Joe Sapp

Joe Sapp is a Researcher at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), Department of Biology, and teaches at Watsonville High School part-time. His research focuses on entomology, particularly 'slave-making' ants, examining their behavior, competition dynamics, and ecological roles. He emphasizes the importance of these species for ecosystem conservation, given their foundational role in nutrient cycling and endangered status. Sapp aims to inspire students through his teaching, reflecting his gratitude for early mentorship in biology.

Education: Pursuing doctoral work in entomology, with a return to his early fascination with insect diversity.

Research Interests: Investigating ant social behaviors, ecological interactions, and conservation strategies for endangered species. His work bridges basic research and applied conservation, highlighting the interconnectedness of species in terrestrial ecosystems.

Contact: sapp@biology.ucsc.edu