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# iEcoLab

Integrative Ecology Lab at Temple University

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.iecolab.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [New Insights on Wineberry and Tick-Borne Disease](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2026/06/new-insights-on-wineberry-and-tick-borne-disease/) - The iEcoLab has published a new paper titled “Invasive wineberry influences tick-borne disease dynamics across spatial scales.” The authors, Dr. Payton Phillips and Dr. Jocelyn Behm, use a multiscale approach to examine how urbanization and wineberry affect ticks, their hosts, and pathogen prevalence. As the first study to investigate the impact of wineberry, they found
- [Tick Talk: Dr. Payton Phillips Discusses Her Research to WHYY](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2025/08/tick-talk-dr-payton-phillip-discusses-her-research-to-whyy/) - Dr. Payton Phillips, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Georgia and recent PhD graduate from Temple University, was recently interviewed by the WHYY about her research on the invasive Asian longhorned tick. During her doctoral studies under the mentorship of Dr. Jocelyn Behm at Temple University, Phillip originally focused on blacklegged and deer ticks
- [Ecosystem Services Provided by Urban Animals](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2025/03/ecosystem-services-provided-by-urban-animals/) - The iEcoLab recently published a new paper titled "Crumb bums? Context dependence in ecosystem services supplied by common urban animals". The paper was authored by lab alumni Dr. Terra Swartz and previous undergraduate researcher Alison Blaney, as well as PI Dr. Jocelyn Behm. In urban areas, food litter is commonly found on streets and parks,
- [Dr. Helmus presents at the 2026 Spotted Lanternfly Summit](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2026/04/dr-helmus-presents-at-the-2026-spotted-lanternfly-summit/) - Dr. Helmus recently gave a talk at the annual Spotted Lanternfly Summit. His talk, titled “Modeling, Data Science, and Ecosystem Effects,” highlighted the research efforts and findings of the lab. His recorded talk can be viewed in the video above or at this link, and the series of recordings from the summit can be found
- [New Paper on Invertebrate Use of Spotted Lanternfly Honeydew](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2026/01/new-paper-on-invertebrate-use-of-spotted-lanternfly-honeydew/) - Under the mentorship of Dr. Matthew Helmus, Dr. Stefani Cannon recently published the first chapter of her Ph.D. thesis examining how the invasive spotted lanternfly influences invertebrate communities with their honeydew secretions. The study primarily focuses on the main consumers documented, several species of Hymenoptera, and found that spotted lanternfly biomass was the strongest predictor
- [Quantifying Invasive Species Jump Dispersal with jumpID](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2025/05/quantifying-invasive-species-jump-dispersal-with-jumpid/) - Predicting how invasive species will spread is essential to manage and reduce the threat to biodiversity and natural resources. Many invasive species spread in two ways: diffusive spread, which is a slow expansion into nearby areas, and jump dispersal, which are sudden long-distance movements that create new outbreaks from the main invaded area. Jump dispersals
- [Dr. Helmus Attends an EFI Conference (Download Talk)](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2025/05/dr-helmus-attends-an-efi-conference/) - Dr. Helmus attended the 2025 ecological forecasting conference at Virgina Tech. He presented way too much for a ten minute talk, so if you missed something, please download his talk here and contact him questions.
- [iEcoLab Members Showcase Research at Temple University Symposiums](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2025/04/iecolab-members-showcase-research-at-temple-university-symposiums/) - Four members from the iEcoLab team presented their research at the Undergraduate and Graduate Research Symposiums, both hosted at Temple University. Our undergraduate students, Jen Weigand and Gage Bernstein, presented their posters at the Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium. Jen presented about the residence pattern and host use of tropical lanternfly (Enchophora Sanguinea), while Gage
- [iEcoLab goes to Mid-Atlantic ESA Conference at Longwood Gardens](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2025/04/iecolab-goes-to-mid-atlantic-esa-conference-at-longwood-gardens/) - Recently, many members of the iEcoLab presented their research at the Mid-Atlantic Ecological Society of America (ESA) Conference hosted at Longwood Gardens, a world-famous botanical garden. We had a fantastic time exploring the gardens and learned a lot from the hundreds of other presenters. See below for a list of our lab's participants and photos
- [Jore and Cameron Present at Undergrad Research Symposium](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2025/03/jore-and-cameron-present-at-undergrad-research-symposium/) - This Wednesday, two of our undergraduate researchers, Cameron and Jore, showcased their research at Temple’s College of Science and Technology (CST) Spring Undergraduate Research Symposium. Both students presented research from projects they have been working on for multiple semesters. Jore's poster was about arthropod diversity in Philadelphia's vacant lots, which provided insights onto how urban
- [Dr. Jocelyn Behm Interviewed for Temple Now](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2025/03/dr-jocelyn-behm-interviewed-for-temple-now/) - Dr. Jocelyn Behm was recently interviewed for a piece in Temple Now, Temple University's newspaper. The piece is titled "Spring forward? How climate change is rushing the spring season". The paper asked Dr. Behm a variety questions about climate change and its impacts on seasonality and local ecosystems, in which she shared her insight gained
- [New Insights on How Human Activity Is Reshaping Biodiversity in the Anthropocene](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2025/03/new-insights-on-how-human-activity-is-reshaping-biodiversity-in-the-anthropocene/) - The iEcoLab published a new paper titled "Elevated human impact on islands increases the introduction and extinction status of native insular reptiles", which investigates why some reptiles are introduced to new habitats (introduced species) while others decline (extinction-prone species) in the Anthropocene due to human impact. The paper was authored by PI Dr. Jocelyn Behm,
- [New Paper on Spotted Lanternfly Population Resistance to Climatic Variability](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2025/03/new-paper-on-spotted-lanternfly-population-resistance-to-climatic-variability/) - The iEcolab published a new paper titled, "Quantifying population resistance to climatic variability: The invasive spotted lanternfly grape pest is buffered against temperature extremes in California." The paper was authored by iEcoLab alumna Dr. Stephanie Lewkiewicz, PI Dr. Matthew Helmus, and Dr. Benjamin Seibold, PI at the C2M2 Lab. The article investigates temperature variability impact
- [New Paper on Urban Lyme Disease Ecology](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2025/02/new-paper-on-urban-lyme-disease-ecology/) - The iEcoLab recently published a new study titled "Variation in forest patch habitat quality for white-footed mice driven by invasive plants in an urbanizing landscape." This research was authored by Gianna Busala, a former undergraduate in our lab and a Temple Science Scholar, as well as Dr. Payton Phillips and PI Dr. Jocelyn Behm. The paper
- [New Paper on the Long-Horned Tick in Pennsylvania](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2025/02/new-paper-on-the-long-horned-tick-in-pennsylvania/) - The iEcoLab recently published a new study on the non-native long-horned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) in Pennsylvania forests. Led by iEcoLab alumna Dr. Payton Phillips as well as PI Dr. Jocelyn Behm, the research explored whether this newly introduced tick could become a disease carrier in the U.S. Payton collected ticks across southeastern Pennsylvania and tested
- [iEcoLab heads to The Vineyards at Dodon! ](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2024/12/iecolab-heads-to-the-vineyards-at-dodon/) - On December 10th, the iEcoLab team visited The Vineyard at Dodon in Davidsonville, Maryland, to engage with the Living Vineyards Project. Tom Croghan, Co-Owner and Winemaker at Dodon Vineyards, shared insights into this initiative, which aims to inspire winegrowers worldwide to participate in ecosystem restoration. By prioritizing ecological integrity, the project seeks to enhance
- [iEcoLab Starts New Wildlife Camera Project](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2024/12/iecolab-starts-new-wildlife-camera-project/) - The iEcoLab has kicked off an exciting new project to study mammal behavior in urban environments. Our team has installed wildlife cameras at Laurel Hill Cemetery, a historic green space in Philadelphia. In just a short time, the cameras have captured many photos of local wildlife. White-tailed deer have been the most frequent visitors, but
- [iEcoLab Undergraduates Make an Impressive Showing at CST Undergraduate Research Symposium](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2024/11/iecolab-undergraduates-make-an-impressive-showing-at-cst-undergraduate-research-symposium/) - This Wednesday, seven of our undergraduate researchers – Kenny, Cameron, Lilah, Anya, Henry, Katie, and Jasleen – showcased their hard work at Temple’s College of Science and Technology (CST) Fall Undergraduate Research Symposium. Their research topics included spotted lanternfly ecology, arthropod diversity in cemeteries, Caribbean geckos, soil fungi, and ant behavior. We’re incredibly proud of
- [iEcoLab and Collaborators presents at 2024 Spotted Lanternfly Research and Technology Development Meeting](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2024/10/iecolab-and-collaborators-presents-at-2024-spotted-lanternfly-research-and-technology-development-meeting/) - On October 16th to 17th, Dr. Matthew Helmus, Dr. Joseph Keller, and iEcoLab collaborators from Temple University’s Mathematics Department, Dr. Benjamin Seibold and Jacob Woods, attended the first 2024 Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) Research and Technology Development Meeting at Ohio State University in Wooster, Ohio. The meeting was towards scientific research about risk mitigation and practical
- [iEcoLab collects SLF around Temple!](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2024/11/iecolab-collects-slf-around-temple/) - Last week, the iEcoLab team came together to help Dr. Behm retrieve Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) for one of her courses called "Biological Impacts of Climate Change". This course is designed to educate senior undergraduate and graduate students on the impacts of climate change via applied research projects and labs. The lanternflies were used in a
- [PhD Position in Multifunctional Urban Landscapes featuring Birds](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2024/10/phd-position-in-multifunctional-urban-landscapes-featuring-birds/) - The Integrative Ecology Lab at Temple University has a PhD graduate student position available for Fall 2025 with Dr. Jocelyn Behm. The PhD student will work on the Multifunctional Urban Landscapes, exploring how local and landscape-scale drivers affect bird diversity and the ecosystem services and multifunctionality birds provide along
- [PhD Positions in Environmental Data Science and Invasion Ecology](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2024/09/phd-positions-in-environmental-data-science-and-invasion-ecology/) - The Integrative Ecology Lab at Temple University has multiple PhD student positions available for Fall 2025. These positions offer students an exciting chance to work at the epicenter of a recent high-impact invasion, utilizing a combination of field research, data science, and ecological modeling. Positions: PhD Graduate Students Department: Biology Department, Temple University Start Date:
- [Dr. Jocelyn Behm Gives Her Tenure Talk](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2024/09/dr-jocelyn-behm-gives-her-tenure-talk/) - On Monday, September 9th, Dr. Jocelyn Behm presented her tenure talk to Temple University’s Department of Biology titled “Biodiversity: The Sustainable Development Solution.” In her talk, Dr. Behm discussed her research thus far at Temple and shared her many achievements as a teacher and mentor. She gave a brilliant overview of her research in the
- [Anya and Lilah Present at SERC’s Summer Research and Leadership Symposium](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2024/08/anya-and-lilah-present-at-sercs-summer-research-and-leadership-symposium/) - On Thursday, August 1st, two of our undergraduate researchers, Anya Frazier and Lilah Shtino, presented at the Science Education and Research Center’s Summer Research and Leadership Symposium. Both students have been working on their respective projects the entire summer with guidance from iEcoLab graduate students and PIs. Anya’s project, titled “Investigation of novel feeding relationships
- [Summer SLF Fieldwork Successful](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2024/08/summer-slf-fieldwork-successful/) - This summer, our field crew has been busy counting Spotted Lanternflies (SLF) across Temple University’s campus. Twice a week, we’ve carefully surveyed flowerbeds and street trees, collecting valuable data on SLF habitat preferences. These efforts will continue until the SLF population naturally declines in late fall. A huge thank you to our amazing undergraduates and
- [iEcoLab goes to West Laurel Hill Cemetery!](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2024/07/iecolab-goes-to-west-laurel-hill-cemetery/) - On Friday, July 19th, the iEcoLab team visited West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd, PA, to collect arthropod samples and conduct bird point counts. Dr. Behm and Hannah S. conducted point counts in the early morning, followed by arthropod sampling. The iEcoLab members (pictured from left to right: Claire Becker, Stefani Cannon, Hannah Slesinski,
- [iEcoLab Welcomes New Lab Managers – Both Named Hannah!](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2024/07/iecolab-welcomes-new-lab-managers-both-named-hannah/) - This summer, the iEcoLab hired two new lab managers/research assistants to oversee daily operations and help conduct research. Coincidentally, both new lab managers are named Hannah! Hannah Joseph graduated this spring from Temple University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She has been working for the iEcoLab since January 2024 and completed an undergraduate
- [Isabella Pursues Her Master's Degree!](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2024/07/isabella-pursues-her-masters-degree/) - It is a bittersweet day at the iEcoLab, as Isabella Smith, who has been a member of the lab since 2021, leaves to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Montana focusing on prescribed forest fires. Isabella started at the iEcoLab as an undergraduate research assistant, researching spotted lanternfly and the insects feeding on
- [Payton Successfully Defends Her PhD Dissertation](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2024/07/payton-successfully-defends-her-phd-dissertation/) - On Monday, Payton Phillips successfully defended her doctoral thesis titled “Understanding the influence of anthropogenic habitat modification on urban animals: case studies of Caribbean lizards and North American mammals.” She presented a brilliant overview of her three thesis chapters in an engaging and accessible manner. In her presentation, Payton discussed the influence of urbanization and
- [New Insights on Non-Native Herpetofauna in the Carribean ](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2024/07/new-insights-on-non-native-herpetofauna-in-the-carribean/) - Last week, the iEcoLab published a new paper titled “Non-native herpetofauna of Aruba island (Caribbean): patterns and insights.” The paper was authored by Gianna Busala, an undergraduate member of our lab and part of the prestigious Temple Science Scholars Program, along with Dr. Jocelyn Behm and Dr. Matt Helmus. Busala collected and compiled a database
