Congratulations to iEcoLab’s Sam Owens who successfully defended his Master’s thesis titled “Multiscale Modeling of the Spotted Lanternfly Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) Reveals Enduring Risk to Viticulture and Regional Range Expansion by 2055.” Sam’s research utilized species distribution models for SLF to predict future establishment risk across the globe accounting for climate change paying close attention to viticultural regions. A notable takeaway: The study yielded that under climate change, the area for suitable habitat for SLF across the globe will increase by about 1 million kmsq.
We wish Sam the best of luck in his future endeavors!