Elke Buschbeck

Elke Buschbeck is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Cincinnati, leading the Buschbeck Lab. Her research focuses on the evolution and development of arthropod visual systems, particularly diving beetle larvae and other insects. She holds a PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Arizona. Her work integrates neuroethology, molecular biology, and optics to understand how sensory systems adapt to ecological niches.

Buschbeck has secured multiple National Science Foundation grants, including a $600,000 award (2015–2019) studying diving beetle larval visual systems, and a $499,999 grant (2019–2023) exploring coordinated eye growth. She also serves as a PI for equipment grants, such as acquiring a BZ-X700 Fluorescence Microscope.

Her research interests span neuroethology, insect neurobiology, and evolutionary developmental biology. Key projects include investigating lens-retina coordination in beetle larvae and using RNAi to study gene roles in eye development. She collaborates with institutions like Wayne State University and Cornell University.

• Education: PhD, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (University of Arizona)
• Grants: NSF IOS-1456757, IOS-1856241, and others
• Lab Members: Mentors over 15 graduate and undergraduate students
• Awards: Recognitions in journals like F1000Prime and Nature Genetics

Research Highlights

Buschbeck’s lab has pioneered techniques like autofluorescence-based eye exams for invertebrates and developed a micro-ophthalmoscope for studying tiny eyes. Her work bridges molecular genetics, physiology, and ecology, addressing how ancient genes shape novel eye structures. Recent findings include bifocal lenses in diving beetles and polarization sensitivity in aquatic larvae.

Grants & Funding

• NSF IOS-1456757 ($600,000): Diving Beetle Larval Visual System
• NSF IOS-1856241 ($499,999): Coordinated Eye Growth
• UC Internal Grant ($49,407): Fluorescence Microscope Acquisition

Labs & Teams

Her lab collaborates with computer science students on eye development simulations and mentors students in molecular biology, neurophysiology, and microscopy. Projects include studying photoreceptor health, lens protein knockdowns, and arthropod vision evolution.