- [Applied Math Collaborators featured in SIAM News](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2024/06/applied-math-collaborators-featured-in-siam-news/) - Dr. Benjamin Seibold (left) and Jacob Woods (right) examining rose bushes on Temple's campus for SLF iEcoLab's collaborators at the Temple University Mathematics Department were recently featured in an article for SIAM news. "Predicting the Spread and Establishment of Spotted Lanternflies" by Jillian Kunze highlights the work of Dr. Benjamin Seibold, PhD student Jacob Woods,
- [Sam Defends His Master's Thesis](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2024/06/sam-defends-his-masters-thesis/) - 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
- [Urban Development Effects Lizard Dispersal](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2024/06/urban-development-effects-lizard-dispersal/) - Payton Phillips and iEcoLab members and collaborators made the cover of Diversity and Distributions with their article titled "Dispersal restriction and facilitation in species with differing tolerance to development: A landscape genetics study of native and introduced lizards." Phillips et al. discovered that the influence of urbanization on lizard species varies. The native gecko, Phyllodactylus
- [Dr. Helmus Receives Tenure](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2024/06/dr-helmus-receives-tenure/) - Congratulations to Dr. Matthew Helmus, who has officially received tenure at Temple University! Since starting at Temple, he has strengthened his research on the island biogeography theory, spearheaded technological solutions to aid in stopping the spread of spotted lanternfly, developed a course to teach students the necessity of utilizing data to solve global problems through
- [Lab Manager Position](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2024/04/lab-manager-position/) - THIS POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED The Integrative Ecology Lab at Temple University is hiring a Lab Manager with an anticipated start date of June 1, 2024. The lab mission is to integrate biodiversity science with human ecology to understand contemporary patterns of biodiversity and its functioning within ecosystems (www.iecolab.org). Our strengths are conducting field research
- [SLF are hatching in Philadelphia](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2024/04/slf-are-hatching-in-philadelphia/) - On Friday, April 26th iEcoLab recorded the first spotted lanternfly egg hatch for the 2024 season! Research has shown that the timing of SLF egg hatch is associated with temperature. The warmer the spring time the earlier SLF are likely to hatch. Philadelphia has experienced a variation in day time temperatures this past month, but
- [Effects of SLF on parasitic Hymenoptera](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2024/04/effects-of-slf-on-parasitic-hymenoptera/) - Undergraduate Neuroscience major, Claire Becker, represented the Integrative Ecology Lab at the 2024 Temple University Symposium for Undergraduate Research and Creativity. Claire's poster titled "Effects of spotted lanternfly on parasitic Hymenopteran community composition" reported on preliminary results finding differences in parasitic hymenopteran abundances in the presence and absence of SLF. The analysis suggest SLF may
- [Postdoc Position: Quantitative ecology of invasive species](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2023/03/postdoc-position-quantitative-ecology-of-invasive-species/) - THIS POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED Postdoc Position: Quantitative ecology of invasive species Temple University, Philadelphia, USA The Integrative Ecology Lab at Temple University is seeking creative and productive applicants for a postdoctoral researcher in quantitative invasion ecology. The position provides the opportunity to work in the epicenter of a recent invasion using combinations of data
- [Undergrads Present GPT and Mathematical Models Focused on SLF Invasion](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2024/03/undergrads-present-gpt-and-mathematical-models-focused-on-slf-invasion/) - Yesterday, Temple University College of Science and Technology hosted an undergraduate symposium. Two undergrads presented research centered on the spotted lanternfly (SLF) invasion. iEcoLab senior undergraduate, Hannah Joseph, presented her poster titled "SLF-GPT: Your Comprehensive Guide to Spotted Lanternfly Research" laying out the preliminary results of her SLF focused version of Chat-GPT. The AI was
- [Stefani Researches Tropical Lanternfly in Costa Rica](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2024/02/stefani-researches-tropical-lanternfly-in-costa-rica/) - Stefani Cannon, Ph.D. candidate, is expanding her work to tropical lanternfly. Stationed at the Camaquiri Conservation Initiative in northeastern Costa Rica, she has begun her field season collecting data on residency periods and niche partitioning of multiple species of lanternfly (Fulgoridae) native to Costa Rica. Stefani drew inspiration for this project by combining her years
- [Impervious Surface Cover Affects Avian Ecosystem Services](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2023/12/impervious-surface-cover-affects-avian-ecosystem-services/) - As 2023 comes to an end, iEcoLab continues to reflect on notable research produced this past year. Timothy Swartz along with iEcoLab colleagues Jason Gleditsch and Jocelyn Behm explores changes in avian ecosystem services in response to impervious surface and green space cover. Results showed shifts in species abundance were more influenced by landscape-scale habitat
- [Spotted lanternfly exhibit multiple paternity](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2023/12/spotted-lanternfly-exhibit-multiple-paternity/) - As 2023 comes to an end, iEcoLab continues to reflect on notable research produced this past year. In this post we highlight another article by Dr. Nadege Belouard and coauthored by Dr. Jocelyn Behm. Belouard & Behm dive into spotted lanternfly reproduction to confirm the existence of polyandrous females. Furthermore, they establish genetic evidence exhibiting
- [Identification of spotted lanternfly individuals through photographs](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2023/12/identification-of-spotted-lanternfly-individuals-through-photographs/) - As 2023 comes to an end, iEcoLab is taking the time to reflect on notable research produced this past year. During her time as a post-doctoral fellow, Dr. Nadege Belouard along with Dr. Jocelyn Behm investigated a new technique researchers can use to identify spotted lanternfly individuals. In the publication titled, "Spotted! Computer-aided individual photo-identification
- [Undergraduate Members Represent at CST Symposium](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2023/11/undergraduate-members-represent-at-cst-symposium/) - Jore Bagdonas and Zack Giblin presented their research today at the Temple University College of Science & Technology Symposium. Jore lectured listeners on her poster titled "Analyzing Variation in Arthropod Biodiversity Among Vacant Lots" describing patterns seen in insect communities temporally across manicured and undisturbed vacant lots in Philadelphia. Zack delved into the variation of
- [Anna Carlson Solves a Hairy Problem](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2023/11/anna-carlson-solves-a-hairy-problem/) - Last week, iEcoLab Master's student Anna Carlson successfully defended her thesis titled "Solving a hairy problem: Adaptation of non-trapping hair collection methods reveals urban mammal dietary shifts and provides opportunities for outreach". Anna lectured about the challenges of sampling mammal populations in urban areas and how she explored a novel, non-invasive, low-cost methods to collect
- [Postdoc Position: Context dependency of habitat use during invasion](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2023/05/postdoc-position-context-dependency-of-habitat-use-during-invasion/) - THIS POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED Postdoc Position: Context dependency of habitat use during invasion Temple University, Philadelphia, USA The Integrative Ecology Lab at Temple University is seeking creative and productive applicants for a postdoctoral researcher in invasion ecology. The position provides the opportunity to work in the epicenter of a recent invasion using combinations of
- [Anna Carlson Publishes Essay about Convivial Conservation](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2023/10/anna-carlson-publishes-essay-about-convivial-conservation/) - Congratulations to iEcoLab master's student, Anna Carlson, who published her essay titled "Predator Protection is Out, Convivial Conservation is In" in Edge Effects. The essay explores the challenges of human-wildlife conflict in Botswana, where lions and leopards threaten free-roaming cattle herds, and outlines creative solutions showcasing the potential of convivial conservation. The broader discussion addresses
- [Dr. Matthew Helmus gives his tenure talk](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2023/09/dr-matthew-helmus-gives-his-tenure-talk/) - On Monday, Dr. Matthew Helmus presented his tenure review talk to the Department of Biology at Temple University, title "Harnessing the Data Revolution". Dr. Helmus reviewed his research from his time here at Temple, touching on his work on island biogeography theory to the invasive spotted lanternfly. Both study subject systems have required extensive data
- [The iEcoLab 2023 field season has begun](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2023/06/the-iecolab-2023-field-season-has-begun/) - The 2023 field season has brought exciting prospects as the iEcoLab continues to increase understanding of the invasive spotted lanternfly. With the help of URP students Cameron, Jore, Kenny, Rupali, and Zack, the team is counting spotted lanternfly to investigate host use patterns on plants around Temple University. Several times a week, the team, equipped
- [Dr. Jocelyn Behm presents to PA representatives](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2023/09/dr-jocelyn-behm-presents-to-pa-representatives/) - Today, Dr. Jocelyn Behm represented iEcoLab at a Pennsylvania House Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee Informational Meeting about invasive species at Temple's Ambler Campus. Members of the Governor's Invasive Species Task Force testified to Pennsylvania Representatives regarding the importance of raising awareness about invasive species and funding research and prevention measures. Dr. Behm highlighted her
- [We've got spirit, how 'bout you!](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2023/08/weve-got-spirit-how-bout-you/) - This past week was the first ever iEcoLab spirit week! Lab members were full of spirit when tasked with dressing accordingly to the following themes: Matching mentor Monday Temple Tuesday Wildlife Wednesday Tropical Thursday Spotted Lanternfly Friday Shout out to undergraduate researchers Cameron, Jore, Kenny, Rupali, and Zack for coming up with and organizing this
- [Congrats to Timothy on his successful defense!](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2023/07/congrats-to-timothy-on-his-successful-defense/) - Timothy Swartz defended his doctoral thesis last month titled "An Integrative Investigation of Urban Animals and he Ecosystem Services they Provide in Cities." His audience received an eloquent and digestible run-down of all three of Timothy's dissertation chapters which he has spent the last 5 years diligently working on. Topics spanned from learning the differences
- [Spotted Lanternfly Control: A Multiscale Approach](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2023/03/spotted-lanternfly-made-the-cover/) - Spotted lanternflies (Lycorma delicatula) have been rapidly spreading across the northeastern United States, causing significant damage to crops and trees. In response, the USDA and researchers have been investigating effective methods for controlling their population growth. Our recent study has revealed that a multiscale approach is necessary for spotted lanternfly control, with unique strategies
- [Spotted Lanternfly Don't do Math, but iEcoLab Does](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2022/12/stephanie-authors-ieco-labs-first-mathematical-modeling-paper/) - The iEco Lab’s mathematical modeling paper on the population dynamics of the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) is out in the Journal of Mathematical Biology! The manuscript presents a partial differential equation (PDE) model of life stage abundances in an SLF population over time, featuring biological parameters calibrated to emerging SLF data with a strong emphasis on
- [Remember classic island biogeography theory? Well, humans mucked that up.](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2023/01/remember-classic-island-biogeography-theory-well-humans-mucked-that-up/) - Why do some islands have more species than others? Classic island biogeographic theory says that it is how island habitat diversity and isolation from source pools of species determine species immigration and extinction rates. These two island characteristics are most often measured as geographic area and isolation. But today, humans have altered both characteristics through
- [Stefani is awarded "PhD Student Entomologist of the Year"](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2022/12/stefani-is-awarded-phd-student-entomologist-of-the-year/) - Stefani, a PhD student of Dr. Helmus, was recently was awarded "PhD Student Entomologist of the Year" for her presentation to the Entomological Society of Pennsylvania (ESP)! This society is almost 100 years old and includes a diverse group of entomologists - both amateur and professional. ESP has an annual meeting where the group comes
- [iEco Field Day!](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2022/10/ieco-field-day/) - Field work is second nature to most of us here at the iEco lab. Last week, everyone in the lab came together to help Dr. Behm retrieve Spotted Lanternfly for one of her courses. This was a great opportunity for everyone to get out of the office and enjoy a group activity with other lab
- [iEco's Undergraduate Students Present their Research](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2022/10/iecos-undergraduate-students-present-their-research/) - Three undergraduate students from the iEco lab presented at the Temple College of Science and Technology Undergraduate Research Symposium on Friday, September 23rd. Jackson Fahey and Ben Silbar have both participated in Temple’s URP program and presented posters on their research. Rupali Sharma gave a talk on the work she completed as a Francis Velay
- [iEco Mentors for SPROUTs: A High School Research Mentorship Program](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2022/09/ieco-mentors-for-sprouts-a-high-school-research-mentorship-program/) - This summer, members of the iEco lab mentored local high-school students in research as part of Temple’s Science Preparatory Research Opportunities for Underrepresented Teens (SPROUT) program. Our lab mentored two students throughout the summer months, culminating in poster presentations on their work during the SPROUT symposium. Namira Nera worked with graduate student Payton Phillips and
- [Anna Finishes Her Summer Field Season](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2022/08/anna-finishes-her-summer-field-season/) - Anna Carlson, one of our MS students, finished the field-based portion of her research! For her summer field season, she set up non-invasive sampling equipment to collect fur from small mammals and mesopredators within 16 parks in the Greater Philadelphia area. These fur-collecting devices were designed to collect fur from small mammals on tape as
- [Timothy and Stefani Give Talks at ESA Montreal](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2022/08/timothy-and-stefani-give-talks-at-esa-montreal/) - This year, Timothy and Stefani had the opportunity to present on their PhD research at ESA in Montreal, Canada! This was a great opportunity for both of them to take their ideas before scientists in their field and receive helpful feedback. Timothy and Stefani both received funding to attend the conference and present their talks.
