معرفی
Andrew Forbes is a Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Biology at the University of Iowa, specializing in evolutionary ecology and speciation of parasitic insects. His research integrates ecological experimentation, molecular genetics, and evolutionary theory to investigate insect diversity and host-parasitoid dynamics.
Education:
- PhD, University of Notre Dame
Research Interests:
Dr. Forbes focuses on the origins and maintenance of insect diversity, particularly in plant-feeding and parasitic insects. His work examines coevolutionary processes, ecological drivers of reproductive isolation, genomic consequences of asexuality in Hymenoptera, and patterns of insect biodiversity across trophic levels. Key methodologies include field studies, molecular techniques, and phylogenomic analyses to unravel speciation mechanisms.
Publication Trends:
His recent publications (2022-2025) reveal strong emphasis on host-parasitoid coevolution, climate change impacts on insect phenology, and taxonomic discovery. Notable trends include genomic approaches to understanding speciation, investigations of invasive species dynamics, and interdisciplinary studies linking ecology with evolutionary genetics across North American ecosystems.
Advising and Grants:
Dr. Forbes actively mentors undergraduate and graduate researchers through his lab and REU site 'Engaging Undergraduates in Interdisciplinary Evolutionary Science'. He emphasizes inclusive research opportunities, welcoming students with diverse backgrounds interested in insect natural history, evolutionary ecology, and biodiversity science regardless of prior experience.
Lab and Team:
The Forbes Lab, based in the University of Iowa's Biology Building, conducts field and laboratory research on parasitic insect systems. Their work on host-parasitoid interactions and insect speciation has received significant media attention including features in The New York Times, Science, NPR, and Smithsonian Magazine, highlighting the ecological and evolutionary significance of understudied insect taxa.
