Dr. Jennifer Thaler, Professor

thaler@cornell.edu

Dr. Swayamjit Ray

rs2622@cornell.edu

I am a molecular and chemical ecologist and I am interested in understanding how insect and microbial chemical cues (or elicitors/effectors) trigger plant defense responses. My current work focuses on developing elicitor-based seed treatment strategies as an alternative to neonicotinoids to combat seed corn maggot herbivory in organic agroecosystems.

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 third year PhD student 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!

 Natalie Brennan

I am a senior undergraduate in the Entomology major. My research interests include applied ecology, multi-trophic interactions, and insect pheromone communication. I am passionate about science outreach, particularly on topics regarding our natural world. I also enjoy hiking/backpacking and hammocking, eating good food, and making or listening to music.

     Michaela G Fitzgerald

I am a senior undergraduate studying Environment and Sustainability with a minor in Entomology. My research interests include forest entomology and induced defenses in trees. I am particularly interested in how invasive forest insects impact populations of native pests, and looking at those relationships on a chemical level. In my free time I enjoy exploring outside, cooking, and vintage shopping!

Emily Cavanaugh

I am an undergraduate student majoring in Entomology, with a minor in science communication. I’m primarily interested in predator-prey relationships, and the impact of natural predators on anthropogenic ecosystems. Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading, hiking, and listening to music!

Noelle Pappous

I’m a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences studying Biological Sciences. I am interested in studying predator-prey and plant-insect interactions (specifically how these interactions change the plant’s chemistry). Outside of the lab I enjoy going on hikes, spending time with friends/family, listening to music, and watching shows!

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. 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