- [Dr. Helmus forms strong collaborations this year](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2022/09/dr-helmus-forms-strong-collaborations-this-year/) - The iEco lab provides a highly collaborative environment for its members and our PIs are no exception to this! Dr. Helmus is a co-author on three external papers so far this year. These papers are available on our publications page: Daijiang et.al has published an R-package called neonDivData that standardizes data from the NEON continental-scale
- [Potential for SLF Pan-Invasion: A framework](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2022/09/potential-for-slf-pan-invasion-a-framework/) - The potential for the Spotted Lanternfly grapevine pest to become established globally and impact wine production in Europe and the U.S. is very real, according to Nick Huron's latest paper. Nick, our successfully defended PhD student, published his thesis on this concept. As part of his thesis research, Nick outlines the creation of a tool
- [Coding for Inclusive Communication](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2022/09/coding-for-inclusive-communication/) - Stakeholder communication is easily overlooked when most of a scientist's time is spent in the field or lab. The attitude of "publish or perish" is ingrained in academia, but what if scientists gave equal weight to communicating their findings with the public, putting a priority on education? Daniel Turner, a former undergraduate student in the
- [PhD Positions in Invasion Ecology](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2022/09/phd-positions-in-invasion-ecology/) - The Integrative Ecology Lab at Temple University has two PhD student positions available for Fall 2023 to work on our invasive spotted lanternfly projects. These positions will provide students with the exciting opportunity to work in the epicenter of a recent invasion using combinations of field research, data science, and statistical modeling methods. The
- [Evan presents poster on Spotted Lanternfly Risk-Map application](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2018/10/evan-presents-poster-on-spotted-lanternfly-risk-map-application/) - Evan Zangakis presented a poster at Temple University's annual undergraduate research symposium on his work scripting a spotted lanternfly risk-of-spread map application. His poster elicited a large response from people, many of whom had never heard of the spotted lanternfly invasion. He not only presented his research as a poster and digitally on a tablet, but he
- [Dr. Behm presents research at Urban Futures Conference](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2018/02/dr-behm-presents-research-urban-futures-conference/) - On Tuesday, Dr. Behm presented research at the "Urban Futures: Green, Sustainable, Just?" conference at Temple. She participated in a session on social and ecological dimensions of urban greening, and her talk, "Using the currency of ecosystem services to quantify the sustainability of the local food system in Philadelphia, PA," was a presentation of work
- [Tyler leads GIS training in Vietnam](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2018/03/tyler-teaches-gis-training-vietnam/) - Tyler spent the last week in Hanoi, Vietnam leading a training on spatial analysis for forestry professionals from the Vietnam Forestry Inventory and Planning Institute and the Vietnam National Remote Sensing Center. The training was sponsored by USAID and the US Forest Service as part of SilvaCarbon, a global program for forest monitoring.
- [Dr. Helmus attends ARGON working group](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2018/04/dr-helmus-attends-argon-working-group/) - Dr. Helmus traveled to Utah State University in Logan to attend a preliminary meeting to develop the ARGON network. ARGON is short for: Augmenting Research Grounded on NEON. All ecological datasets, including NEON, benefit from having more history and coverage. ARGON (Augmenting Research Grounded On NEON) will augment NEON by bringing together datasets collected anywhere nearby current
- [New spotted lanternfly postdoc Stephanie Lewkiewicz](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2020/07/new-spotted-lanternfly-postdoc-stephanie-lewkiewicz/) - Next up for our postdocs, please welcome Dr. Stephanie Lewkiewicz! Stephanie is an applied mathematician focusing on mathematical biology. She completed her Ph.D. in mathematics at UCLA, where she conducted research on the population dynamics of T-cells. Stephanie joined the iEcoLab in January 2020 to work on the spotted lanternfly invasion with Dr. Helmus, and
- [15 farms visited in summer 2017 Farm Ecosystem Service Project](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2017/07/15-farms-visited-summer-2017-farm-ecosystem-service-project/) - So far, we've visited 15 farms to collect data for our summer 2017 Farm Ecosystem Service Project. Dr. Behm, Dan, Camille, Hannah, Lahari, and Christina have been busy traveling throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding areas in Pennsylvania, and have visited the following farms: Love Grows CSA (Morrisville, PA), Heritage Farm, Germantown Kitchen Garden, Mill Creek
- [iEcoLab welcomes two master’s students, Anna and Sam](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2022/05/iecolab-welcomes-two-masters-students-anna-and-sam/) - In January 2022, the iEcoLab welcomed two new graduate students! Anna Carlson and Samuel Owens are pursuing their Master of Science degrees in Biology here at Temple. Anna is working with Dr. Behm for her thesis. Anna will be studying mammalian meso-predators across the urban to rural gradient of the Philadelphia area. She is largely
- [Dr. Helmus receives CST teaching award!](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2022/03/dr-helmus-receives-cst-teaching-award/) - Each year Temple University’s College of Science and Technology recognizes exceptional faculty with several awards. For 2021, iEcoLab’s Dr. Helmus was one of three recipients of the Dean’s Distinguished Teaching Award! Criteria for this excellence in teaching award include mastery of subject area, development of effective and innovative methods and materials for teaching, continuous efforts
- [iEcoLab undergrads present at the Fall 2021 URP Symposium](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2021/11/iecolab-undergrads-present-at-the-fall-2021-urp-symposium/) - Three of the iEcoLab’s awesome undergraduates presented at Temple University’s annual Undergraduate Research Symposium on Friday November 5, 2021. Alison Blaney, Jonathan Falciani, and Yash Patel have participated in CST’s Undergraduate Research Program (URP) and each presented a poster on their work at the symposium. Alison has been assisting graduate student Timothy Swartz with his
- [Stefani researches spotted lanternfly in the field](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2021/10/stefani-researches-spotted-lanternfly-in-the-field/) - iEcoLab graduate student Stefani Cannon has been hard at work out in the field researching spotted lanternfly! Stefani is focusing on the interactions between spotted lanternflies and hymenopterans for her research. “Hymenoptera” is an order of insects that includes bees, wasps, ants, and sawflies. Spotted lanternfly excretes honeydew, which leads to a buildup of black
- [iEcoLab Fall 2021 Update](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2021/09/iecolab-fall-2021-update/) - Happy back to school! It’s been a busy summer for the iEcoLab, from mathematical modeling to genetics and exciting field work. With the academic year beginning we are excited to have the team back on campus. The lab has expanded quite a bit recently, with a large group of 17 undergraduates (and counting)! Our undergraduates
- [iEcoLab Presents New Spotted Lanternfly Dashboard at SLF 101 Webinar](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2021/03/iecolab-presents-new-spotted-lanternfly-dashboard-at-slf-101-webinar/) - On Thursday February 25, 2021, members of the iEcoLab team presented at the “Spotted Lanternfly 101” webinar. Dr. Helmus, as well as postdocs Seba, Stephanie, and Nadège each spoke about the lab's work on forecasting and combatting the spread of the spotted lanternfly invasion. The iEcoLab postdocs also unveiled our new “Spotted Lanternfly Dashboard,” an
- [Dr. Helmus featured on CST’s “Between Two Owls”](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2021/02/dr-helmus-featured-on-csts-between-two-owls/) - iEcoLab’s Dr. Helmus was featured on "Between Two Owls," a YouTube series by the Temple University College of Science and Technology. He was interviewed by Tom Price, Director of Academic Advising. The video premiered on the CST advising YouTube channel today. Dr. Helmus talks about his journey in Biology thus far-- from his interest in
- [iEcoLab visits Temple’s new field station](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2020/10/iecolab-visits-temples-new-field-station/) - Last week a small group from the iEcoLab visited Temple University’s new Biological Field Station. The socially distanced tour was led by Dr. Amy Freestone, director of the Field Station and Temple Biology professor. The Field Station is located at Temple’s beautiful Ambler campus, hidden away in the quiet suburbs less than hour from main
- [Trapping spotted lanternfly with bottles!?](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2020/09/trapping-spotted-lanternfly-with-bottles/) - By now most of us have seen or heard of people using empty water bottles to catch spotted lanternflies. I was skeptical of how easy it would actually be, so I tested it out for myself. I can confirm—catching spotted lanternflies with empty bottles is incredibly simple! Just hold the bottle over the pest and
- [iEcoLab welcomes new graduate students, Josh and Stefani](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2020/09/iecolab-welcomes-new-graduate-students-josh-and-stefani/) - With the start of the new academic year, the iEcoLab welcomed two new graduate students! Josh Bruce and Stefani Cannon joined the lab in August 2020 to work with Dr. Helmus. Both Josh and Stefani will focus on spotted lanternfly research as they each pursue
- [Nick presents at the 2020 ESA meeting](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2020/09/nick-presents-at-the-2020-esa-meeting/) - In early August, iEcoLab graduate student Nick Huron presented at the 2020 ESA Annual Meeting. The meeting of course occurred virtually this year, and the theme was "Harnessing the ecological data revolution.” Nick’s talk, “Anthropocene extinction on an adaptive landscape: Shifting loss in a genus of island lizards,” was co-authored by not only iEco's Dr.
- [Dr. Helmus is interviewed by The New York Times!](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2020/08/dr-helmus-is-interviewed-by-the-new-york-times/) - iEcoLab’s very own Dr. Helmus is back in the news again—this time with The New York Times! The article, published last week, discusses the spotted lanternfly’s spread in the Northeast. They interviewed Dr. Helmus to get his expert input on the planthopper, specifically its hitchhiking abilities. You can check out the article here!
