Insects are the most diverse group of multicellular organisms on the planet, with over 1 million described species, and no consensus as to how many species might exist! In the Forest Insect Conservation and Management Laboratory we examine the intersections of ecological and evolutionary theories, using systematics, phylogenetics, and population genetics, with traditional field surveys to inform sustainable pest and weed control services of invasive species and identify knowledge gaps to aid native species conservation.

Please feel free to contact me by e-mail at jcandersen@umass.edu if you’d like to learn more about our lab and opportunities for undergraduate and graduate research!