Phillip Fanning

Phillip Fanning is an Assistant Professor of Agricultural Entomology at the University of Maine, affiliated with the School of Biology and Ecology in the College of Natural Sciences, Forestry and Agriculture. His research and teaching focus on insect ecology in agro-ecosystems, with 75% of his time dedicated to research and 25% to teaching in entomology and biology.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Entomology, University College Dublin, 2014

Fanning's research interests lie in Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Biological Control, Applied Insect Ecology, and Pollinator Conservation. He investigates the interactions between pest insects, natural enemies, and agricultural landscapes, aiming to develop sustainable pest management strategies that conserve biological control agents and pollinators. A significant current focus is assessing the impact of PFAS contamination on honey bees and honey.

His recent publications highlight trends in sustainable agriculture, with strong emphasis on wild blueberry systems, pollinator health, habitat manipulation, and the ecological consequences of pesticide use. Research spans from field-level pest dynamics to landscape-scale biodiversity patterns.

Scientific Awards:

• No awards listed in the provided text.

Advising and Grants: While specific students are not listed, Fanning leads a research lab focused on beneficial and pest insects in wild blueberry systems. His work is supported by the Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station under Hatch Project ME022123, indicating ongoing federal and state funding for his research program.

Labs and Teams: Fanning leads a research group within the School of Biology and Ecology studying insect ecology and pest management in agricultural systems. The lab is actively involved in projects related to wild blueberry IPM, pollinator conservation, and environmental toxicology of PFAS.