Dr. Justin McMechan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He holds a joint appointment with 50% Extension and 50% research responsibilities. Education: Doctor of Plant Health (2016) and Ph.D. in Entomology (2016) from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Research Areas: Soybean Gall Midge ecology, Insect Pest Management, Cover Crop Systems, Wheat Curl Mite-Virus Complex, Plant-Insect Interactions His work focuses on biological control strategies for field crops, with recent studies on Resseliella maxima in soybean and hail damage impacts on wheat virus transmission. He pioneered innovative extension methods combining automated communication tools with traditional field demonstrations. Notable scientific awards include: 2023 Outstanding Paper Award in Agronomy Journal 2022 Harold & Esther Edgerton Junior Faculty Award 2020 FMC Researcher of the Year Dr. McMechan actively supervises graduate students and has secured over $4.9 million in research funding from federal agencies and commodity boards, with particular emphasis on sustainable pest management solutions.
Dr. Lise Pingault is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of arthropod vectors and the development of innovative pest management strategies. PhD, Physiology and Molecular Genetics, University Blaise Pascal, France (2014) M.S., Molecular and Cellular Biology, University Pierre & Marie Curie Paris 6 (2010) B.S., Biology, University Francois Rabelais (2008) Dr. Pingault’s work integrates Arthropod Genomics , Plant-Insect Interactions , and Bioinformatics to study pathogen transmission dynamics and vector adaptation. She employs multi-omics and computational biology to develop novel pest control solutions. Her recent publications highlight trends in plant defense transcriptomics , molecular interactions between vectors and hosts, and bioinformatic tools for analyzing large datasets. Notable studies include aphid resistance in sorghum and viral tolerance in wheat. Dr. Pingault teaches graduate-level courses in sequencing data analysis and is an active member of the Entomological Society of America and American Society of Plant Biologists .
Dr. Joseph Duchamp is a Professor in the Biology Department at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), affiliated with the John J. and Char Kopchick College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. He holds a PhD in Wildlife Science from Purdue University, an MS in Ecology from Indiana State University, and a BS in Biology from the University of Michigan. His research focuses on wildlife population dynamics, community ecology, mammalogy, and biostatistics, with an emphasis on improving human-wildlife coexistence through conservation and management strategies. Dr. Duchamp's work spans diverse taxa including birds, mammals, amphibians, and insects, addressing habitat use, species interactions, and conservation challenges in fragmented landscapes. Recent projects include studies on elk resource selection, endangered species translocations, and tick-borne disease ecology. He has published extensively on topics such as golden-winged warbler habitat requirements, Allegheny woodrat genetics, and bat ecology in human-altered environments. His research integrates field observations with advanced analytical techniques, contributing to evidence-based management practices. He collaborates on initiatives like ungulate exclusion fencing studies and translocation programs for endangered species. Dr. Duchamp's office is located in Kopchick Hall, Room 112, with regular office hours Monday-Friday 9:30 AM–4:00 PM.
Dr. Jip Ramakers is a WR Researcher at Wageningen University & Research, affiliated with the Biometris department. Their work focuses on understanding the ecological impacts of artificial light on biodiversity, particularly in nocturnal species such as bats, birds, and insects. Key projects include the Light on Nature/Light on Landscape initiatives, investigating light spectrum effects on behavior, reproduction, and population dynamics. Collaborations involve institutions like NIOO-KNAW, Philips, and Dutch conservation organizations. Research emphasizes experimental field studies, light-ecology interactions, and conservation strategies. Research interests span ecology, conservation biology, animal behavior, and climate change impacts. Recent studies highlight light pollution's effects on species interactions, circadian rhythms, and urban adaptation. Publications address light spectrum effects on bats, bird incubation behavior, and plant-herbivore dynamics. Active in interdisciplinary projects combining fieldwork with statistical modeling (e.g., reaction norms, genotype-environment interactions). Contributions include advancing methodologies for quantifying light pollution impacts and informing sustainable lighting policies. Collaborative work with industry partners (e.g., Philips) explores eco-friendly light solutions. Ongoing projects assess long-term ecosystem changes and urbanization effects on wildlife behavior and biodiversity.
