Jennifer S. Thaler is a Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Cornell University, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis (1999) and a B.A. from Wellesley College (1993). Her research focuses on tri-trophic interactions between plants, herbivores, and predators, with an emphasis on chemical ecology, plant defense mechanisms, and pest control strategies. She teaches courses such as Chemical Ecology and Insect Ecology, and her work bridges fundamental ecological theory with applied agricultural challenges. Dr. Thaler’s research investigates how plant traits, predator presence, and nutritional states influence herbivore behavior and population dynamics. Notable projects include studying non-consumptive predator effects, plant genotypic diversity’s impact on herbivores, and the evolutionary potential of antipredator plasticity. Her publications span journals like Ecology , Oecologia , and Proceedings of the Royal Society B . Her scientific contributions include winning the 2nd place Elton Prize (2015) for research on predator effects on aphids. She actively engages in departmental initiatives, including the Graduate Program and the Plant-Insect Interactions Seminar. Affiliated with the Cornell Stable Isotope Laboratory, she contributes to interdisciplinary efforts in ecological research and education.
Ian Grettenberger is an Assistant Professor of Cooperative Extension in the Department of Entomology and Nematology at the University of California, Davis. He leads the Grettenberger Lab, focusing on applied entomology in agricultural ecosystems. His work emphasizes pest management strategies, biological control, and sustainable solutions for invasive species threatening California crops. Education: B.S. in Biology, Western Washington University Ph.D. in Entomology, Pennsylvania State University Research Interests: Grettenberger’s expertise spans pest management of field/vegetable crops, invasive species like the Bagrada bug and western striped cucumber beetle, and resistance management in pests such as the alfalfa weevil. He investigates biological control mechanisms, pesticide efficacy, and economic impacts of pest management policies. Key Contributions: Recent work includes studies on insecticide spray optimization, economic implications of pesticide regulations, and biological control of invasive species. His research bridges laboratory and field settings, addressing challenges in California’s agricultural landscapes. Labs/Teams: The Grettenberger Lab collaborates on applied entomology projects, advancing IPM practices and crop protection strategies.
Michael Z. Levy is a Professor of Epidemiology in the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. He co-directs the University of Pennsylvania/Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia Zoonotic Disease Research Laboratory in Arequipa, Peru, and holds secondary affiliations with the Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Center for Public Health Initiatives, History and Sociology of Science, and Latin American and Latinx Studies. His research spans interdisciplinary domains including vector-borne diseases, computational biology, urban ecology, and social justice. Education: B.A. in Philosophy and Biology from Amherst College (1998), PhD in Population Biology, Ecology, and Evolution from Emory University (2007). Levy's work focuses on urban zoonotic diseases , particularly Chagas disease and canine rabies , integrating ecology, epidemiology, and computational methods. He investigates how insect vectors interact with social systems, housing policies, and climate change, extending to pandemic modeling during the Covid-19 crisis. His research group (28 members) collaborates with Peruvian Ministry of Health to control Chagas and rabies outbreaks in Arequipa. Notable contributions include novel geospatial surveillance models , behavioral economics applications for vector control, and bed bug epidemiology linking infestations to public health challenges. Recent publications highlight 2025-2024 trends in Chagas vector dynamics , zoonotic rabies control , vaccine strategies , and genomic outbreak analysis , emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to urban disease ecology. He has participated in cluster randomized trials and behavioral design studies to improve community engagement in vector control campaigns in Peru, focusing on incentive mechanisms and surveillance equity . The Zoonotic Disease Research Lab in Arequipa employs interdisciplinary methods combining biological research , social science , and computational modeling to address urban disease transmission.
Professor Dieter Hochuli leads the Integrative Ecology research group in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Sydney. His research focuses on biodiversity conservation in urban environments, with particular emphasis on arthropod ecology, habitat management, and the ecological dynamics of human-dominated landscapes. His work bridges community ecology and landscape-scale conservation strategies. Research interests center on urban biodiversity conservation, insect-plant interactions, ecosystem function in modified environments, and the ecological impacts of invasive species. Current projects examine how urban planning decisions affect biodiversity, the role of green infrastructure in supporting ecosystem services, and human-wildlife interactions in urban fringes. Analysis of recent publications reveals consistent themes: urban pollinator ecology, wildlife disease ecology at the urban interface, experimental approaches to urban green space management, and biodiversity responses to urbanization. His work integrates ecological theory with practical conservation applications. Professor Hochuli leads field-based ecology projects across Sydney's urban environments and collaborates with local councils on biodiversity mapping initiatives. He currently supervises graduate students researching urban arthropod communities, wildlife conservation, and ecosystem restoration.
