Jen White

Jen White is a Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Kentucky, within the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Her research focuses on the ecological, evolutionary, and behavioral effects of bacterial endosymbionts in arthropods, particularly exploring their impacts on introduced species and biological control. Current work examines the symbiont-infected spider Mermessus fradeorum, investigating symbiont interactions and their effects on host populations.

Her research interests include symbiosis, evolutionary biology, and insect ecology. She advises numerous graduate and undergraduate students, with notable alumni including Dr. Emily Durkin (University of Tampa) and Dr. Justin Kratovil (University of Connecticut).

Key publications highlight discoveries about symbiont-driven reproductive manipulation, microbial diversity in agricultural spiders, and symbiont effects on aphid defense. Her lab actively recruits students bridging theoretical and empirical approaches to host-symbiont dynamics.