Maya L. Evenden

Dr. Maya L. Evenden is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta, Faculty of Science. Her research focuses on chemical ecology, integrated pest management, and insect behavior, particularly in agricultural and forest ecosystems. She leads the Evenden Lab, which investigates topics like insect chemical signaling, trade-offs between reproduction and flight, and pheromone-based pest control strategies.

Education:

• PhD in Chemical Ecology from Simon Fraser University
• Master of Pest Management (MPM) from Simon Fraser University
• Postdoctoral studies at the University of Kentucky
• Former academic appointment at West Chester University

Research Interests:

Dr. Evenden’s work emphasizes eco-physiological approaches to understand insect behavior and chemical communication. Key areas include:

1. Plasticity of chemical communication in long-lived insects (e.g., moths, beetles).
2. Trade-offs between flight and reproduction in insects.
3. Development of IPM programs using pheromones and semiochemicals.

Teaching:

• Biol 434/534: Chemical Ecology/Advanced Chemical Ecology
• Ent 101: Insect-Human Interactions (MOOC and online)
• Ent 220: Insect Biology
• Ent 222: Insects in Managed Ecosystems

Advising & Grants:

• Supervised over 50 graduate and undergraduate students.
• Recipient of an NSERC University Faculty Award (2008) to establish her lab at the University of Alberta.

Labs & Teams:

Evenden Lab maintains a Code of Conduct emphasizing professionalism, safety, and ethical research practices. Current lab members include PhD/MS students, postdoctoral fellows, and technicians focusing on projects like mountain pine beetle ecology, canola pest management, and intercrop systems.