Joseph Lee Spencer

Joseph Lee Spencer is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois, affiliated with the Department of Entomology and Crop Sciences within the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. He holds the title of Principal Insect Behaviorist at the Illinois Natural History Survey.

Education:

• PhD in Entomology, Michigan State University (1994)
• MS in Entomology, Michigan State University (1990)
• BS in Biological Sciences, Michigan State University (1987)

Research Interests:

• Mechanisms of insect behavior, focusing on western corn rootworm (WCR) movement and mating in Bt-transgenic corn.
• Impact of diet and physiology on WCR behavior and resistance to crop rotation.
• Development of monitoring tools for WCR activity using soybean herbivory evidence.
• Ecology of field crop pests and biomass crop effects on pest behavior.

Research Trends: His work emphasizes behavioral, physiological, and ecological factors driving WCR resistance to pest management strategies. Recent studies highlight transgenic crop refuges, movement ecology, and soybean herbivory as critical areas for sustainable pest control.

Awards:

• Recipient of the 2003 Team Award for Excellence in the Western Corn Rootworm Research Group.

Grants & Advising: While specific grants or advisees are not listed, Spencer’s collaborative research on rootworm behavior implies significant institutional and team-based support. His work bridges applied and theoretical entomology, with practical implications for farmers and agricultural policymakers.

Labs/Teams: Collaborations are centered at the Illinois Natural History Survey and involve interdisciplinary teams studying agroecosystems and pest management.