- [Timothy makes the most of staying inside!](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2020/08/timothy-makes-the-best-of-staying-inside/) - iEcoLab graduate student Timothy Swartz had his field work plans derailed by COVID-19, but he’s still had quite a busy summer! Timothy originally planned on getting back out in the field like last year in order to collect new data on birds in Philadelphia. Instead, he’s been using his time inside to plan for next
- [No field crew? No problem! Payton continues Lyme disease research](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2020/08/no-field-crew-no-problem-payton-continues-lyme-disease-research/) - Since we last updated you summer 2019, grad student Payton Phillips has been hard at work with her research. She is focusing on Lyme disease ecology in and around the Philadelphia area, so she spends most of her summers out in the field. Last summer, she successfully completed a comprehensive pilot study at 10 field
- [Highlighting iEcoLab’s summer undergraduates](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2020/08/highlighting-iecolabs-summer-undergraduates/) - This summer the iEcoLab has a very strong, large group of undergraduates working on a variety of projects. New students that joined the lab this spring include Bradley Allen, Maria Buxton, Sai Meda (a Drexel co-op student), and Benjamin Venkatesulu. Other students who were already with the lab include Gianna Busala, Rabbika Rafiu, and Lilly
- [NBC interviews Dr. Helmus about spotted lanternfly... again!](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2020/07/nbc-interviews-dr-helmus-about-spotted-lanternfly-again/) - Local news station NBC 10 interviewed Dr. Helmus about the spotted lanternfly invasion on Monday night. This is his second interview with NBC 10 about spotted lanternfly, this time discussing the “return” of the pest as local residents deal with infestations for yet another year. Dr. Helmus explains that the spotted lanternfly invasion is like
- [Payton and Timothy present at the 2020 IALE-NA conference](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2020/07/payton-and-timothy-present-at-the-2020-iale-na-conference/) - iEcoLab graduate students Payton Phillips and Timothy Swartz each presented at the North American Regional Association of the ​International Association for Landscape Ecology (IALE-NA) annual meeting this year. Though the meeting was supposed to be held in Toronto, Canada, it occurred entirely virtually due to COVID-19. Payton’s talk focused on the landscape genetics of Caribbean
- [Four new iEcoLab publications](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2020/07/four-new-iecolab-publications/) - Since the start of 2020, the iEcoLab has had four new publications! The first was led by Tyler Tran with Dr. Helmus and Dr. Behm, which proposes a new planning tool for urban areas, the Green Infrastructure Space and Traits (GIST) model. Read more about their model and aims to improve sustainability in Urban Forestry
- [Nick and Dr. Helmus awarded USDA funding for spotted lanternfly](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2020/07/nick-and-dr-helmus-awarded-usda-funding-for-spotted-lanternfly/) - iEcoLab graduate student Nick Huron and PI Helmus were awarded funding from the USDA to continue working on spotted lanternfly research. Nick's project, "Predicting establishment and impact of spotted lanternfly on trees across the USA," aims to build a statistical model that explains variation in spotted lanternfly feeding preferences across plant hosts. The model will
- [Meet iEco’s spotted lanternfly landscape genetics postdoc, Nadège Bélouard](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2020/07/meet-iecos-spotted-lanternfly-landscape-genetics-postdoc-nadege-belouard/) - Last but not least for our new postdocs, meet Dr. Nadège Bélouard! Nadège earned her Ph.D in evolutionary ecology at the University of Rennes in France, where she studied the patterns and mechanisms of coexistence between invasive and native species. Broadly, she is interested in using biological invasions to understand the evolutionary changes occurring along
- [iEcoLab welcomes our third postdoc, Seba De Bona](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2020/07/iecolab-welcomes-our-third-postdoc-seba-de-bona-2/) - The iEcoLab welcomed our third postdoc, Dr. Seba De Bona, in February 2020. Seba is an evolutionary ecologist interested in how population-level features emerge from traits at the individual level. He is particularly interested in the spatial dynamics that arise when a population colonizes a new habitat. While earning his doctorate, he studied how dispersal,
- [iEco Lab welcomes our first postdoctoral researcher, Jason Gleditsch](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2020/07/ieco-lab-welcomes-our-first-postdoctoral-researcher-jason-gleditsch/) - The iEco lab welcomed the first of four postdoctoral researchers, Dr. Jason Gleditsch, in January 2020. Jason completed his Ph.D. in Natural Resources and Environmental Science at the University of Illinois, where his research focused on the rapid evolution and community ecology of frugivorous birds introduced to Oahu. Jason is broadly interested in evolutionary and
- [Make Philly Green... Again](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2020/03/make-philly-green-again/) - iEcoLab just produced a model of where in the City of Brotherly Love one should go to gain the most benefits from nature. We think that everyone should get benefits from nature. The GIST is that plants with certain traits provide certain benefits like preventing sewage spills and being a home for birds. Plants in
- [Postdoc position: Invasion genetics](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2019/10/postdoc-position-invasion-genetics/) - The Integrative Ecology Lab (iEcoLab) at Temple University is seeking creative and productive applicants for a postdoctoral researcher to lead research into the invasion genetics of the invasive spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) pest. The spotted lanternfly is an invasive Asian planthopper that was first introduced to the US just outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 2014,
- [Postdoc position: Mathematical modeling of invasive species population dynamics](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2019/10/postdoc-position-mathematical-modeling-of-invasive-species-population-dynamics/) - The Integrative Ecology Lab at Temple University is seeking creative and productive applicants for a postdoctoral researcher conducting mathematical modeling of invasive spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) population dynamics. The spotted lanternfly is an invasive Asian planthopper that was first introduced to the US outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 2014, and has since spread to five
- [iEcoLab Awarded USDA Grant on Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2019/10/iecolab-awarded-usda-grant-on-spotted-lanternfly/) - iEcoLab was recently funded by the USDA to continue our work on spotted lanternfly! iEcoLab is using mathematical modeling, data science and landscape genetics to explain how spotted lanternfly has spread across the Mid Atlantic. The goal is to understand its past spread to be able to predict its future spread. The USDA funds will
- [PhD Position in Quantitative Invasion Biology](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2019/08/2019-phd/) - Is spotted lanternfly the worst invasive species ever? Apply to iEcoLab to find out https://www.iecolab.org/ Spotted lanternfly is an invasive Asian planthopper that was discovered in 2014 near Philadelphia USA. It has since spread to five states. It hitchhikes on cars and it lays eggs on anything flat kept outdoors like lawn furniture and landscaping
- [NBC Interview of Dr. Helmus about spotted lanternfly](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2019/09/nbc-interview-of-dr-helmus-about-spotted-lanternfly/) - Dr. Helmus was interviewed this week by the local Philadelphia news at WCAU NBC 10. The New York City affiliate WNBC 4 also ran a segment of the interview. The story focused on Philadelphians seeing a lot more spotted lanternfly this year than last year. Dr. Helmus was asked to comment on why spotted lanternfly
- [3 new iEcoLab Publications](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2019/08/3-new-iecolab-publications/) - iEcoLab has recently had three short publications, one of which was led by an undergraduate researcher with Dr. Behm. Dr. Helmus has co-developed several widely used methods to incorporate phylogenetics into community ecology. A new book on such methods was recently published and Dr. Helmus reviewed the book in the Quarterly Review of Biology. Dr.
- [iEco Lab goes Exotic](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2017/09/ieco-lab-goes-exotic/) - The PIs of the iEco Lab attended the 2017 3rd quarterly meeting of the Governor's Invasive Species Council of Pennsylvania. There, they spoke to stakeholders and government officials about the impacts invasive species are having on Pennsylvania's ecosystems, economies and human health. One troubling invader was discussed in detail, the Spotted Lanternfly, which is not at all
- [Dan receives funding for summer work in iEcoLab](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2017/04/dan-receives-funding-for-summer-work-in-iecolab/) - Congratulations to Temple Undergraduate Dan Turner for receiving a scholarship through the Diamond Research Scholars Program to work in the iEcoLab this summer! Dan will be working with Dr. Behm on a project examining invertebrate biodiversity on farms in Philadelphia and the surrounding region. The Diamond Research Scholars Program is a 10-week summer program that provides select
- [Dan awarded Diamond Peer Teachers Grant](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2017/10/dan-awarded-diamond-peer-teachers-grant/) - Dan was awarded a grant through Temple's Diamond Peer Teacher Program for the spring 2018 semester. This competitive program gives undergraduates an opportunity to gain valuable teaching and mentoring experience with a faculty mentor in their major. Dan will be assisting in Dr. Behm's ecology class in the spring, where he will hold office hours and provide
- [Camille and Hannah present their research at TURF CreWS](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2018/04/camille-hannah-present-research-turf-crews/) - Camille and Hannah presented a poster of their undergraduate research on human development and insect biodiversity of Curacao Island. TURF CreWs (Temple Undergraduate Research Forum and Creative Works Symposium) is an end-of-year celebration of the research and art made by Temple's undergraduates. Both Camille and Hannah were excited to present, and they got a free lunch out of the
- [Ticks and You](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2019/08/ticks-better-worse/) - iEcoLab graduate student Payton Phillips has spent the 2019 summer sampling the forest fragments of southeastern Pennsylvania for mammals and ticks. She is researching how forest fragments--caused by people cutting down the forest for homes, shops, etc.--affects mammal diversity, which may then influence tick abundance and the prevalence of Lyme disease. Her team uses small
- [Dr. Helmus presents at USDA](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2019/08/dr-helmus-presents-at-usda/) - Dr. Helmus presented the iEcoLab's work on predicting the spread and impacts of the spotted lanternfly planthopper to the USDA at the Center for Plant Health Science and Technology in Raleigh, North Carolina. His talk was well attended and he discussed how to merge data science, field biology and mathematical modeling to make predictions on
- [Postdoc available in quantitative ecology and invasive species](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2019/08/postdoc-available-in-quantitative-ecology-and-invasive-species/) - The integrative ecology lab at Temple University is seeking creative applicants for a postdoctoral researcher to collaborate on the analyses of large existing ecological and economic datasets pertaining to the spread of non-native species across Caribbean islands. The precise questions and focus of inquiry are open, and may include questions that test theory on
- [Where are all the birds?](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2019/08/where-are-the-birds/) - Urbanization is transforming the face of the earth, where natural habitat is converted to habitat dominated by human activities. How does biodiversity respond to such land-use change? iEcoLab graduate student Timothy Swartz is aiming to find out. This summer with his field crew (Spencer Williams and Rachel Lewandoski), Timothy has surveyed many locations across the
- [iEcoLab Loves Duct Tape!](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2019/06/iecolab-loves-duct-tape/) - The Summer is here in the iEcoLab and our crews are heading out to research the ecology of Philadelphia and the surrounding area. This summer we have three projects focused on three major health and environmental issues of the region. First, we are working on modeling the spotted lanternfly invasion. Victoria Ramirez a senior at
- [Just count species, you will get the rest of biodiversity](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2019/04/just-count-species-you-will-get-the-rest-of-biodiversity/) - OK so we picked a lizard to highlight in this post because it is adorable. This one is the Turnip-Tailed Gecko (Thecadactylus rapicauda) that we spotted in Aruba during our last trip. This was one of the species that we analyzed in new collaborative work! A question in conservation literature is how to best preserve
- [Spring is here! Time for iEcoLab to do some News cleaning.](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2019/03/spring-is-here-time-for-iecolab-to-do-some-news-cleaning/) - Yes! Spring is finally here. The birds are singing, the windows are open, and spotted lanternfly will be soon emerging from their eggs. It has been a few months since iEcoLab posted anything, but do not fear, we have been busy, too busy to post anything. Dr. Helmus (the designated digital outreach person) has been
- [Cryptic exotic geckos on Curacao Island, 1 species is actually 3](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2018/11/cryptic-exotic-geckos-on-curacao-island-1-species-is-actually-3/) - A new paper by the iEco Lab and led by Dr. Behm in collaboration with Gerard van Buurt (a respected naturalist on Curacao) reports on finding three new species of exotic geckos on Curacao Island. Curacao naturally has three native species of geckos. In the 1980s, other researchers documented the introduction of the exotic gecko
- [iEcoLab welcomes two new graduate students](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2018/10/iecolab-welcomes-two-new-graduate-students/) - This semester, iEcoLab welcomes two new graduate students working with Dr. Behm. Timothy Swartz did his MS at the University of Illinois on the impact of agriculture on wetland frogs. He has joined the team to work on the biodiversity of small farms on the urban-rural gradient in the Philadelphia area and the insect diversity of
- [Nick wins best presentation award](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2018/10/nick-wins-best-presentation-award/) - Nick Huron, a graduate student with Dr. Helmus, won this year's best student conservation presentation award at the Annual meeting of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists. These meetings bring together researchers from across the United States and abroad to collaborate and present their research on amphibians, reptiles, and fish. Nick presented the first chapter
- [iEcoLab Researches Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2018/10/iecolab-receives-over-40000-grant-for-slf-research/) - iEcoLab was awarded funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to research the spotted lanternfly invasion. The focus of the research is to model and predict the spread of this invasive species across Pennsylvania. See the announcement made by Pennsylvania's governor Tom Wolf and an article in The Temple News
- [Build it and the invasive species will come](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2018/09/build-invasive-species-will-come/) - New work by iEcoLab and colleges from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam on Carribean reptiles has found that as islands develop, more exotic species are able to establish. Wendy Jesse surveyed reptile communities across two Caribbean islands (St. Martin and St. Eustatius) and found that exotic and native species showed opposing responses to human development (i.e., building houses and resorts). Native
- [Benefits and limitations of three-dimensional printing technology for ecological research](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2018/09/benefits-limitations-three-dimensional-printing-technology-ecological-research/) - Out preprint, Benefits and limitations of three-dimensional printing technology for ecological research, has been published in BMC Ecology. Led by Dr. Behm, the paper reviews uses of 3D printing in ecology, and discusses ways that the emerging technology can be used to further research. Researchers in the iEcoLab used 3D printing last year to create
- [Two papers accepted on the same day!](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2018/09/two-papers-accepted-day/) - Dr. Behm has had two first-authored papers accepted on the same day (with acceptance emails sent within 5 min of each other)! One paper is her review of 3D printing in ecology. We will post the paper when it is in press, but you can read the pre-print and a Science magazine interview now. The second
- [Science Magazine Interviews Dr. Behm!](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2018/06/science-magazine-interviews-dr-behm/) - Science Magazine (one of the top journals where scientists publish their research) interviewed Dr. Behm of the iEco Lab on her 3D printing work. Dr. Behm 3D printed anole lizards and used them to test how often they were bitten or pecked by lizard, mammalian and bird predators in different habitats across Curaçao Island. You can
- [New book chapter out in Encyclopedia of the Anthropocene](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2018/02/new-book-chapter-encyclopedia-anthropocene/) - Drs. Behm and Helmus have a new book chapter out in the Encyclopedia of the Anthropocene. The chapter, 'Anthropocene: Island Biogeography,' discusses species distributions on islands and how patterns of island biodiversity are changing in the Anthropocene. Check it out here!
