My research interests include parasitology, marine biology, insect ecology and biological control. I aspire to use biological control in the future to mediate pests in agriculture, aquaculture or prevent vectored human diseases.

My current project is on Syrphid flies and their control of the Lettuce aphid, Nasonovia ribis-nigri, in the organic lettuce sector of Californian agriculture. I am comparing the consumption rates and life-history variation among four common species of Syrphid flies in Hollister, CA. This research will be combined with those studying flower preference among these species of syrphids. In addition, I plan on expanding my research on the ecology of the syrphid parasitoids. The aim of the project is to assist farmers using floral resources to attract the most beneficial syrphid species for the control of the aphid pest in their fields.

Syrphus opinator, adult female

PUBLICATIONS

Hopper, J.V., R. Poulin, and D.W. Thieltges. 2008. Buffering role of the intertidal anemone Anthopleura aureoradiata in cercarial transmission from snails to crabs. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 367: 153-156