Gerry Cassis

Professor Gerry Cassis is a leading systematic entomologist at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), where he holds the position of Professor within the School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences. With over 30 years of post-PhD research experience, his work has significantly advanced the fields of systematics, phylogeny, biogeography, and evolutionary biology, particularly in the study of true bugs (Heteroptera).

Education and Career Path:

• PhD in Entomology from Oregon State University, where he worked with the world authority on jewel bugs.
• Post-PhD, he spent four years at CSIRO, contributing to a book on Australian dung beetles.
• From 1989 to 2007, he was at the Australian Museum, serving as the Head of the Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Research.
• Since 2007, he has been a Professor at UNSW, focusing on systematic entomology and biodiversity conservation.

Research Focus:

Professor Cassis's research is eclectic, spanning the phylogenetic history, biology, and coevolution of true bugs. His work integrates molecular and morphological data to unravel complex taxonomic relationships and biogeographic patterns. Currently, he leads a capacity-building project in Papua New Guinea, funded by the Commonwealth of Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, aimed at enhancing biodiversity conservation efforts.

Publications and Impact:

He has authored three books, 123 scientific journal articles, 23 book chapters, and 11 conference papers. His recent publications (2020-2024) focus on ant mimicry in plant bugs, the impact of wildfires on insect communities, and the discovery of new species across Australia and the Indo-Pacific region.

Awards and Recognition:

• Winston Churchill Fellowship
• Eureka Prize finalist
• Two Whitley awards for his books on Australian insects

Supervision and Mentorship:

At UNSW, Professor Cassis has supervised 12 PhD students, 2 Masters students, and 10 Honours students, in addition to mentoring two postdoctoral fellows. His lab currently comprises one postdoctoral fellow, five PhD students, three research assistants, and one Honours student, fostering a collaborative environment for cutting-edge research.