Deanna E. Beasley

Dr. DeAnna E. Beasley is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). She holds a PhD from the University of South Carolina (2013) and specializes in integrative ecology, focusing on how environmental changes—particularly urbanization—affect insect development, behavior, and biodiversity. Her research bridges ecological and social sciences to address urban resilience and biodiversity conservation.

Teaching responsibilities include courses such as Ecology, Evolution, and Ant Ecology, along with supervising thesis projects and individual studies. She actively mentors undergraduate and graduate students in field and lab research, emphasizing community engagement and citizen science.

Key research interests include urban ecology, insect-fungal interactions, and the socio-ecological dynamics of urban systems. Notable projects investigate honey bee health in urban environments and biodiversity patterns in green infrastructure. Her work frequently involves interdisciplinary collaborations and public outreach, including initiatives to promote diversity in STEM.

Dr. Beasley is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in academia, serving on UTC's DEI committee and the Africana Studies Advisory Committee. She also contributes to professional societies such as the Ecological Society of America and engages communities through science education and media outreach.