Philippe Christe is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolution at the University of Lausanne (UNIL), Faculty of Biology and Medicine. His research centers on host-parasite interactions, with a focus on bats, birds, and their ectoparasites, integrating behavioral, physiological, and genetic approaches. He leads the Christe Group, which investigates evolutionary and ecological dynamics in host-parasite systems, particularly avian malaria and bat-mite relationships. He is actively involved in conservation initiatives, including the Jorat Peri-Urban Nature Park, and collaborates with KORA on human-wildlife interactions. Bachelor's degree in biology, UNIL (1989) PhD in Zoology and Animal Ecology, UNIL (1994) Philippe Christe’s research interests lie at the intersection of parasitology, evolutionary ecology, and conservation biology. He investigates how host defenses evolve in response to parasitic pressures, examining trade-offs between immunity and life history traits such as reproduction and survival. His work often integrates field studies with experimental and molecular techniques. Key model systems include Parus major (great tit) and Culex pipiens in avian malaria, and bat species with their ectoparasitic mites. He also explores broader ecological interactions, including predator-prey dynamics and wildlife conservation in human-modified landscapes. His recent publications reflect a strong emphasis on disease ecology, wildlife conservation, and molecular methods. Articles span topics such as avian malaria transmission, lynx population dynamics, snow leopard behavior, and habitat fragmentation effects on insects. These works employ advanced techniques like DNA metabarcoding, spatial modeling, and long-term monitoring, demonstrating a trend toward interdisciplinary, data-driven ecological research with direct conservation applications. Dubois Foundation Prize for an educational CD-Rom on bats (2004) Communication Award from the Faculty of Biology and Medicine of UNIL (2017) Philippe Christe has supervised numerous PhD and Master’s students, contributing significantly to training the next generation of ecologists and evolutionary biologists. His group collaborates widely with institutions such as the Museum of Zoology in Lausanne and KORA, and participates in large-scale conservation projects involving snow leopards, lynx, and bats. He has been involved in research grants related to host-parasite coevolution, wildlife monitoring, and conservation strategies. His leadership in establishing the Jorat Peri-Urban Nature Park and involvement in the UNIL Interdisciplinary Center for Mountain Research highlight his commitment to applied science and environmental stewardship. He leads the Christe Group, which conducts research on host-parasite coevolution, with a focus on bats and their ectoparasites, and birds affected by avian malaria. The group combines fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and molecular analyses, and includes post-docs, PhD students, and technical staff. Collaborations extend to researchers in Bern, Paris, and Spain, fostering an international and interdisciplinary research environment.
Vera D'Urso is an Associate Professor of Zoology at the Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, where she has been employed since 1994. Her academic career began with a CNR scholarship from 1977-1980, followed by work as a Confirmed Researcher at the Faculty of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Catania from 1980-1994. She has received DAAD scholarships for research at the University of Marburg in Germany in 1984 and 1987. Dr. D'Urso earned her Degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Catania with a grade of 110 cum laude. She furthered her expertise with postgraduate courses in "Quantitative Methods in Ecology" at the International Center of Theoric Physics in Miramare, Trieste in 1980. Dr. D'Urso is a leading expert in several entomological fields, with primary research interests in: Insecta Homoptera Auchenorrhyncha (leafhoppers and related insects) Insecta Diptera Phlebotominae (sand flies) Systematics and biodiversity of Mediterranean insects Insect vectors of phytoplasmas affecting economically important plants Alien species and their ecological impact Tardigrades and their taxonomy Her extensive publication record spanning over 95 scientific papers demonstrates her expertise in insect systematics, morphology, and ecology. Recent research has focused on Mediterranean biodiversity, particularly examining alien species like Balclutha brevis and their impact on local ecosystems. She has also made significant contributions to understanding phytoplasma transmission in grapevines, sandfly vectors of leishmaniasis in Sicily, and tardigrade taxonomy in extreme environments including Antarctica. Dr. D'Urso has served on numerous scientific committees including the editorial board of Biodiversity Journal, and has been a referee for multiple prestigious journals. She has participated in research projects including "Morphology, Systematics, Biology and Biogeography of Rhynchota Insects" (1994-99) and studies on sandflies in areas with high canine leishmaniasis endemicity (2004-06). Her academic service includes membership on doctoral committees at the University of Catania, participation in national evaluation committees for associate professor positions in Zoology, and serving on the Department Board of the Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (2018-2020). She has also conducted numerous entomological collection missions in Italy and abroad including Greece, Bulgaria, Macedonia, former Yugoslavia, Germany, Tunisia, Libya, and Malta.