Prof. Leszek Jerzak is a Professor at the University of Zielona Góra, affiliated with the Department of Nature Conservation within the Institute of Biological Sciences. His primary focus is on biological sciences with 100% disciplinary participation. His work integrates ornithology, urban ecology, and conservation biology, emphasizing avian population dynamics, urban wildlife adaptation, and ecosystem health. Research interests include white stork ecology, corvid species behavior, tick-borne diseases in urban environments, and the impacts of pesticides on wildlife. He has extensively studied the effects of anthropogenic landscapes on biodiversity, particularly in Central-Western Poland. Prof. Jerzak actively contributes to conservation strategies for farmland birds and urban biodiversity preservation. His recent publications (2021-2025) highlight themes like seed dispersal mechanisms, urban bird community resilience, and disease ecology. Notable studies include the role of electricity pylons in plant succession and the paradoxical benefits of human infrastructure for avian diversity. His work bridges empirical field studies with applied conservation outcomes.
Alexandra Harmon-Threatt is an Associate Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign . Her research focuses on pollination ecology, conservation, and restoration , particularly examining how plant-pollinator interactions and landscape factors influence pollinator diversity. She holds a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley (2011), and her work emphasizes bees as key pollinators. Her research interests include understanding the effects of neonicotinoids , forest management practices , and habitat fragmentation on bee communities. She has published extensively on topics such as pollinator conservation, pesticide impacts, and biodiversity in agricultural and natural ecosystems. Harmon-Threatt is affiliated with the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences . Key awards include the Fulbright Scholar Award (2022) and ESA Early Career Fellow (2020) . Her work often integrates field studies, stable isotope analyses, and ecological modeling. She collaborates on projects exploring agroecology, prairie restoration, and the role of predators in pest control. Her office is located at 320 Morrill Hall, 505 S. Goodwin Ave, Urbana, IL 61801 . Recent research highlights include studies on the ecological impacts of neonicotinoids , forest management strategies , and hover fly migration .
Rachel L. Vannette is a Professor and Vice-Chair in the Department of Entomology and Nematology at the University of California, Davis. She leads the Vannette Lab, located in Briggs Hall 43, which focuses on understanding plant-microbe-insect interactions, chemical ecology, and community ecology. Her research explores how microorganisms influence plant traits and interactions with insects, with applications in both basic ecological questions and agricultural systems. Education: B.A. in Biology from Calvin College (1990s) and Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Michigan (2000s). She holds graduate group affiliations in Entomology (ENT), Ecology (GGE), and Microbiology (MGG). Research interests include microbial contributions to plant defense against herbivores, pollinator attraction via floral nectar, and soil health. Current projects examine nectar microbiome effects on plant-pollinator interactions, soil biota impacts on herbivory, and the role of microbial metabolites in pollinator behavior. Her work bridges ecology, microbiology, and agriculture. Publications highlight nectar microbiome dynamics, fungicide impacts on bees, and symbiotic relationships in insects. She actively collaborates on NSF-funded projects, including a CAREER grant on nectar chemistry and plant-pollinator adaptation. Contact: rlvannette@ucdavis.edu or (530) 752-3379.
Corbin Jones is a Professor in the Department of Genetics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), School of Medicine. He serves as Faculty Director of the UNC High-Throughput Sequencing Facility and is affiliated with the Carolina Center for Genome Sciences (CCGS). His academic roles include dual appointments in Biology and Genetics, and he contributes to graduate programs in Biology, Genetics and Molecular Biology, and Biomedical Engineering (BCB). Dr. Jones' research focuses on evolutionary genetics, particularly using Drosophila species to study adaptive traits. Key projects include analyzing Drosophila sechellia’s genetic resistance and attraction to Morinda citrifolia, investigating mechanisms of new gene formation through chimeric gene studies, and developing statistical tools for QTL mapping accuracy. His lab integrates computational methods, molecular genetics, and genomic data to explore how genetic changes—both regulatory and structural—drive evolutionary adaptations. Collaborations with Dr. Sally Otto and Dr. Philip Awadalla highlight his contributions to theoretical and applied genomics. His work extends to translational research, including studies on human disease genetics (e.g., schizophrenia, lupus) and microbiome assembly dynamics. Recent publications reflect diverse applications of his expertise in virology (SARS-CoV-2 treatment efficacy), cancer biology (evolutionary rescue models), and AI-driven clinical data analysis. Funding for his lab comes from the NSF and NIH, supporting projects that bridge basic and applied sciences. Grants: NSF and NIH-funded research on genomic evolution and disease mechanisms Lab Affiliations: Corbin Jones Lab in the Genome Sciences Building, UNC High-Throughput Sequencing Facility Tools Developed: QTL-based estimator method for genetic mapping, computational pipelines for genomic data analysis Notable research themes include the molecular basis of behavioral adaptations in Drosophila, the role of chimeric genes in evolutionary innovation, and statistical improvements in detecting quantitative trait loci. His studies on D. sechellia’s olfactory-driven behavior reveal insights into gene function beyond mere sensory detection, emphasizing behavioral genetics.
