Dr. Jennifer Thaler, Professor

thaler@cornell.edu

Terry West Jr.

Matthew Barrett

mb2657@cornell.edu

For my degree research, I am investigating eavesdropping of chemical cues in insects. Specifically, I am interested in how non-target organisms such as natural enemies, subsequent herbivores, and sexual competitors – exploit a volatile chemical cue(s) for their own benefit. To investigate this question I am using Acalymma vittatum – striped cucumber beetle – and their host plant family, Cucurbitaceae, which include cucumbers, melons, pumpkins, squash, as a model system. One of the this beetle’s defining characteristics is its ability to quickly locate and colonize a host plant at high densities. The primary mechanism driving this aggregating behavior is male-produced sex pheromone – vittatalactone – released during active feeding by just a few individuals. Recent evidence has shown that other insects species eavesdrop on this pheromone but the extent of their attraction and tradeoffs remain unknown. Understanding how the release of vittatalactone influences the behavior and performance of these non-target organisms will advance our knowledge of eavesdropping the broader roles that insect pheromones can have in a community framework. Through investigating these broader roles I hope to provide new insight into a classic model system and how pheromones might be better used to manage pests.

                                                                                   Laura Martinez

lm699@cornell.edu

I am a fourth year PhD Candidate researching predator-prey interactions in applied systems. I am broadly interested in the non-consumptive effects of predators on their prey and hope to incorporate my interests to look at the potential synergistic affects of multiple variables such as other predators, chemical cues, and organic chemicals/pesticides. 

 Gen-Chang Hsu

gh443@cornell.edu

I’m broadly interested in the interplay between top-down and bottom-up
interactions in tri-trophic systems as well as the ecology of fear—the non-
consumptive effects (NCEs) of predators on herbivores. I plan to examine
the temporal and spatial dynamics of NCEs and how plant traits may
influence the relative strength of consumptive vs. non-consumptive effects.

                                     Hiking, biking, birding, photography, and programming are my hobbies.
Visit my website for more!

 Naomi Murray

Ted Wilbur 

Alayna Trejo

I am a junior studying Environment and Sustainability with a minor in Entomology. My honors thesis project and interests focus on lady beetle behavior and their interactions with synthetic predatory insect pheromones. When I’m not in the lab, you may find me hiking, backpacking, playing indie video games, studying bioacoustics monitoring methods, or helping out in the Cornell Botanic Gardens.

Sabine Paz-Le Draoulec

I am a junior studying Environment and Sustainability with a minor in Entomology. My research focuses on practical, organic Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies for farmers. In the lab, I study the behavior and predation rates of the Spined Soldier Bug within a push-pull IPM system. Outside the lab, I enjoy spending time outdoors, trying local foods at the Ithaca farmers market, or working on art projects.

Natalie Brennan
Michaela Fitzgerald
Noelle Pappous
Emily Cavanaugh
Anna Cohen
Ana Suppe
Elora Robeck
Kobe Phillips (REU)
Minnue Uhm
Sophie Stolberg
Angeliki Clintron
Nathan Mak
Abby Dittmar
Christina Zhao
Emma Weisseburg
Tait Stevenson,
Ari Grele- PhD Student, Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno
Fiona MacNeill- PhD Student, Department of Integrative Biology, UT Austin
George Stack-PhD Student, Plant Science, Cornell
Sheyla Finkner-Associate molecular scientist at MilliporeSigma
Jose Rangel
Danielle Rutkowski-PhD Student, Department of Entomology and Nematology, UC Davis
Marina Mann-PhD Student, Department of Plant Pathology, Cornell University
Molly Walker
Eugenia Wang
Rachel Norris-PhD Candidate, UC Riverside
Dan Pearlstein-food safety and quality lab at the USDA
Deidra Wirakusumah 

Graduate, Postdoctoral, and Research Associate Alumni

Dr. Swayamjit Ray – Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Dr. Moshe Zaguri
Dr. Jules Davis
Dr. Nick Aflitto
Dr. Zoe Getman-Pickering
Dr. Todd Ugine, Cornell University
Dr. Natasha Tigreros, University of Arizona
Dr. Will Wetzel, Assistant Professor, Department of Entomology, Michigan State University
Dr. Ian Kaplan, Professor of Entomology, Purdue University
Dr. Cesar Rodriguez-Saona, Extension Specialist in Entomology, Rutgers University
Dr. Scott McArt, Assistant Professor, Department of Entomology,  Cornell University
Dr. Ian Scott, Agriculture and Agri-food Canada
Dr. Suzie Claflin- Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Menzies Institute for Medical Research
Dr. Mônica Kersch-Becker– Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama
Sara Hermann -Assistant Professor, Department of Entomology, Penn State