Heidi Brown is a Professor and Program Director at the University of Arizona , affiliated with multiple programs including the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Entomology and Insect Science, Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis, and the School of Geography and Development. PhD in Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases (Yale University) MPH in International Health Promotion (George Washington University) Postdoctoral experience at Oxford University (Zoology) and CDC (Bacterial Diseases Branch) Her research focuses on infectious disease epidemiology , emphasizing the spatial and temporal dynamics of diseases, vector-borne/zoonotic transmission, and environmental determinants of health. She integrates epidemiological and spatial analysis to address climate change impacts on disease patterns. Recent publications highlight her work linking climate variability to infectious diseases like Campylobacter, stakeholder engagement in climate adaptation, and dual hazard response strategies during the 2020 heat-COVID overlap. Her 2019 Fulbright in Brazil and 2023 sabbatical at Heidelberg Institute of Global Health underscore her international expertise. Scientific Awards: Fulbright (2019) She leads projects such as Adaptation Mal-Adaptation Assessment , Climate and Health Adaptation Monitoring Program (CHAMP) , and initiatives on heat health resilience. Her work bridges academic research with practical implementation for state and local health departments.
Marius Gilbert is a Full Professor at Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) since 2023, with dual administrative roles as Vice-rector of Research and Valorization (since 2020) and Vice-rector of Culture and Scientific Mediation (current mandate). He obtained his PhD in spatial epidemiology from ULB in 2001 after studying Agricultural Sciences (1995) and conducting visiting research at Oxford's Department of Zoology. Key Research Areas: Spatial epidemiology of animal diseases and invasive species Impact of agricultural and ecosystem changes on pathogen emergence Specialization in avian influenza and emerging infectious diseases Development of livestock distribution models and antimicrobial resistance tracking Scientific Contributions: His 15 most recent publications (2025-2021) focus on viral phylogeography , livestock-environment interactions , antimicrobial use forecasting , and pandemic response modeling . Notable work includes COVID-19 spatio-temporal analysis and global antibiotic resistance trends in food animals. Public Engagement: Played a central role in French-speaking media during the pandemic , authored the book "Juste un Passage au JT" , and maintains a Le Soir column on science-society intersections. Co-founded the Spatial Epidemiology Lab (SpELL) in 2016, now led by Simon Dellicour.
Saumik Basu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Georgia (UGA), based at the Tifton Campus within the College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences. His research focuses on developing sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for vegetable crops in South Georgia. He leads the Vegetable Entomology Lab, which investigates pest complexes like whiteflies, diamondback moths, and pepper weevils, along with their interactions with plant pathogens. His work emphasizes molecular ecology, plant defense mechanisms, and the role of abiotic factors (e.g., climate, soil microbiota) in pest management. Education: B.S. in Human Physiology, University of Calcutta M.S. in Biotechnology, Visva-Bharati University Ph.D. in Molecular Plant Virology, Jawaharlal Nehru University Postdoctoral Research: University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and Washington State University (WSU) Research Interests: Molecular mechanisms of plant-insect interactions Sustainable IPM for vegetable pests Plant defense signaling and phytohormonal crosstalk Impact of soil microbiota on pest-pathogen dynamics Climate change effects on agroecosystems Lab & Collaborations: The lab collaborates with county extension agents, growers, and other research groups to translate findings into practical solutions. Current projects address pest attack order effects on plant defenses and the role of biopesticides like Metarhizium fungus. Graduate students and postdocs work on topics such as soil amendments for pest resistance and vector-borne disease transmission. Advising & Grants: Advises Ph.D. candidate Sourav Pal and M.S. student Rajesh Udavant. Technical staff includes Charles Laney Gruver, an expert in field trials and insect rearing. Undergraduate Alexis Crossgrove supports lab activities. Labs/Teams: Vegetable Entomology Lab (UGA), previously affiliated with Molecular Plant Sciences at WSU.
