Please join us in welcoming Dr. Matt Petersen, who is joining the Department of Entomology as our new Insect Science Education & Research Assistant Professor.
Dr. Petersen most recently served as a Teaching Associate Professor in our Department after earning his MS from University of Tennessee and PhD in Entomology and Ecology & Evolutionary Biology from Iowa State University.
Over the last seven years Dr. Petersen’s work has substantially increased student involvement in the Department’s undergraduate program and helped grow the Insect Science Minor into one of CFANS’s largest minor programs. Matt’s teaching philosophy highlights active learning, with an emphasis placed on getting more students involved in undergraduate research. Dr. Petersen is also deeply committed to inclusive teaching practices and equitable student success and recently served as the inaugural Inclusive Excellence Fellow through CFANS Office of Inclusive Excellence. He is excited to continue this work in his new position and create additional opportunities for students in our program.
Matt’s research program explores the importance of insect biodiversity. During his research career he has conducted research on a wide variety of insects, from lady beetles to cuckoo wasps. His current research is aimed at addressing biodiversity shortfalls, the critical gaps between our current, incomplete scientific knowledge and the complete understanding of insect biodiversity that offers insight into biogeographic patterns, evolutionary histories, and functional traits that mediate interactions in ecological systems. His lab group is particularly interested in gaining insight into hyper-diverse but poorly understood insect groups.
Please join us in congratulating and welcoming Dr. Petersen.
