PhD Graduate Research Assistantship in Scale Insect Ecology & Biocontrol | University of Kentucky

PhD Graduate Research Assistantship in Scale Insect Ecology & Biocontrol | University of Kentucky

Institution: University of Kentucky – Department of Entomology

Laboratory: Wilson Lab

Program: PhD in Entomology

Research Area: Scale Insect Ecology | Insect Pest Management | Biological Control | Urban Tree Ecology | Environmental Entomology | Natural Enemy Conservation | Insect-Plant Interactions

Start Date: Spring 2027

The Wilson Lab in the Department of Entomology at the University of Kentucky is recruiting a PhD student in Entomology to investigate scale insect ecology and biocontrol in urban trees.

The research focuses on sustainable insect pest management and natural enemy conservation in urban trees, shrubs, and turfgrass. The selected student will have the opportunity to develop their own research projects within the broader research themes of the laboratory.

Investigate how flowering lawn weeds influence the biological control of scale insects in urban trees and how plant diversity can affect natural enemy communities.

Study the degree to which lawn-applied insecticides translocate into scale honeydew in nearby trees and examine their resulting effects on natural enemy communities.

Contribute to research focused on developing sustainable approaches to insect pest management in urban landscapes.

Study interactions between scale insects, urban trees, lawn vegetation, insecticides, and natural enemies to better understand ecological processes affecting pest control.

Conduct field-based research and collect ecological data to investigate insect populations, biological control, and natural enemy communities.

The selected PhD researcher will be expected to:

• Conduct research on scale insect ecology and biological control.
• Investigate how flowering lawn weeds affect biological control in urban trees.
• Examine the movement of lawn-applied insecticides into nearby trees.
• Assess the effects of insecticides on natural enemy communities.
• Conduct field-based data collection and ecological observations.
• Perform statistical analysis of research data.
• Develop and pursue independent research projects within the laboratory’s broader research themes.
• Prepare scientific manuscripts and research reports.
• Communicate research findings through scientific writing and presentations.
• Collaborate with researchers and members of the Wilson Lab.
• Contribute to sustainable insect pest management research in urban environments.

The PhD project will investigate scale insect ecology and biocontrol in urban trees, with an emphasis on sustainable pest management and natural enemy conservation.

The research will address two primary questions:

• How do flowering lawn weeds influence the biological control of scale insects in urban trees?
• To what degree do lawn-applied insecticides translocate into scale honeydew in nearby trees, and what effects do they have on natural enemy communities?

The project combines field ecology, insect ecology, biological control, environmental science, and statistical analysis to understand how urban landscape management practices influence pest and natural enemy communities.

The selected student will also be encouraged to develop their own research projects under the general themes of the Wilson Lab.

Applicants should have:

• A Master’s degree with a background in Entomology, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Biology, or a related field.
• Exceptional candidates with only a B.S. degree may also be considered.
• Prior experience with field-based data collection.
• Experience in scientific writing.
• Experience with statistical analysis.
• Strong interest in insect ecology and sustainable pest management.
• Interest in biological control and natural enemy communities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a research team.
• Strong scientific communication and analytical skills.

Experience or interest in the following areas would be particularly relevant:

• Entomology
• Biological control
• Environmental science
• Field-based ecological research
• Statistical analysis
• Scientific writing

Successful students will receive a graduate research…