Maria Luisa Simoes is an Associate Professor and Unit Head in Experimental Immunology at the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp (ITM), Belgium. She previously held roles as Assistant Professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (UK) and Faculty Research Associate at Johns Hopkins University (USA). Her PhD in Biomedical Sciences (2014) was conducted at Nova University of Lisbon (Portugal) and Imperial College London (UK). She chairs the American Committee of Medical Entomology (ACME) and serves on the ASTMH scientific committee. Her research focuses on malaria transmission via Anopheles mosquitoes, exploring how biotic/abiotic stressors impact mosquito immunity to develop genetic tools for disease control. Key projects include the CLIMMAT initiative (2025–2028) examining environmental changes' effects on mosquito immunity. Her lab's work has been featured in Nature Microbiology , Journal of Medical Entomology , and international media like Nature , El Pais , and L'Avenir . Notable awards include the 2022 ACME Breakthrough Award and 2019 ASTMH Young Investigator Award. She seeks collaborators with expertise in molecular biology, parasitology, and vector biology to advance genetic malaria control strategies.
Silvia Rondon is a Professor and Director of the Integrated Pest Management Center at Oregon State University (OSU), affiliated with the College of Agriculture and Department of Crop & Soil Science. She moved to OSU's Corvallis campus in September 2022 after extensive work in eastern Oregon. Education: PhD in Crop Sciences (2002), MS in Entomology (1999), BA in Biology/Zoology (1993) from Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina (Peru) and University of Illinois. Research Focus: Ecological-based Integrated Pest Management for irrigated crops (potatoes, onions, corn, wheat) emphasizing insect ecology, biological/chemical control, and pest population dynamics. Her publications span potato psyllid management, zebra chip disease, wireworm genomics, and landscape-driven pest movement. Key awards include the Erasmus Teaching Award, Pacific Branch ESA Excellence in Extension, and multiple NACAA/OSU honors. She leads extension programs through on-farm demonstrations and train-the-trainer workshops, while mentoring graduate students in IPM research.
Nicole Gerardo is a Professor at Emory University and Director of the Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences. Her lab studies evolutionary ecology in insect-microbe systems, including aphid-bacteria symbioses and fungus-growing ants. Education includes a Ph.D. from University of Texas at Austin (2004) and B.A. from Rice University (1997). Research integrates experimental evolution , genomics , and field ecology to address: Mechanisms of symbiont-mediated pathogen defense Transmission dynamics in mutualisms Host immunological trade-offs Agricultural applications of protective microbes Recent work examines priority effects in symbiont colonization, monarch butterfly microbiomes, and coevolution in ant-fungal systems. Field sites span Panama, Brazil, and agricultural ecosystems.
Dr. Christopher Adams is an Assistant Professor of Tree Fruit Entomology at Oregon State University's Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research and Extension Center (MCAREC) in Hood River. His research focuses on managing pests of pear and cherry crops, including invasive species like spotted wing drosophila and brown marmorated stink bug. He holds a Ph.D. in Entomology from Michigan State University (MSU) and completed a postdoctoral fellowship there, where he developed IPM strategies for codling moth control through sterile insect release. His work emphasizes applied entomology, biocontrol, and grower collaboration. Education: Ph.D. in Entomology (Michigan State University, 2016) Post-doctoral Research Assistant (MSU Tree Fruit Entomology Lab, 2016–2019) Research Interests: Dr. Adams studies pest ecology, trapping techniques, and sustainable IPM solutions. His lab investigates the landscape ecology of pear psylla, X-disease vectors in cherries, and biocontrol methods for invasive species. He collaborates with growers and extension specialists to translate research into actionable field practices. Awards: Robert Driesbach Award (2016) Dr. Eugenia McDaniel Teaching Award (2013) ESA YouTube Award (2012) Teaching & Outreach: He mentors students in field research and extension activities, emphasizing hands-on learning. His teaching excellence has inspired students to pursue entomology careers. He contributes to OSU Extension guides on pest management and regularly presents at grower workshops. Labs & Teams: Leads the MCAREC Entomology Program, collaborating with regional stakeholders to address tree fruit pest challenges. Active in the Pacific Northwest codling moth task force and international IPM initiatives.
