Stephen Heard

Stephen Heard is a Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of New Brunswick. His research focuses on ecological controls on the evolution of biodiversity, particularly plant-insect interactions, evolution of diet specialization, and biodiversity patterns.

Educational History:

• BSc (Biology), University of Waterloo
• PhD, University of Pennsylvania (1993)
• Postdoctoral Fellow, University of British Columbia

Research explores how species interactions shape ecological communities and clades. Current projects investigate diet specialization in insect herbivores, forest pest ecology, and goldenrod-insect systems. Work integrates field ecology with comparative and theoretical approaches.

Awards and Honors:

• University Research Scholar (2019-2021)
• Vice President, Canadian Society for Ecology and Evolution

Advising and Labs: Leads an active research group studying ecological evolution. Current graduate students include Lauren Stead (spruce budworm ecology), Mallory MacDonnell (invasive beetles), and Jennifer Anderson (beetle hybridization).