Associate Professor / Director, Essig Museum of Entomology

Education

Ph.D. Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 2000

B.Sc The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 1994

Research Interests

Carabid beetles/ Insect Systematics

Research Description

My research interests center on the systematics, integrative-taxonomy and natural history of insects. I use a broad range of data types (morphology, DNA, behaviors, etc.) to develop phylogenetic hypotheses. These data contribute to monographic revisions that include the description of new species and development of keys for identification. Understanding all aspects of the study taxon and development of phylogenetic hypotheses for the group worldwide is an essential part of my research, this naturally leads to many avenues of inquiry that address more general questions in biology.

I intend my research to further the cause of systematics, which I believe is to expand our knowledge and understanding of the natural world and provide necessary basic knowledge for other biological studies. In order to develop a broader understanding of insects I emphasize field work and observation of the living animals whenever possible.

My focus and model taxon is the carabid beetle family (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and my work cuts across all taxonomic levels from species to subfamilies. See http://www.tolweb.org/harpalinae

Selected Publications