John Grieco is a Research Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and a joint faculty member at the Eck Institute for Global Health at the University of Notre Dame. He serves as Associate Director of the Eck Institute and co-director of the Belize Vector and Ecology Center (BVEC), where he leads a multidisciplinary research program focused on the ecology, behavior, and control of vectors of diseases such as malaria, dengue, Chagas, and Japanese encephalitis. University: University of Notre Dame School: College of Science Department: Department of Biological Sciences Position: Research Professor Joint Appointment: Eck Institute for Global Health Leadership Role: Associate Director, Eck Institute for Global Health; Co-Director, BVEC Dr. Grieco completed his Ph.D. at the Uniformed Services University, an M.S. at Texas A&M University, and earned his B.S. from the University of Notre Dame. His research spans vector behavior, spatial repellency, insecticide resistance, and disease risk modeling using GIS and remote sensing. He has led and collaborated on field studies in Belize, Thailand, Nepal, Peru, Mexico, and South Korea, and maintains partnerships with industry leaders such as BASF, SC Johnson, and Olfactor Laboratories. His recent publications highlight innovations in spatial repellent deployment, mosquito trap efficacy, and novel vector control strategies. The research consistently emphasizes translational outcomes for public health, particularly in low-resource settings. His work is supported by major initiatives including the Spatial Repellents Program, IMPACTS, AEGIS, and BRICC, often in collaboration with WHO, PAHO, and the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Grieco actively mentors undergraduate and Master of Science in Global Health students, supervising numerous capstone projects on vector-borne disease interventions. His lab, the Achee/Grieco Lab, is known for its field-based, interdisciplinary approach and commitment to training the next generation of global health scientists. Medical Entomology Vector Ecology and Behavior Vector Control Strategies Spatial Repellents and Irritants Infectious Disease Dynamics Disease Risk Mapping (GIS/Remote Sensing) Arbovirus and Malaria Transmission Scientific awards and honors are not explicitly mentioned in the provided texts. Dr. Grieco advises numerous students at both undergraduate and graduate levels, particularly through the Master of Science in Global Health program. His lab supports student research on topics including insecticide resistance, community perceptions of vector control, disease surveillance, and behavioral effects of repellents. He also leads the High-Throughput Screening System (HITSS) for evaluating vector behavioral responses. The Achee/Grieco Lab operates the Belize Vector and Ecology Center (BVEC), which conducts extensive field research, community outreach, and surveillance in Belize. BVEC collaborates with the Ministry of Health, University of Belize, and international partners. The lab also participates in global networks such as the Worldwide Insecticide Resistance Network (WIN) and the Remote Emerging Disease Intelligence NETwork (REDI-NET).
Ottar Bjornstad is a Distinguished Professor of Entomology and Biology at Pennsylvania State University, holding the Huck Chair of Epidemiology. He is affiliated with multiple research centers, including the Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, One Health Microbiome Center, and Center for Mathematical Biology. His research focuses on population ecology, epidemiological modeling, and the mathematical foundations of infectious disease dynamics. He investigates how climate change affects ecological systems, transmission patterns of zoonotic diseases, and the interplay between host demographics and disease spread. Recent publications highlight his work on dengue virus transmission, vaccine distribution logistics, and age-structured epidemic models. His studies span disciplines including ecology, virology, and computational epidemiology. Elected to Norwegian Academy of Sciences and Letters (2021) He collaborates with institutions worldwide, addressing global health challenges like Lassa virus spread and measles persistence mechanisms. His methodological contributions include statistical frameworks for epidemic analysis and spatial synchrony metrics.