- [iEcoLab goes to the Movies](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2018/04/iecolab-goes-movies/) - iEcoLab participated in the interdisciplinary 2018 Climate, Sustainability, and the Arts Festival lead by Temple's Film and Media Arts department. At the festival, iEcoLab debuted their short documentary called Through the Eyes of Integrative Ecologists. Dr. Helmus, the director of the work called it "A Masterpiece!" and "It really is art, seriously, it is not just a bunch of photos
- [The Behm<sup>5</sup> and Helmus note: Longest same-name coauthor list ever?](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2018/04/behm5-helmus-note-longest-name-coauthor-list-ever/) - Jocelyn and Matt published a note in Herpetological Review on a new record of the exotic Mediterranean House Gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus) on Hilton Head Island in Beaufort County, South Carolina. While this might not sound like a big deal, here is the list of authors JOCELYN E. BEHM CHIARA F. BEHM GEORGIA M. BEHM MARK C. BEHM
- [iEcolab presents at the ESA Mid-Atlantic Conference](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2018/04/iecolab-presents-esa-midatlantic-conference/) - iEcoLab presented their research at the 2018 Mid-Atlantic chapter meeting of the Ecological Society of America (ESA) at Rutgers-Newark. ESA is the largest professional association of ecologists in the world and the Mid-Atlantic is its largest chapter. Jocelyn, Nick, Dan and Matt all attended and presented their research on predicting the spread of exotic species,
- [New paper on 3D printing in ecological research posted on bioRxiv](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2018/04/new-paper-3d-printing-ecological-research-posted-biorxiv/) - A new paper, Benefits and limitations of three-dimensional printing technology for ecological research, has been posted on the bioRxiv, the pre-print server for biology. Led by Dr. Behm, the paper reviews uses of 3D printing in ecology, and discusses ways that the emerging technology can be used to further research. Researchers in the iEcoLab used
- [Four new undergrads join iEcoLab](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2018/02/four-new-undergrads-join-iecolab/) - iEcoLab is getting bigger! We have four new undergraduates joining us this semester: Alexa Gordon is a junior premed biology with teaching major, Adam Kurzrok is also a junior premed bio major, Ryan Thomas is a sophomore premed biology major, and Lilly Zimmerman is a first year neuroscience major. They're working on a variety of
- [New tetrapod diversity paper in Proceedings of the Royal Society B](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2018/02/new-tetrapod-diversity-paper-proceedings-royal-society-b/) - Drs. Behm and Helmus have a new paper out in Proceedings of the Royal Society B titled "Evolutionary time drives global tetrapod diversity." Led by Julie Marin with co-authors from the Center for Biodiversity and several partner institutions, the researchers found that evolutionary time -- or the length of time species have had to diversify --
- [Undergrads go to Belize](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2018/01/undergrads-go-belize/) - Part of our lab spent the past ten days escaping the cold of Philadelphia! Camille, Dan, and Lahari recently traveled to Belize as part of their tropical marine biology course. Now they're back in Philly and hopefully ready to start their first week of classes this week. iEcoLab would like to welcome them and
- [Winner from Biodiversity and Sustainability project chosen!](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2018/01/winner-biodiversity-sustainability-project-chosen/) - Earlier this year, we sent out a survey to Temple undergraduates about their buying habits in relation to sustainability and biodiversity. The data from this survey will be used in the Biodiversity and Sustainability project that Dr. Behm is leading. As an incentive to complete the survey, a random respondent received a $50 gift card.
- [iEco celebrates end of fall semester!](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2017/12/ieco-celebrates-end-fall-semester/) - Last week, the iEcoLab celebrated the end of fall semester and the holiday season. A delicious dinner and desserts were prepared by the PIs, and then bowling ensued! Thanks to everyone for their hard work this semester, and we look forward to seeing you in the new year.
- [Nick gives rotation presentation to department](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2017/12/nick-gives-rotation-presentation-department/) - Yesterday, Nick presented his research on Leiocephalusa genus of threatened island lizards. His talk, "Large species have already been lost: Past extinctions do not predict future loss of functional diversity in a herpetophagous genus of island lizards," was his first rotation talk as a PhD student. One of the main conclusions of the research is
- [Dan presents research at Temple Community Garden](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2017/10/dan-presents-research-temple-community-garden/) - Last week, Temple Community Garden had a talk on beneficial insects and garden pests. Dan presented the research he has been doing in the iEcoLab at the meeting. Members and officers of the organization were in attendance. Dan, Dr. Behm, and other undergraduates from the iEcoLab piloted the research, which is part of the Biodiversity and
- [Lahari presents research at URP symposium](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2017/10/lahari-presents-research-urp-symposium/) - Last Friday, Lahari presented her research at the Undergraduate Research Program Symposium. Her poster, "Do socially conscious companies care about biodiversity?: A text mining analysis," displayed results from the Biodiversity and Sustainability project she's been working on with Dr. Behm. Great job, Lahari!
- [Tom Thomas joins iEcoLab](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2017/09/tom-thomas-joins-iecolab/) - iEcoLab has grown by one! This week, Tom Thomas joins the lab as a URP student. Tom is a senior at Temple studying biology on a premed track. He is interested in how form fits function, both in diverse animal biota and in humans. Welcome, Tom!
- [New graduate student Nick Huron](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2017/08/new-graduate-student-nick-huron/) - Nick Huron joins the iEcoLab team this week as a PhD student working with Dr. Helmus. Before coming to Temple, Nick did his undergrad at Pepperdine University and his MS at the University of Oklahoma. Nick is interested in community ecology and herpetology, and we're excited to welcome him to the team!
- [iEcoLab PIs presenting at ESA annual meeting this week](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2017/08/iecolab-pis-presenting-esa-annual-meeting-week/) - Drs. Behm and Helmus are presenting some of their research at the Ecological Society of America's annual meeting in Portland, Oregon this week. Dr. Behm will be presenting at 8:40 AM this Wednesday in E143-144 of the Oregon Convention Center, and the title of her talk is 'Biotic resistance as an ecosystems service: Evaluating the effectiveness
- [Summer URP students finish work in iEcoLab](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2017/07/summer-urp-students-finish-work-iecolab/) - Our summer Undergraduate Research Program (URP) students Camille, Hannah, and Lahari have all finished up their work in the iEcoLab for the summer. For the past few months, Lahari worked on the Biodiversity and Sustainability project analyzing sustainability reports of clothing and coffee companies frequented by Temple students. She made the word cloud above, which
- [Dan presents preliminary results for Diamond Scholars program](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2017/07/dan-presents-preliminary-results-diamond-scholars-program/) - Dan presented preliminary results from field work that just finished up on urban farms in an around Philadelphia. He presented a poster as part of the Diamond Scholars program. We look forward to more interesting findings from Dan's research as work progresses!
- [iEcoLab visits the Rodale Institute](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2017/07/iecolab-visits-rodale-institute/) - On Friday, members of the iEcoLab visited the Rodale Institute for its annual field day. The Rodale Institute is a research institute and experimental farm in Kutztown, PA where scientists have been studying practices of organic agriculture for seventy years. Among other things, the Rodale Institute is known for its Farming Systems Trial, the longest-running
- [New paper out in Global Ecology and Biogeography](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2017/07/new-paper-global-ecology-biogeography/) - Drs. Behm and Helmus are co-authors on a new paper in the journal Global Ecology and Biogeography. Rapacciuolo et al. (2017) examines how human pressures have affected body mass distributions in tetrapods in the Western Hemisphere. Check it out!
- [First official day of summer field work!](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2017/06/first-official-day-of-summer-field-work/) - Yesterday was our first official day of field work for the summer season! We started at Love Grows CSA in Morrisville, PA. We'll be visiting farms in and around the Philadelphia region for our research this summer. Keep up with us on our instagram!
- [Halfway through Curacao field season](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2017/02/halfway-through-curacao-field-season/) - We're about halfway through our Curacao field season. We've been surveying gardens all over the island and have caught plenty of lizards and bugs, and surveyed plenty of birds and plants. And we've made time for a few beach outings, too. See more of our photos from the field on our instagram at integrative.ecology. We'll
- [Curacao field season begins!](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2017/01/curacao-field-season-begins/) - We're headed out into the field to spend the next seven weeks in Curacao! We'll be doing biodiversity surveys of gardens on the islands. Be sure to follow our journey on instagram at integrative.ecology!
- [Brenna and Haseeb graduate!](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/2017/05/brenna-and-haseeb-graduate/) - Congrats to Haseeb Goheer and Brenna Waite on their graduation from Temple--Class of 2017! Here's Haseeb presenting his research on biodiversity and sustainability with Dr. Behm.

## Pages

- [Publications](https://www.iecolab.org/publications/) - Jocelyn Behm's Publications Matthew Helmus's Publications Preprints/Submitted Gleditsch, J., JE Behm, MR Helmus. The great acceleration of island saturation by species introductions in the Anthropocene has altered species-area relationships. bioRxiv. 523426. Huron, NA, SB Hedges, & MR Helmus. Detecting stabilizing, directional, and disruptive patterns of anthropogenic species loss with general models of nonrandom extinction. bioRxiv.
- [Team](https://www.iecolab.org/team/) - Principal Investigators Postdoctoral Researchers Graduate Students Staff Undergraduate Students Lab Alumni and where they went after iEco
- [Terra Swartz](https://www.iecolab.org/team/terra-swartz/) - Terra Swartz Doctoral Student Personal Website | swartzt@wittenberg.edu Terra graduated with a PhD in Biology in 2023 and moved on to a tenure-track position at Wittenberg University. Education Ph.D. Biology, Temple University (2023) M.S. Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2018) B.S. Biology, Messiah University(2015) Research Interests I use community and
- [Marisa Reed](https://www.iecolab.org/team/marisa-reed/) - I am a sophomore at Drexel University studying Biology. I am working with iEcoLab as my first co-op experience. I am working with graduate students Terra Swartz and Payton Phillips on one of their new urban ecology projects.
- [Matthew Helmus](https://www.iecolab.org/matthew-r-helmus/) - Matthew R. Helmus Associate Professor Publications (Scholar) Curriculum Vitae (PDF) Education Postdoctoral Fellow, Amsterdam Global Change Institute, Vrije Universiteit (2012-2016) Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago (2010-2011) Postdoctoral Fellow, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG), China (2009-2010) Ph.D. Zoology, University of Wisconsin Madison (2008) B.S. Biology and Sociology, University of Central Arkansas
- [Resources](https://www.iecolab.org/resources/) - Career Resources ECOLOG-L: A listserv for temporary, permanent and graduate positions Evol Dir: evolutionary job board Ornithology Exchange: Ornithology job board Science Careers: job board by AAAS Texas A&M: job board for natural resources NSF REU: research opportunities for undergraduates Data Management Plan iEcoDMP: iEcoLab's detailed data management plan (under construction) Professional Development PhinisheD
- [Lilah Shtino](https://www.iecolab.org/team/lilah-shtino/) - Lilah Shtino Research Technician/ Lab Manager lilah.shtino@temple.edu Education B.S. Environmental Science, Temple University (2025) Research I joined iEcoLab as an undergraduate in 2024, assisting with various spotted lanternfly projects. During my undergraduate degree, I worked on a project exploring how the management practices in green and traditional burial grounds shape arthropod biodiversity. After graduating, I've
- [Shiza Moghal](https://www.iecolab.org/team/shiza-moghal/) - Hello! My name is Shiza Moghal, and I am a biology major at Temple University. I joined iEcoLab in the Spring 2025 semester and am working on the new Wildlife Camera Project, which studies mammal behavior in urban environments.
- [Sam Ikpeme](https://www.iecolab.org/team/sam-ikpeme/) - Hello. My name is Samuel Ikpeme. I am a junior at Temple University, majoring in ecology, evolution, and biodiversity. I look forward to working in the iEcoLab on identifying and classifying different ant species. Animals and the natural world have always fascinated me, and I'm glad to have the opportunity to pursue this dream even
- [Alan Varughese](https://www.iecolab.org/team/alan-varughese/) - Hi! My name is Alan Varughese and I am a second year biology major at Temple University. In the future I want to become a veterinarian. Some of my hobbies are reading, sports, and playing video games.
- [Navya Ramesh](https://www.iecolab.org/team/navya-ramesh/) - My name is Navya and I am a junior biology major at Temple. I am pre-veterinary and have a lot of passion for animals, ecology, and wildlife. I adore learning as much as I can and am eager to work on the bird song diversity project! This will be my first official delve into research
- [Alexis Frederickson](https://www.iecolab.org/team/alexis-frederickson/) - Hi! My name is Alexis Frederickson, and I am a sophomore Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity major. I have always had a passion for plants, animals, and science. This is my first semester with iEcoLab (Spring 2025), and I will be researching bird song diversity.
- [Lexi Yoza](https://www.iecolab.org/team/lexi-yoza/) - Hello! My name is Lexi Yoza and I am a sophomore Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity major on a premed track. I have always been super interested in ecology and related topics, and I am super excited to be a part of iEcoLab for the first time!