Todd C. Holmes, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Physiology & Biophysics at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) School of Medicine. His research focuses on the structural and functional organization of neural circuits, particularly in the visual cortex and hippocampus. Dr. Holmes employs advanced techniques like laser scanning photostimulation and viral tracing to map synaptic connectivity, emphasizing the balance between excitatory and inhibitory inputs in cortical microcircuits. His work has revealed layer-specific synaptic wiring diagrams and redefined understanding of how inhibitory connections mirror excitatory pathways in the mouse visual cortex (V1). Dr. Holmes is affiliated with the UCI Center for Neural Circuit Mapping, contributing to interdisciplinary studies on Alzheimer’s disease models, optogenetic tools, and neurovascular interactions. He has secured funding from NIH grants (e.g., MH105427, R01NS095355) and collaborates on projects involving genetic engineering and high-resolution brain imaging techniques. His research extends to circadian rhythms, Drosophila neurobiology, and neuropsychiatric disorder models, leveraging transgenic approaches and behavioral analyses. Recent studies explore microglia’s role in synaptic connectivity and the application of novel viral vectors for circuit tracing.
Clement P. Bataille is an Associate Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Ottawa, where he leads the SAiVE (Spatiotemporal Analysis of Isotopic Variations in the Environment) Laboratory. His research focuses on applying isotope geochemistry, GIS, and data science to address environmental sustainability challenges, including geolocation of organisms, climate change impacts on river systems, and paleoenvironmental reconstruction. With a PhD from the University of Utah and postdoctoral experience at the University of North Carolina, he previously worked at Chevron Corporation, gaining private-sector insights. His interdisciplinary work bridges geology, ecology, and archaeology. Education: PhD in Geology, University of Utah, 2014 MSc in Environmental Sciences, Institut National Polytechniques de Toulouse, 2008 Research Interests: Isotope geolocation tools for wildlife and forensic science Chemical weathering dynamics in rivers and subarctic regions Paleoenvironmental reconstruction using isotopic records Migration patterns of insects and megafauna Labs/Teams: SAiVE Laboratory at the University of Ottawa, collaborating with departments of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Biology. The lab develops isotope-based solutions for environmental sustainability, including IsoBank, a global isotopic data repository.
Professor Dave Rowell is affiliated with the Australian National University (ANU), holding a position in the Division of Ecology and Evolution within the College of Science. His qualifications include a BSc (Hons), PhD, and Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA). Research interests focus on evolutionary genetics, phylogenetics, and biodiversity studies, particularly in invertebrates such as velvet worms (Onychophora), spiders, and beetles. His work explores topics like morphological variation, genetic diversity, and ecological adaptations across species. Recent research highlights include studies on beetle phylogeny (Rhytiphora genus), velvet worm taxonomy in Tasmania, and host-plant relationships in gall-inducing flies. His articles often combine morphological analysis with genetic data to unravel evolutionary patterns and ecological interactions. Notable contributions address population genetics, phylogeography, and conservation genetics in fragmented ecosystems. Professor Rowell has led projects such as the Microsatellite Analysis of the Colony Structure and Population Dynamics of a Model Species (2001). Despite no listed scientific awards, his extensive publication record (37+ works) and collaborative projects underscore his impact in evolutionary biology. He has advised on invertebrate biodiversity and genetic studies but no specific student names were provided in the source text. His research often involves fieldwork in montane and forest ecosystems, with a focus on Australian endemic species. Key themes include understanding how microhabitat preferences and genetic factors influence speciation and ecological resilience. Laboratory and field-based studies contribute to broader ecological and evolutionary frameworks.
Dr. Candice Owen is a Senior Lecturer and Course Leader in Zoology at the University of Chester's Faculty of Science, Business and Enterprise. She holds a PhD (2015) and BSc (2010) from Rhodes University, South Africa, with postdoctoral experience (2016–2017). Her teaching focuses on animal anatomy/physiology, research methodology, and statistical analysis for undergraduates. Research Interests: Thermal physiology of insects in applied contexts (e.g., biocontrol of invasive species), climate adaptation mechanisms, and methodological rigor in thermal studies. Key projects include evaluating insect thermal tolerance limits and their implications for biological control efficacy in altered climates. Professional Activities: Active in journal reviewing (e.g., Physiological Entomology, PLoS ONE), conference participation (ESSA, ICE), and committee roles (Science and Engineering Research Ethics Committee). She also leads outreach initiatives like school science fairs and supervises internships. Labs/Teams: Affiliated with the Sustainability and Environment Research and Knowledge Exchange Institute at the University of Chester.
