Andrew Suarez

Andrew V. Suarez is a Professor of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior, and Entomology at the University of Illinois. He serves as Acting Head of both Entomology and Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior departments. His roles also include affiliations with the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, and Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies. Suarez holds the Jeffrey S. Elowe Professorship. His research focuses on ant ecology and behavior, particularly biological invasions, and spans topics such as ant invasion dynamics, community ecology, and bioinspired design. He has received numerous awards, including the AAAS Fellowship (2019), LAS Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (2017), and the University of Illinois Campus Award for Excellence in Teaching (2017). His work integrates field studies, museum data analysis, and experimental approaches to understand ecological and evolutionary processes.

Education: B.S. in Ecology, Ethology, and Evolution (University of Illinois), M.S. in Biology (University of Illinois), Ph.D. in Biology (University of California, San Diego). His research has led to over 140 publications, with recent focus on Argentine ants, invasive species impacts, and museum-based biodiversity studies. His affiliations highlight interdisciplinary collaboration across biology, genomics, and Latin American studies.

Scientific contributions include groundbreaking work on ant behavior, invasion biology, and the ecological consequences of introduced species. His articles analyze ant foraging strategies, nest architecture, and the role of ants in ecosystem processes. Suarez’s work is frequently cited in entomology and ecology journals, with notable contributions to understanding biological invasions’ global impacts.

He actively engages in education, leading initiatives in bioinspired design and undergraduate teaching. His lab and collaborations emphasize both foundational research and applied solutions to ecological challenges.