- [Join Us](https://www.iecolab.org/join-us/) - Undergraduates Enthusiastic students from Temple University can gain research experience with our team at the Center for Biodiversity. Students may volunteer, gain University credit, and be paid via funds available through Temple's RSP, the Diamond Research Scholars Program, Merit Scholar Programs or other fellowships. For more information on our projects, click here. If you are
- [Hannah Joseph](https://www.iecolab.org/team/hannah-joseph/) - Hannah Joseph Research Technician/ Co-Lab Manager GitHub | hannah.joseph0001@temple.edu Education B.S. Biology, Temple University (2024) Research I joined iEcolab through Temple's Research Scholars Program in Spring 2024 as an undergraduate, where I worked on creating a generative pre-trained transformer (GPT) specialized in spotted lanternfly research. After graduating, I have transitioned to working for iEcolab full-time,
- [Katie Gibson](https://www.iecolab.org/team/katie-gibson/) - Katie Gibson Research Technician Education B.S. Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity, Temple University (2024) I have a B.S. in Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity, and I am completing a project on the invasive spotted lanternfly at Temple University with iEcoLab. I am currently developing a method to use AI photo recognition to identify and track SLF recaptures
- [Jacob Woods](https://www.iecolab.org/team/jacob-woods/) - Jacob Woods Doctoral Student- Co-Advisor: Dr. Helmus jacob.woods@temple.edu Research Interests My primary research interests lie in mathematical modeling, with a focus on applying principled modeling approaches to real-world problems. At the iEcoLab, I aim to use these modeling techniques to study the invasion of the spotted lanternfly and construct predictive models. Using mathematical methods, both
- [You found our camera!](https://www.iecolab.org/you-found-our-camera/) - If you are reading this, then you found one of our cameras! This QR code is attached to a motion-activated wildlife camera, which captures images of animals within Laurel Hill Cemetery as part of a larger biodiversity study. This research is being conducted by the Integrative Ecology Lab at Temple University in collaboration with Laurel
- [Fatma Betul Seker](https://www.iecolab.org/team/fatma-betul-seker/) - Fatma Betül Şeker Research Technician Personal Website | Publications (ResearchGate) | GitHub | Animal Photos | fbetulseker@temple.edu Education B.S. Biophysics, Temple University (2024) Hi! I'm a Biophysics BSc who works on the Spotted Lanternfly Project at Temple University's Center for Computational Mathematics and Modeling in collaboration with the iEcolab. I'm currently modeling SLF spread in
- [Lee Zimmerman](https://www.iecolab.org/team/lee-zimmerman/) - Lee Zimmerman Master's Student- PI: Dr. Helmus lillian.zimm@temple.edu Education B.S. Biology, Temple University (2021) Current Research I am a first-year Biology Master’s student in the Interactive Ecology Lab at Temple University. I study invasive species with a primary focus on the recent local invasion of the spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula. I received my Biology, B.S.
- [Samuel Owens](https://www.iecolab.org/team/samuel-owens/) - Samuel Owens Master's Student- PI: Dr. Helmus Personal Website | Publications (ResearchGate) | LinkedIn | GitHub | sam.owens@temple.edu Education B.S. Zoology, Liberty University (2019) Current Research My current research takes a statistical / ensemble modeling approach to characterize the ongoing Lycorma delicatula invasion in the eastern USA. I seek to characterize the current stage of
- [Robert Thomas Enemecio Hendrickson](https://www.iecolab.org/team/robert-hendrickson/) - Robert Thomas Enemecio Hendrickson Doctoral Student- PI: Dr. Behm rtehendrickson@temple.edu Education B.S. Ecology, Behavior & Evolution, UC San Diego (2023) Research Interests My broad research interests are in plant ecology, agriculture, and urban ecology. During my B.S. at UCSD, I researched the effects of climate change on the flowering phenology and ecology of the California
- [Stefani Cannon](https://www.iecolab.org/team/stefani-cannon/) - Stefani Cannon Doctoral Student- PI: Dr. Helmus stefani.cannon@temple.edu Research Interests My main research interests include invasive species, biodiversity, conservation, community ecology, tropical biology, and herpetology. I have worked on a team researching spotted lanternfly since 2018 and I joined the iEcoLab in Fall 2020. In my research here at Temple I hope to use my
- [Owen Schneider](https://www.iecolab.org/team/owen-schneider/) - Owen Schneider Post-Doctoral Fellow- PI: Dr. Behm owen.schneider@temple.edu Education Ph.D. Ecology, University of Florida (2019) Research Interests I am a broadly trained plant community ecologist interested in the causes and consequences of changes in biodiversity, how ecological communities are structured through space and time, and how communities respond to disturbances. I earned my PhD in
- [Joseph Keller](https://www.iecolab.org/team/joe-keller/) - Joseph Keller Post-Doctoral Fellow - PI: Dr. Helmus joekeller@temple.edu I am an invasion ecologist working to understand how we can efficiently manage biological outbreaks. I earned my PhD in Ecology at Penn State in 2019 for work on reconsidering management of invasive musk thistle in light of climate warming. After graduating, I moved to the
- [Briana DiMarco](https://www.iecolab.org/team/briana-dimarco/) - I am in the middle of my undergraduate education at Drexel University and am currently working toward a degree in Biology and a minor in Ecology. Besides working in Temple’s Integrative Ecology Lab, I also volunteer as a research assistant at the University of Pennsylvania’s Marine Paleontology Lab and the Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program, based
- [Payton Phillips](https://www.iecolab.org/team/payton-phillips/) - Payton Phillips Doctoral Student payton.phillips1@uga.edu After iEcoLab After successfully defending her doctoral dissertation, Payton moved on to a postdoctoral position at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory at the University of Georgia. Research My broad scientific interests center on disease ecology and landscape genetics, with special focus on areas where humans and wildlife interact. In my
- [Jasleen Kalsi](https://www.iecolab.org/team/jasleen-kalsi/) - Hello! My name is Jasleen and I am an incoming Biology major with a love for ecology. I love doing field work as well as spending time doing identifications in the lab, so I am excited to work on identifying various Hymenoptera this semester! Outside of research, I am involved in the Sikh Student Association
- [Jocelyn Behm](https://www.iecolab.org/jocelyn-e-behm/) - Jocelyn E. Behm Assistant Professor Publications (Scholar) | Curriculum Vitae (PDF) Education Postdoctoral Fellow, Vrije Universiteit – Amsterdam (2012-2017) Ph.D. Zoology, University of Wisconsin Madison (2012) M.S. Zoology, University of Wisconsin Madison (2007) B.S. Environmental Science, Drexel University (2001) Research Interests I research community assembly in human-dominated landscapes with the ultimate goal of informing sustainable
- [Yaciere Daniel](https://www.iecolab.org/team/yaciere-daniel/) - Hello, my name is Yaciere and I am a junior chemistry major at Temple University. I will be working with iEcoLab starting Fall 2024 doing research on the spotted lanternfly invasion. I am excited to be working in a lab with others! I am very interested in the environment and how it is affected by
- [Neeva Kuray](https://www.iecolab.org/team/neeva-kuray/) - Hi, I am a freshman majoring in Biology on a premed track! I joined the iEcoLab summer 2024 and am excited to work closely with invasive species in the lab.
- [Jen Weigand](https://www.iecolab.org/team/jen-weigand/) - Jen is a Junior Biology major at Temple University. They are from Long Island, New York. They plan on pursuing graduate school to become either a Dentist or an Anesthesiology assistant after their time at Temple undergrad. In their free time they enjoy thrifting, playing the flute, and practicing mindfulness. They look forward to their
- [Henry Wu](https://www.iecolab.org/team/henry-wu/) - Hello, my name is Henry Wu, and I am a sophomore Computer Science major at Temple university. I am working on a language model that translates foreign articles into English. I am very excited to start my journey in developing AI and tackling real-world problems like the invasive spotted lanternflies.
- [Winter Brook](https://www.iecolab.org/team/winter-brook/) - Hello! I'm Winter and I am a junior transfer student at Temple. I'm very interested in the ways in which ecology and biochemistry interact--it's something that I'd love to research as a career in the future. Very happy to be working in the lab this summer!!
- [Hannah Slesinski](https://www.iecolab.org/team/hannah-slesinski/) - Hannah Slesinski Research Technician/ Co-Lab Manager hannah.slesinski@temple.edu Education B.S. Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, minor in Environmental Humanities (2024) Research I recently graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation and a minor in Environmental Humanities. In the past, I conducted field work for the Delaware Forest Service regarding forest
- [Isabella Smith](https://www.iecolab.org/team/isabella-smith/) - Isabella Smith Lab Manager igsmith@temple.edu After iEco In 2024, Isabella moved onto a Master's position at the University of Montana focusing on prescribed wildfires. Education B.S. Environmental Science, Temple University (2023) Research I first started with iEcoLab as an undergraduate in 2021, where I assisted on a project understanding spotted lanternfly and hymenopteran interactions. During
- [Gage Bernstein](https://www.iecolab.org/team/gage-bernstein/) - I'm Gage and I am a Junior Environmental Science major (Applied Ecology) at Temple! I joined the iEcoLab in the Summer of 2024, and am currently researching the impacts of spotted lanternflies, an invasive species that has had a detrimental effect on the economy. I also have research interests in climate science and connecting policy
- [Anya Frazier](https://www.iecolab.org/team/anya-frazier/) - Hi! My name is Anya and I am a sophomore Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity major. Spring 2024 is my first semester with iEcoLab and I will be doing research on the invasive Spotted Lanternfly. I am passionate about animal life and interdisciplinary work through science!
- [Jason Gleditsch](https://www.iecolab.org/team/jason-gleditsch/) - Jason Gleditsch Postdoctoral Fellow Personal Webpage | ResearchGate | GoogleScholar | Twitter | Github Jason moved on from iEcoLab in 2023 to a faculty position at Oberlin College. Education Postdoctoral Fellow, Temple University (2020-2023) Ph.D. Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2019) M.S. Ecology, Pennsylvania State University (2012) B.S. Biology, Pennsylvania
- [Anna Carlson](https://www.iecolab.org/team/anna-carlson/) - Anna Carlson Master's Student Personal Website | acarlson0118@gmail.com After iEcoLab Anna graduated with her Master's in Biology in 2023, immediately moving on to a full-time position with the Cleveland Museum of Natural History Education B.S. Biology, Earlham College (2019) Current Research I am specifically interested in differences between rural and urban populations of the same
- [Stephanie Lewkiewicz](https://www.iecolab.org/team/stephanie-lewkiewicz/) - Stephanie Lewkiewicz Research Assistant Professor Personal Website Stephanie moved on from iEcoLab in 2023 to become a research associate at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Education Ph.D. Mathematics, University of California, Los Angeles (2018) B.S. Mathematics & Theater, New York University Research I am an applied mathematician specializing in
- [Claire Becker](https://www.iecolab.org/team/claire-becker/) - Hello! My name is Claire and I am a senior interested in environmental studies. Fall 2023 is my first semester working at iEcoLab and I will be helping with studies related to the invasive spotted lanternfly. After graduation, I'd like to continue working in ecology and conservation related research. I'm excited to be here!
- [Sydney Pekala](https://www.iecolab.org/team/sydney-pekala/) - Hi! I am currently a junior, majoring in Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity. I began working in the integrative ecology lab in the fall semester of 2022. I work on the Spotted Lanternfly project, studying the newly invasive species relationship with Hymenoptera through their production of honeydew. Outside of the lab I am also a member
- [Seba De Bona](https://www.iecolab.org/team/seba-de-bona/) - Seba De Bona Postdoctoral Fellow Research I am an evolutionary ecologist interested in how population-level features emerge from traits at the individual level. I am especially interested in the spatial dynamics that arise when a population colonizes a new habitat, either through natural range shift or after its human-mediated introduction. During my doctoral work, I
- [Cameron Mann](https://www.iecolab.org/team/cameron-mann/) - Hi, my name is Cameron and I'm excited to be working in the lab this summer! I am biology major and a rising junior. I am interested in all sorts of plants and animals.
- [Kenny Lam](https://www.iecolab.org/team/kenny-lam/) - Hi, my name is Kenny Lam and I'm a Biology major at Temple University. This will be my first time working in a lab, so I'm excited to be a part of the iEcolab. My interests revolve around data analysis within a research setting and environmental impacts of invasive species. I hope to develop and
- [Zack Giblin](https://www.iecolab.org/team/zack-giblin/) - Hello! My name is Zack Giblin and I am a rising senior majoring in Biology at Temple University. I have a profound interest in all things scientific but specifically animal and environmental science. I am eager to become a part of the iEcoLab this summer and work on a combination of research regarding spotted lanternfly
- [Jore Bagdonas](https://www.iecolab.org/team/jore-bagdonas/) - Hi, my name is Jore Bagdonas, and I am a sophomore Biology major at Temple University. I joined the iEcoLab in September 2022, and I am currently working on a project investigating arthropod diversity in Philadelphia’s vacant lots. The goal of this research is to analyze how human practices of lot greening are impacting arthropod
- [Kaitlyn Kirkpatrick](https://www.iecolab.org/team/kaitlyn-kirkpatrick/) - My name is Kaitlyn Kirkpatrick. I am a sophomore biology major. My goal for the future is to get into medical school and become a physician. I am taking on research to explore the field of ecology more.
