Mateus Pepinelli

Mateus Pepinelli serves as an Assistant Professor in the School of Natural Sciences at Laurentian University. His academic career bridges traditional entomological methods with cutting-edge molecular techniques, creating an interdisciplinary approach to understanding insect ecology and systematics. With extensive field experience across diverse ecosystems and countries, Dr. Pepinelli brings global perspective to his Canadian research initiatives.

Dr. Pepinelli's research interests center on entomology with specialized focus on aquatic insects, honey bee ecology, and environmental DNA applications. His work investigates the systematics, biology, and ecology of insects, particularly examining how climate change affects plant flowering patterns and subsequent impacts on plant-pollinator interactions. He employs both traditional taxonomic approaches and modern eDNA techniques to document species interactions and biodiversity changes across latitudinal gradients from Southern to Northern Ontario. His expertise spans black flies (Simuliidae), Chironomidae, and other aquatic insect groups, with growing emphasis on honey bee health challenges.

The analysis of Dr. Pepinelli's recent publications reveals a clear trajectory from traditional taxonomic work toward integrative approaches combining molecular methods with ecological questions. His research shows increasing focus on honey bee health, environmental DNA applications, and climate change impacts on pollinator systems. While maintaining strong foundations in insect systematics (particularly Diptera), his recent work demonstrates sophisticated integration of metabarcoding, metagenetics, and systems biology approaches to address complex questions in pollinator ecology and health.

Dr. Pepinelli previously managed the BeeCSI project (2019-2023), a Genome Canada Large-Scale Applied Research initiative focused on identifying stressor-specific biomarkers in honey bees across Canada. At Laurentian University, he continues developing collaborative research with beekeepers, students, and community partners. His current work includes establishing a long-term eDNA survey project to document changes in plant-pollinator networks across Ontario and investigating biting flies using eDNA techniques to monitor range shifts and potential vector species. His research bridges fundamental taxonomy with applied environmental monitoring, creating valuable tools for understanding species interactions in rapidly changing ecosystems.