Neal Dittmer

Neal Dittmer serves as a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics at Kansas State University's College of Arts and Sciences. Based in 61 Chalmers Hall, he contributes to the Kanost Lab's research on insect biochemistry with primary focus on cuticle formation and sclerotization processes. His work bridges fundamental entomology with practical applications in biomaterials and pest management.

Dittmer earned his B.S. and Ph.D. from Michigan State University, establishing his foundation in insect molecular biology. His research explores the biochemical mechanisms behind insect exoskeleton formation, particularly examining how cuticular proteins differ between rigid and flexible cuticle structures and how laccases facilitate cross-linking during sclerotization.

His publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to understanding multicopper oxidases and cuticle biochemistry, with recent work emphasizing proteomic and transcriptomic analyses of cuticle formation across insect species. These studies reveal evolutionary conservation and specialization in cuticle hardening mechanisms, with implications for developing biomimetic materials that replicate insect cuticle's diverse mechanical properties.

Dittmer actively mentors undergraduate researchers including Alex Garcia and Lauren Bishop, who have presented their work on cuticular protein expression and chitin-binding at university research symposia. His laboratory work integrates with the broader Kanost Lab's investigations into insect immunity and iron homeostasis, contributing to multi-disciplinary approaches in entomological biochemistry.

Through outreach initiatives like the GROW (Girls Researching Our World) Summer Workshop, Dittmer demonstrates insect cuticle properties and melanization experiments to middle school students, promoting STEM education while connecting his research to tangible biological phenomena. His work exemplifies the translational potential of basic insect biochemistry research.