- [Teaching](https://www.iecolab.org/teach/) - Current Courses Professors Behm and Helmus teach a variety of courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Not all courses are taught each year. If you are interested in when a particular course might be taught, email the professor or search the Temple Course Schedule. Principles of Ecology - BIOL 2227 - Dr. Behm or
- [Global Change Science Analytics with R](https://www.iecolab.org/gcs/) - Global Change Science Analytics with R taught by Dr. Matthew R. Helmus is an interdisciplinary course that provides an overview of how researchers use data to solve global problems such as climate change, mass extinction, pandemics, and poverty. Students explore interdisciplinary data, from economics to public health, and learn a marketable skill: communicating data with
- [Nick Huron](https://www.iecolab.org/nick-huron/) - As an ecologist, I seek to understand how biodiversity accumulates and diminishes as well as the consequences of such change, especially through introduction of invasive species and extinction at regional scales and greater. In all of my projects, I ask: “What broader patterns can be identified and generalized to other systems or novel scenarios?” To
- [Nadia Chichester](https://www.iecolab.org/team/nadia-chichester/)
- [Sharlet Abraham](https://www.iecolab.org/team/sharlet-abraham/) - Hello! My name is Sharlet Abraham, and I am a freshman majoring in Biology. I love science and cannot wait to experience the research part of what biology is all about!
- [Samhitha Reddy](https://www.iecolab.org/team/samhitha-reddy/) - Hi, I’m Samhitha (she/her). I am a sophomore psych major on the pre-med track with a nutrition minor. My hometown is Fairfax, VA which is about 3 hours away from here. I am part of the Women in Medicine, Box of Balloons, K-Pop Club and Period clubs. I volunteer virtually for an online crisis text
- [Projects](https://www.iecolab.org/projects/) - Our research integrates biodiversity science with human ecology to understand contemporary patterns of biodiversity and its functioning within ecosystems. We use a range of methodological approaches appropriate for addressing a specific question, including field surveys and experiments, lab experiments, social surveys, genetics, GIS, data science, and statistical and mathematical modeling. Please see here for Jocelyn
- [iEcoLab News](https://www.iecolab.org/iecolab-news/) - Congrats to Haseeb Goheer and Brenna Waite on their graduation from Temple--Class of 2017! Here's Haseeb presenting his research on biodiversity and sustainability with Dr. Behm.
- [Yasmine Watkins](https://www.iecolab.org/team/yasmine-watkins/) - Hello, my name is Yasmine Watkins. I’m a senior computer science major participating in Temple’s Undergraduate Research Program. I’ll be working on the Caribbean Herp Diversity project in the iEco lab.
- [Kathryn (Kiki) Hamilton](https://www.iecolab.org/team/kathryn-kiki-hamilton/) - Hi! My name is Kiki Hamilton and I am a senior Biology major. My research will be focusing on the interaction and relationship between humans and mammalian meso-predators in North America. I will also be working with the invasive species of Spotted Lanternfly.
- [Maha Moghal](https://www.iecolab.org/team/maha-moghal/) - Hello! My name is Maha Moghal and I am a junior biology major and chemistry minor at Temple. I previously worked in the iEcoLab in the Spring and Summer of 2021, and am excited to continue my work in this incredible lab! In the past, I have analyzed the species present in images taken by
- [Kayla Perre](https://www.iecolab.org/team/kayla-perre/)
- [Brendan Pang](https://www.iecolab.org/team/brendan-pang/)
- [Cat Olsen](https://www.iecolab.org/team/cat-olsen/)
- [Ben Gress](https://www.iecolab.org/team/ben-gress/)
- [Nadège Bélouard](https://www.iecolab.org/team/nadege-belouard/) - Nadège joined the iEcoLab as a postdoc from Fall 2020-Summer 2022 to work on the landscape genomics of the spotted lanternfly in the United States. She worked to investigate the spread of SLF using genomic tools, in order to understand its dispersal pathways and the evolutionary changes occurring along its spread. Nadège earned her Ph.D
- [Victoria Ramirez](https://www.iecolab.org/team/victoria-ramirez/) - Victoria held the position of lab manager in the iEcoLab from 2020-2022. She began working in the lab as an undergraduate, after which she became a technician and worked on several research projects, including an independent project on spotted lanternfly fecundity during its invasion spread. Within ecology and evolutionary biology her main research interests were
- [Rupali Sharma](https://www.iecolab.org/team/rupali-sharma/) - Hi, my name is Rupali Sharma, and I am a junior majoring in Biology. My research focuses on understanding the impact of urbanization on white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) as they are the main reservoir of Lyme disease. This excites me because I was born in mountains in India, and that experience very much connected me
- [PhinisheD Seminar](https://www.iecolab.org/phinished-seminar/) - The iEcoLab has developed a new seminar series titled "PhinisheD, now what? Exploring career paths in the life sciences." We will be hosting a series of speakers from various ecology, conservation, and environmental careers to discuss their experience in achieving their career goals. They will also talk about what to expect if you choose a
- [Zubair Abaidullah](https://www.iecolab.org/team/zubair-abaidullah/) - My name is Zubair, and I am a second-year pre-med biology major. I am currently working on spotted lanternfly invasion research, and I hope to gain lots of experience working with the iEcoLab research team. As an aspiring physician, research is a necessary and significant aspect of scientific inquiry. Thus, I believe that spotted lanternfly
- [Abdullah Alkurdi](https://www.iecolab.org/team/abdullah-alkurdi/) - I am a biology student at Temple University and will be helping conduct research on the spotted lanternfly invasion. This research will help me apply my knowledge to real life issues and put into action what I have learned to further understand biodiversity conservation. It will be fun and exciting learning the affects invasive species
- [Arun Agarwal](https://www.iecolab.org/team/arun-agarwal/) - Hello! As a brief introduction, I am a Junior Data Science and Math & Computer Science double-major studying in the Honors Program at Temple University. Outside of academics, I really enjoy volunteering in environmental initiatives as well as traveling. This past summer, I got the opportunity to complete a research internship at Michigan State University
- [Delaney Hampton](https://www.iecolab.org/team/delaney-hampton/) - Hi, my name is Delaney Hampton and I’m a freshman Biology student at Temple! This is my first time working in a lab and I’m really excited! I am interested in studying invasive species, their impacts on the environment, and public health.
- [Siya Patel](https://www.iecolab.org/team/siya-patel/) - Hi! My name is Siya Patel and I'm a current sophomore Biology Major looking to go to dental school after undergraduate. I joined the iEcoLab because of my interest in ecology and the different biological aspects of organisms. In the lab, I am working on investigating different morphological aspects of the Spotted Lanternfly in order
- [Jenna Babb](https://www.iecolab.org/team/jenna-babb/) - My name is Jenna Babb and I am a senior biology major here at Temple. I am interested in pursuing graduate school for marine biology or conservation biology. In the iEcolab, I will be working on the morphological aspect of the invasion of lanternfly lab.
- [Sydney Reid](https://www.iecolab.org/team/sydney-reid/) - I am a bioengineering, pre-medicine student at Temple University. In the iEcoLab, I work on the Spotted Lanternfly research project, helping to develop the risk of spread location maps.
- [Dr. Behm PhD Announcement Fall 2022](https://www.iecolab.org/join-us/dr-behm-phd-announcement-fall-2022/) - A PhD Graduate student position is available for Fall 2022 with Dr. Jocelyn Behm at Temple University’s Integrative Ecology Lab (iecolab) within the Center for Biodiversity. The focus of research within the iecolab is to integrate biodiversity science with human ecology to understand contemporary patterns ecosystem functioning. The PhD student will research how natural factors
- [Annabelle Horton](https://www.iecolab.org/team/annabelle-horton/) - I am an environmental science major at Temple University. I am interested in studying how we can use ecological adaptations in order to help find solutions to the climate crisis facing the world right now as well as working towards the betterment of animal life. After graduation I plan on going to get my PhD
- [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.iecolab.org/projects/spotted-lanternfly/) - iEcoLab's research combines multiscale modeling, data science, and field biology to predict the introduction, establishment, and impact of spotted lanternfly from local to global scales. This work is in collaboration with the Center for Computational Mathematics and Modeling (C2M2). iEcoLab Spotted Lanternfly Resources SLF spread forecast dashboard - Houses multiple interactive apps that model spotted
- [Kyle Tumanda](https://www.iecolab.org/team/kyle-tumanda/) - I am a Biology major at Temple University with a strong interest in pathogenesis and disease ecology. In the iEcoLab I will be contributing to the study of Lyme disease ecology in urban to rural areas around Philadelphia by determining the diversity of medium/large bodied mammalian Lyme disease hosts.
- [Kristine Chin](https://www.iecolab.org/team/kristine-chin/) - Hi, my name is Kristine Chin! I am a senior biology major looking to attend medical school after earning my undergraduate degree. In the iEcoLab, I will be assisting with research on littered food removal by birds in urban parks: I thought that this research sounded super interesting and fun!
- [Meagan Mendoza](https://www.iecolab.org/team/meagan-mendoza/) - I am currently a senior Biology major and participant in Temple University's Undergraduate Research program. My main interests include wildlife education, biodiversity, and conservation. I will be assisting the iEcoLab with SLF research this summer.
- [Alison Blaney](https://www.iecolab.org/team/alison-blaney/) - Hi, my name is Alison Blaney and I am a senior Biology major attending Temple University. After graduation in December 2021, I will be looking for a career that involves some ecological work, whether that be research or something else! I hope to branch out and learn more about marine ecology, reptile ecology, and forestry.
- [Ryan Miller](https://www.iecolab.org/team/ryan-miller/) - Hi, my name is Ryan Miller, and I am a Junior Biochemistry major attending Temple University. I am looking to attend medical school after graduation and have a keen interest in pathology. I also have interests in environmental studies. I will be working in the iEcoLab by assisting with the study of Lyme disease ecology
- [Russell Abernethy](https://www.iecolab.org/team/russell-abernethy/) - Russell Abernethy is a participant in Temple’s Undergraduate Research Program this summer helping out with iEcoLab’s spotted lanternfly research. He is a Jr. Computer Science Major at Temple.
- [Viraj Patel](https://www.iecolab.org/team/viraj-patel/) - I am a junior biology major at Temple interested in learning more about biology research methodologies particularly with an ecology intersection. In the iEcoLab I quantify bird interactions with different foods to better understand their food habits and preferences.
- [Abir Islam](https://www.iecolab.org/team/abir-islam/) - I am a Computer Science major at Temple University where I am currently engaged in learning how to solve problems with programming. In the future I hope to apply my learning to various fields, including VR. On the side you can find me volunteering with the STARS Computing Corps and occasionally at Hackathons. In the
- [Emma Lazar](https://www.iecolab.org/team/emma-lazar/)
- [Hajra Sohail](https://www.iecolab.org/team/hajra-sohail/) - Hi! I’m Hajra, and I am a biology major and an art minor at Temple. My interests within biology range from sustainability to ecology to genetics, so I am glad to take part in a lab such as this! I joined this lab in spring of 2021 and I’ve been responsible for logging data for
- [Maggie Hanley](https://www.iecolab.org/team/maggie-hanley/) - I am a computer science major at Temple University. I am interested in the impact that technology can have on the environment and how it impacts the way research is conducted. In the iEcoLab I will be working on invasive Spotted Lanternfly research by organizing datasets of Spotted Lanternfly interactions with other organisms as well
- [Jonathan Falciani](https://www.iecolab.org/team/jonathan-falciani/) - I am a Biology and Mathematics double major at Temple University, where I am interested in assessing how human activity has affected our ecosystems and how we can use that to inform future ecological decisions. To do that, I am interested in how we can use and refine mathematical models for predictive ecology. Through trade,
- [Artem Yakupov](https://www.iecolab.org/team/artem-yakupov/) - I was born in Russia in 1986. In 2007 I graduated from Pedagogical University with a Bachelors's Degree in Biology and Chemistry. Right after graduation, I immigrated to the United States. In 2011 I received my Computer Support Technician Diploma at Kaplan Career Institute. Currently, I am majoring in Computing Security and Technology at Drexel
- [Joshua Bruce](https://www.iecolab.org/team/joshua-bruce/) - My research interests are in ecological management, with particular focus on invasive species. Restoration or cultivation of an uninvaded ecological condition at a given site almost always entails a cyclical, long-term commitment to invasive species removal. I joined the iEcoLab in Fall 2020 to develop modeling tools to help land managers understand how their landscape
- [Rabbika Rafiu](https://www.iecolab.org/team/rabbika-rafiu/) - I am a Biology major at Temple University, and I am interested in using statistics to answer biological and medical questions. In the iEco lab, I work on collecting biotic interactions for Caribbean lizard species to help build a comprehensive species interaction network which will allow us to answer questions on how the Caribbean fauna
- [Benjamin Venkatesulu](https://www.iecolab.org/team/benjamin-venkatesulu/) - I am studying biology at Temple University and am interested in studying the factors that affect native flora and fauna in human-dominated landscapes and the ways in which cities can foster biodiversity. I joined the iEco Lab in May of 2020 and am currently acting as a research assistant studying the biases in urban ecology.
- [Sai Meda](https://www.iecolab.org/team/sai-meda/) - I am a Computer Science major who is minoring in psychology at Drexel University. My interests involve web development and computational programming. I work as a programmer and aim to learn new languages to build more web-applications for the lab and help smoothen the workflow.
- [Maria Buxton](https://www.iecolab.org/team/maria-buxton/) - I study biology at Temple University, with the hopes of entering PA school after my undergraduate studies are complete. In the iEcoLab, I act as a research assistant through Temple's summer Undergraduate Research Program, where I mainly help with urban ecology bias research.
