David J Hawthorne

David J Hawthorne is an Associate Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Maryland's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. His office is located in the Plant Sciences Building (4112A) on the College Park campus.

Education:

• B.S. & B.A. in Biology and Economics from Kent State University
• M.S. in Entomology from North Carolina State University
• Ph.D. in Entomology from Cornell University

Research Focus: Dr. Hawthorne investigates the interaction of genetic and ecological forces in pest insects, examining evolutionary processes behind pest adaptation and insecticide resistance. His work combines quantitative and molecular genetic approaches to study:

• Genetic basis of host plant adaptation in Colorado potato beetle and pea aphid
• Phylogeographic patterns in insect populations
• QTL mapping for ecologically significant traits
• Evolution of insecticide resistance mechanisms
• Speciation through host-plant associated divergence

Publication Trends: His recent articles (2001-2011) predominantly focus on evolutionary genetics of insect pests, with major themes including molecular mechanisms of insecticide resistance, genetic architecture of host adaptation, phylogeographic patterns in specialist insects, and speciation processes. Research frequently utilizes model pests like Colorado potato beetle and pea aphid.

Teaching: Courses include:

• Pollinators in Crisis (BSCI 120)
• Introduction to Organismal Biology (BSCI 106)
• Insect Population Genetics (BIOL 623)
• Evolution of Insect Host Plant Interactions
• Phylogeography