Philip S. Ward

Dr. Philip S. Ward is a Professor of Entomology at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis), where he teaches courses on California insect diversity, insect taxonomy and field ecology, and introductory biology (the tree of life). His research focuses on the systematics, biogeography, and evolution of ants, with particular emphasis on ant-plant mutualisms, phylogenetic relationships, and speciation processes.

• Education: B.Sc. in Biology from Queens University, Canada (1973); Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Sydney, Australia (1979).
• Research: Leads the Ward Lab, which investigates ant taxonomy, evolution, and ecological roles in terrestrial habitats. Current projects include studies on the ant subfamily Pseudomyrmecinae and the California ant fauna.
• Students: Advises graduate researchers like Jill Oberski (Dorymyrmex biogeography), Zachary Griebenow (Leptanillinae revision), and Ziv Lieberman (Discothyrea ants).
• Contact: Email: psward@ucdavis.edu | Office: 381B Briggs Hall | Phone: 530-752-0486
• Field Courses: Teaches intensive courses ENT 107 and 109 on insect taxonomy and field ecology at UC Davis.