معرفی
Sean O'Donnell is a Professor at Drexel University with joint appointments in the Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science and the Department of Biology. His research integrates neuroecology, behavioral ecology, and evolutionary biology to study social insects, thermal physiology, and brain evolution. Fieldwork spans Neotropical regions and Israel, with teaching focused on animal behavior and tropical ecology.
Education includes a PhD in Entomology/Zoology from University of Wisconsin-Madison (1993), MS in Entomology from University of Wisconsin-Madison (1989), and BS in Biology from St. Joseph’s University (1986).
Research examines brain plasticity in social insects, thermal adaptation in desert species, evolutionary morphology, and human-safe insecticides. Work combines field experiments with neuroanatomical analysis to understand how environmental challenges shape behavior and physiology.
Publications demonstrate consistent focus on adaptive responses to ecological pressures, particularly in social insects. Recent trends include thermal tolerance studies, neuroanatomical investigations of caste systems, and unusual predator-prey interactions.
Administrative service includes Interim Department Head of Biology (2019-2020) and Associate Department Head for Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science (2012-2016). Leads the O'Donnell Lab which investigates diverse aspects of insect biology.
