Paul Ayayee

Paul Ayayee is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), part of the College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on understanding symbiotic relationships between insects and microbes, particularly how microbial communities contribute to host nutrition, physiology, and adaptation. He also investigates free-living microbial assemblages in various ecosystems to assess their roles in nutrient cycling and biogeochemical processes.

Dr. Ayayee’s work combines molecular and biochemical techniques with ecological approaches to study microbial functions in situ. Recent studies include analyzing gut microbiome dynamics in burying beetles, zebrafish, and invasive insects, as well as exploring salinity-driven shifts in microbial communities. His teaching includes introductory biology, entomology, and microbial ecology courses.

His research emphasizes quantifiable ecosystem functions through projects like nitrogen provisioning by insect gut microbiomes and the impact of microbiomes on insect metabolic rates. Collaborative efforts span entomology, environmental microbiology, and evolutionary biology, addressing both fundamental and applied ecological questions.

No scientific awards or grants are explicitly mentioned in the provided materials. Advising roles and student collaborations are not detailed here. His work contributes to advancing understanding of symbiotic relationships and microbial contributions to ecological processes.