of Guelph, followed by a Ph.D. in Biology from Carleton University. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California, Davis, and the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Education: B.Sc. Honours in Zoology, University of Guelph (2005–2009) M.Sc. in Environmental Biology, University of Guelph (2009–2012) Ph.D. in Biology, Carleton University (2013–2018) Research Interests: Species discovery and taxonomy of flower flies Phylogenetic analysis of Diptera using molecular techniques Development of accessible identification tools (e.g., field guides, digital keys) Impact of climate change and habitat loss on pollinator biodiversity His work bridges fundamental research with applied challenges, such as rapid pest identification in agricultural systems. Awards and Honors: NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship ($63,000, 2015–2018) Entomological Society of Ontario President’s Prize (2015, 2011) Australian Entomological Society Speaker Prize ($300, 2014) Lab and Future Work: Current projects include species delimitation in North American Syrphidae and global phylogenetics of flower flies. Future initiatives aim to improve rapid pest identification in collaboration with agricultural stakeholders.

• Systematic Entomology
• Taxonomy
• Insect Diversity
• +5 more

Az (Ashley A) Klymiuk is an Assistant Professor and Indigenous Scholar in Science at the University of Manitoba's Department of Biological Sciences. Their research focuses on plant mycobiomes, paleomycology, and wetland ecosystems. Klymiuk holds a BSc in Paleontology from the University of Alberta, an MSc in Systematics and Evolution, and a PhD in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology from the University of Kansas. They previously worked at the Field Museum in Chicago before joining the University of Manitoba in 2022. Research interests include plant-fungal interactions, rhizosphere ecology, and the integration of Indigenous knowledge systems into scientific practice. The Klymiuk Lab studies ancient microbial ecosystems through fossil records and modern wetland fungal communities. Key collaborations involve undergraduate trainees and Indigenous students in research initiatives. Education history: BSc Paleontology (University of Alberta), MSc Systematics/Evolution (U of A), PhD Ecology/Evolutionary Biology (University of Kansas). Professional experience includes postdoctoral roles at the Field Museum. Teaching responsibilities include undergraduate courses in biological sciences. Laboratory activities emphasize fieldwork in wetland environments and molecular analysis of fungal communities. Current lab members include undergraduate researchers Abby Spring and Shana Mann, focusing on DNA extraction protocols for wetland soils and wild rice mycorrhizal associations. The lab also maintains a safety protocol system for hazardous materials and fieldwork.

• Plant mycobiomes
• Paleontology
• Paleobotany
• +6 more

Carly Ziter is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Concordia University, researching landscape ecology and urban ecosystems during rapid global urbanization. Her work examines ecosystem services, biodiversity conservation, and sustainability in multifunctional landscapes. Research focuses on: Urban green space functionality and design Forest ecology in anthropogenic landscapes Land-use legacy impacts Biodiversity-ecosystem service relationships Recent publications demonstrate strong emphasis on urban forest management, green infrastructure assessment, and reconciling conservation goals with human recreational needs across diverse geographic contexts. Studies frequently employ multi-city comparisons and examine microclimate regulation services.

• Landscape Ecology
• Ecosystem Services
• Urban Ecology
• +4 more

Delano Lewis is an Associate Professor of Biology at Burman University, located in the Chan Shun Science Centre. He holds a PhD in Entomology from the University of Florida (2010), an MSc in Entomology from the same institution (2006), an MPhil in Zoology from the University of the West Indies (2002), and a BSc in Zoology from the University of the West Indies (1998). His research focuses on Conservation Biology, Systematic Entomology, and Lepidoptera diversity, with particular emphasis on moths, butterflies, spiders, ants, and their ecological interactions. Current projects include studies on insect and arachnid diversity, ecological relationships between birds and insects, and community-based conservation initiatives. His work often integrates taxonomic revisions, phylogenetic analyses, and biodiversity assessments. Notable contributions include studies on Caribbean swallowtail butterflies, invasive species management, and predator-prey dynamics in Jamaican ecosystems. While no scientific awards are explicitly listed, his collaborative work with institutions like the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity underscores his academic engagement. No student advisement or grant details are provided in the text. Delano Lewis has been actively involved in conservation efforts, such as the Millbank Pterourus homerus project, and has explored the ecological impacts of invasive species like the small Indian mongoose. His research frequently addresses both theoretical and applied aspects of biodiversity preservation and systematics.

• Conservation Biology
• Systematic Entomology
• Lepidoptera Diversity
• +3 more

Alex Smith is an Associate Professor at the University of Guelph, affiliated with the Department of Integrative Biology within the College of Biological Science . His research focuses on biodiversity patterns, biogeography, and interactions among parasitoid insects, hyperparasitoids, and their hosts in tropical and temperate ecosystems. He leads the Smith Lab, which emphasizes field-based studies in the Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG), Costa Rica, and collaborates with global scientists like Dan Janzen and Winnie Hallwachs. Teaching: Courses include ZOO*3700 - Integrative Biology of Invertebrates and ZOO*2700 - Invertebrate Morphology and Evolution . Labs: Uses phylogenetic, functional, and physiological methods to study elevation-driven biodiversity changes and climate impacts on tropical species. Key Projects: Long-term studies on parasitoid wasps (e.g., Dolichogenidea, Mesochorus), ant community dynamics, and symbiotic relationships between insects and microbes like Wolbachia. His work bridges ecology, taxonomy, and conservation, emphasizing data-driven approaches to resolve cryptic species diversity and ecological processes.

• Biodiversity
• Biogeography
• Ecology of parasitoids
• +5 more

Caroline Richard is a registered dietitian and Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science at the University of Alberta . She holds a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Nutritional Immunology , focusing on dietary strategies to counteract immune dysfunction in obesity and diabetes. Education: MSc and PhD from Université Laval, postdoctoral studies at University of Alberta Research Themes: Nutritional immunology, choline metabolism, ketogenic diet, fermented foods Her work bridges pre-clinical animal models (rodents, swine) and clinical studies , with recent projects including the NutrIMM controlled feeding trial . Publications emphasize omega-3 fatty acids , dairy bioactives , and precision nutrition for metabolic syndrome. Scientific contributions include: Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Nutritional Immunology Systematic reviews on maternal DHA supplementation Methodological advancements during pandemic research She leads a collaborative lab environment and advocates for academic freedom at the University of Alberta, leveraging proximity to natural spaces for personal well-being. Her mentorship under Catherine Field shaped her independence in research and teaching.

• Nutritional Immunology
• Chronic Disease Nutrition
• Dietary Interventions
• +3 more