Dr. James S. Adelman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Memphis. His research focuses on the intersection of disease ecology, immunology, and animal behavior, particularly in wild songbirds. He investigates individual variation in immune and behavioral responses to infection and how this variation shapes pathogen transmission and evolution. Dr. Adelman received his B.S. in Biology from Duke University and his Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Princeton University. He completed his postdoctoral training in Biological Sciences at Virginia Tech. His research program integrates techniques from immunology, eco-physiology, and animal behavior to address fundamental questions at the interface of physiology and ecology. He is particularly interested in understanding why individuals vary in their responses to infection and how this variation affects disease dynamics at the population level. His work often focuses on house finches and their interactions with Mycoplasma gallisepticum , a bacterial pathogen that causes conjunctivitis in these birds. Dr. Adelman's publications reveal a strong focus on disease tolerance mechanisms, host-pathogen interactions, and the ecological and evolutionary implications of individual variation in disease responses. His recent work has examined how inflammation affects disease tolerance in songbirds, how disease affects foraging decisions, and how pathogen virulence relates to transmission dynamics. Disease Ecology Ecological Immunology and Physiology Animal Behavior Dr. Adelman has mentored numerous graduate and undergraduate students, many of whom are co-authors on his publications. His research has been supported by funding from the National Science Foundation including grant IOS-1054675, as well as funding from the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station and the Hatch Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Amy L Toth is a Professor and Chair of the Graduate Program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Iowa State University, holding dual appointments in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology and the Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology, and Microbiology within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. She leads the Toth Laboratory of Integrative Insect Sociobiology, conducting research at the intersection of ecology, evolution, behavior, and genomics. Her educational background includes a B.A. in Biology from Bard College (2000) and a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2006). Toth's research focuses on three core areas: comparative genomics of bees and wasps to understand the evolution of eusociality; mechanisms of social behavior including maternal care and division of labor; and integrative pollinator health examining habitat impacts on honey bees and wild bees in Midwestern agricultural landscapes. Her work employs genomic, behavioral, and ecological approaches to address fundamental questions about social evolution and critical conservation challenges facing pollinators. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals consistent emphasis on genomic approaches to social evolution, conservation genomics of endangered bumble bees (particularly in Patagonia), and landscape-level interventions for improving pollinator health in agricultural systems. Key thematic threads include the impact of prairie restoration on bee health, comparative studies of native and managed pollinators, and molecular mechanisms underlying social behavior. Toth actively contributes to interdisciplinary programs including Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Interdepartmental Genetics, and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. She teaches courses in Animal Behavior, Advanced Animal Behavior (Genes and Behavior), and Bee Biology, Management, and Beekeeping, demonstrating strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate education. Her laboratory applies integrative approaches to address real-world complexity in pollinator health, collaborating internationally (including projects in Argentina) and working at the interface of basic research and applied conservation. Current projects investigate the role of prairie habitat in mitigating nutritional stress for honey bees, comparative genomics of social evolution, and mechanisms of social behavior in wasps.
Dr. Timothy J. Polnaszek serves as an Associate Professor in the Biology & Biochemistry Department at Belmont Abbey College. His teaching portfolio includes General Biology and Ecology courses, supporting both Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Bachelor of Arts or Science in Biology programs, as well as pre-professional pathways. Dr. Polnaszek's research focuses on animal behavior, comparative cognition, ecology, and evolution. His work explores how animals communicate through signaling systems, with particular attention to signal reliability, receiver psychology, and cognitive constraints in animal decision-making. Notably, he conducted an experiment where a bee learned to open a tiny lid to access food rewards, demonstrating innovative problem-solving in insects. B.S. from North Dakota State University Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota Postdoctoral research at the University of Arizona His publication record demonstrates consistent research in animal signaling systems, with a focus on experimental approaches to understanding signal reliability and animal cognition. His work spans theoretical frameworks in evolutionary biology and empirical studies with various animal models including bumblebees and woodchucks. Dr. Polnaszek is known for sharing fascinating facts about animal life and behavior with his students. Outside the classroom, he is active with the ultimate frisbee club on campus.