- [Jeff Stuart](https://www.iecolab.org/team/jeff-stuart/) - I joined the lab during the summer of 2019 and have since graduated from Temple with a B.S. in physics. I have worked on several spotted lanternfly projects in the lab, even getting out in the field to experience things hands-on last summer. I have primarily been focusing on data management for various aspects of
- [Evan Zangakis](https://www.iecolab.org/team/evan-zangakis/) - I joined the lab in May 2018 and graduated from Temple in May 2020 with a B.S. in physics and a minor in computer science. My interests in computational analysis, mathematics, and coding led me to my role studying the Spotted Lanternfly. Bringing a fresh perspective to invasive species research, my role as a programmer
- [Bradley Allen](https://www.iecolab.org/team/bradley-allen/) - My name is Bradley and I am a Neuroscience major at Temple University. As my major implies, I am interested in Neuroscience research, but I joined this lab because I am equally appreciative of biology. I hope to attend medical school in the future. In this lab, I am currently parsing spotted lanternfly data entries.
- [Gianna Busala](https://www.iecolab.org/team/gianna-busala/) - I am a biology major and French minor at Temple University. I am interested in a large variety of topics in biology including ecology, genetics, and animal behavior. After graduating, I plan on continuing to do ecological research while attending graduate school. In the lab I’ve been working on projects concerning biodiversity in urban environments
- [Alexa Gordon](https://www.iecolab.org/alexa-gordon/) - At Temple, I am a third year Premed Biology with Teaching major. I have a variety of broad research interests including evolution, conservation of biodiversity, and ecology. In the Integrative Ecology Lab at Temple University, I am interested in understanding what drives patterns of biodiversity, specifically for areas of conservation concern.
- [Spencer Williams](https://www.iecolab.org/spencer-williams/) - I am a biology major and geology minor at Temple, and I am interested in marine ecology, environmental science, and conservation ecology. In the iEco Lab, I’ve been working on several projects, primarily studying arthropod genetic barcoding and phylogeny, as well as analyzing urban to rural biodiversity gradients and the spread of the invasive spotted
- [Hannah Assour](https://www.iecolab.org/hannah-assour/) - While in our Lab Hannah obtained two REU summer fellowships, one in Oregon and another in Iceland. I am a sophomore biology with teaching major here at Temple University. I am strongly interested in the impact humans are leaving on our surrounding ecosystems and environments. I strive to learn about the disturbances we have on
- [Lahari Gadey](https://www.iecolab.org/lahari-gadey/) - Lahari graduated from our lab and got accepted to a Biology Masters program at UC-Denver I am a biology major here at Temple University. I love biology as a whole, but I am specifically interested in environmental studies and zoology and hoping to get a PhD in one of these subjects in the future. And
- [Brenna Waite](https://www.iecolab.org/brenna-waite/) - I received my B.S. in Biology from Temple University’s College of Science & Technology in May 2017. During my time at Temple, I geared my upper-level coursework towards the environmental side of biology and spent my senior year in the iEcoLab working with Dr. Helmus and Dr. Behm on two different projects. I created lifelike,
- [Internships](https://www.iecolab.org/join-us/internships/) - We have several projects for master's and bachelor's students attending Temple University or international universities. Please see the links below for example project descriptions and contact us if you would like to discuss possibilities. In your initial contact email to us, please send a brief letter of interest, a CV, and your unofficial transcripts. We
- [Tyler Tran](https://www.iecolab.org/tyler-tran/) - After his time at iEcoLab, Tyler moved on to be a data scientist at the nonprofit University City District. Broadly speaking, I am interested in landscape and global change ecology, and evolving urban landscapes, both in terms of land use in urban areas and changing human demographics of cities. I enjoy using spatial analysis and quantitative
- [Christian Irian](https://www.iecolab.org/christian-irian/) - Christian assisted with fieldwork in Curacao during our 2017 field season. He then moved on to research projects in Paris, American Southwest, South America, Africa, etc... You can follow his adventures on Instagram
- [Christina Perella](https://www.iecolab.org/christina-perella/) - After her time in iEcoLab, Christina returned to Drexel, where she is finishing her degree in Environmental Science and will graduate in May 2018. I am an Environmental Science major and am also pursuing a minor in Environmental Studies and Sustainability and a Certificate in Writing and Publishing at Drexel University. I am interested in
- [Henry Williams](https://www.iecolab.org/henry-williams/) - I am a sophomore at Drexel University studying mathematics. Currently I am doing a co-op in the iEcoLab at Temple University working on modeling projects with Dr. Helmus. My goals after graduation are to work in a research lab assisting with collecting, analyzing, and presenting data and translating them into mathematical models.
- [Dan Turner](https://www.iecolab.org/dan-turner/) - Striking a balance between the needs of local communities and the fragile ecosystems that surround our human-dominated landscapes requires an interdisciplinary approach to geographic, social, and biological systems. Born and raised in the Philadelphia area, I am interested in the ecological mechanisms that promote the facilitation of strong ecosystem services across the land cover gradient
- [Tom Thomas](https://www.iecolab.org/tom-thomas/) - I am a fourth year biology student on the premed track. As a pre med student, I have found the human body systems to be an interesting topic, which relates concepts such as form fitting function. I also found interest in evolution as a whole and like how it also relates similar concepts such as
- [Ryan Thomas](https://www.iecolab.org/ryan-thomas/) - I am a second year Pre-Med biology major with a psychology minor. Even though my current aim is to graduate and pursue an MD and eventually practice medicine, I also have a considerable interest in evolutionary biology and ecology. I enjoy learning about different species and how and why they relate to each other through
- [Camille Lynch](https://www.iecolab.org/camille-lynch/) - I am a fourth year Premed Biology major. Although my major research focus involves medicine and anatomy, I have a wide range of interests especially in organism evolution, diversity and ecology. I am currently working as an undergraduate researcher for Dr. Behm on a project involving exotic island lizard species.
- [Adam Kurzrok](https://www.iecolab.org/adam-kurzrok/) - I am a junior Biology major at Temple looking to attend medical school after graduation. My scientific interests include conservation, evolution, organism function/behavior, and ecology in general. I am especially interested in what environments different species are found in and why. Through the URP program at Temple, I am currently identifying insects from various sites
- [Haseeb Goheer](https://www.iecolab.org/haseeb-goheer/) - I am a recent graduate from the Honors Program at Temple University with a Bachelor of Science in biology and a minor in public health. Through my coursework, I explored my interests in biochemistry, global health, and understanding climate change from a biological perspective. I am broadly interested in how human interactions disrupt ecological processes
- [Kelley Langhans](https://www.iecolab.org/kelley-langhans/) - I am interested in landscape ecology in the age of the Anthropocene, examining how humans influence broad patterns of biodiversity. I am passionate about conservation, and am interested in taking an interdisciplinary approach to use those findings to inform how people interact with their environments, especially in urban settings. In the iEcoLab, I use R
- [Helmus Publications](https://www.iecolab.org/publications/helmus-publications/) - 2018 Behm, JE, BR Waite, ST Hsieh, MR Helmus. 2018. Benefits and limitations of three-dimensional printing technology for ecological research. bioRxiv 283895. Marin, J, G Rapacciuolo, GC Costa, CH Graham, TM Brooks, BE Young, VC Radeloff, JE Behm, MR Helmus, SB Hedges. 2018. Evolutionary time drives global tetrapod diversity. Proceedings of the Royal Society B 285 (1872), 1-8. Helmus, MR and JE Behm. 2018. Anthropocene Island
- [Behm Publications](https://www.iecolab.org/publications/behm-publications/) - 2018 Behm, JE, BR Waite, ST Hsieh, MR Helmus. 2018. Benefits and limitations of three-dimensional printing technology for ecological research. bioRxiv 283895. Marin, J, G Rapacciuolo, GC Costa, CH Graham, TM Brooks, BE Young, VC Radeloff, JE Behm, MR Helmus, SB Hedges. 2018. Evolutionary time drives global tetrapod diversity. Proceedings of the Royal Society B 285 (1872), 1-8. Helmus, MR and JE Behm. 2018. Anthropocene Island
- [Facilities](https://www.iecolab.org/facilities/) - The iEcoLab is part of the Center for Biodiversity, which encompasses several Temple University laboratories involved in biodiversity research. Labs are located within two buildings on Temple's main campus: Bio-Life (1900 N 12th St) and SERC (1925 N 12th St). The Integrative Ecology lab spans both buildings. Facilities for processing field samples and performing growth chamber experiments are located in Bio-Life, while
- [Predicting the Spread of Exotic Species](https://www.iecolab.org/projects/predicting-spread-exotic-species/) - The rate of exotic species spread increases annually, and one of the major challenges is predicting which species will invade a particular area. We use a combination of abiotic, biotic, and economic data to build predictive models of exotic species distributions. Primarily, our work is focused on predicting the spread of terrestrial exotic species across
- [Integrative Methods for Global Change Biology](https://www.iecolab.org/projects/integrative-methods-biodiversity-science/) - Global change biology requires dealing with large data sets in order to understand how taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional components of biodiversity change at various spatial and temporal scales. Our team develops quantitative methods for biodiversity science. These methods are general and packaged in open access R code. See ieco, picante, and pez. Image credit: Bill Feeny
- [Human Impacts on the Biodiversity of Curacao](https://www.iecolab.org/projects/human-impacts-biodiversity-curacao/) - Humans are affecting the terrestrial ecosystems on the Caribbean island of Curacao through the addition of exotic species and development of natural habitats. We study how these two forces independently and synergistically interact to shape Curacao’s terrestrial biodiversity. To accomplish this, we use a combination of field surveys, genetic analyses, and statistical modeling to investigate
- [Geographic Ecology in the Anthropocene](https://www.iecolab.org/projects/geographic-ecology-anthropocene/) - Humans have reshaped species distributions across earth, mixing and homogenizing biota from distant areas. We merge evolutionary, ecological and biogeographic theory with economics to explain and predict present-day biogeographic and macroecological patterns. Our approach is to use mathematical models, simulations, and big data in order to synthesize across multiple systems and elucidate general patterns. Image
- [Functional Diversity of Adaptive Landscapes](https://www.iecolab.org/projects/functional-diversity-adaptive-landscapes/) - The functional diversity exhibited by species within ecosystems arose from species adaptations to the environment. These adaptations may be divergent among species or clades, or convergent among different clades and species found in similar ecosystems. We work to understand the selective processes that drives convergence and divergence in the traits that underlie functional diversity, and
- [Biodiversity and Sustainability](https://www.iecolab.org/projects/biodiversity-and-sustainability/) - Sustainability is an emerging societal trend. At its core, sustainability results from the services ecosystems provide with respect to the efficient production of resources and elimination of waste. Although biodiversity is necessary for the efficient provisioning ecosystem services, biodiversity has received less attention in sustainability discussions than other aspects of ecosystem services like carbon sequestration
- [Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services](https://www.iecolab.org/projects/biodiversity-ecosystem-services/) - Multiple factors—both natural and anthropogenic in origin—influence the biodiversity that comprises communities at specific locations, which in turn influences the strength of ecosystem functions and services. We study how local and regional habitat and landscape variables, economic pressures, and species interactions influence the specific composition of species at a given location. In addition, we investigate
- [Manage Subscriptions](https://www.iecolab.org/manage-subscriptions/) - [newsletters_management]
- [Test](https://www.iecolab.org/test/) - Protected by the lighthouse The ships set out on the star carpet flag Waving and crashing Like comets colliding and brass trumpets fighting The drum roll of sailors And low-pitched complaining But our lady on watch said the storm would be waiting Tomorrow the day this is all to be started With grins, in reflection,
- [Farm Biodiversity](https://www.iecolab.org/projects/farm-biodiversity/) - Thank you for your interest in our farm biodiversity project! If you are interested in participating in our project, please contact Jocelyn Behm (jebehm@temple.edu). The goal of our study is to survey the arthropod predator species (beetles, spiders, etc.) that eat the insects that are pests on plants. From our study we will identify the

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/category/uncategorized/)
- [spotted lanternfly](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/category/spotted-lanternfly/)
- [urban ecology](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/category/urban-ecology/)
- [jobs](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/category/jobs/)
- [research](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/category/research/)
- [science communication](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/category/science-communication/)

## Tags

- [spotted lanternfly](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/spotted-lanternfly/)
- [research](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/research/)
- [ecology](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/ecology/)
- [iecolab](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/iecolab/)
- [invasive species](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/invasive-species/)
- [biodiversity](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/biodiversity/)
- [birds](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/birds/)
- [Philadelphia](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/philadelphia/)
- [urban ecology](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/urban-ecology/)
- [job](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/job/)
- [postdoc](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/postdoc/)
- [academia](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/academia/)
- [statistics](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/statistics/)
- [lymedisease](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/lymedisease/)
- [ticks](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/ticks/)
- [green](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/green/)
- [environment](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/environment/)
- [urbanecology](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/urbanecology/)
- [invasivespecies](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/invasivespecies/)
- [spottedlanternfly](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/spottedlanternfly/)
- [PhD](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/phd/)
- [student](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/student/)
- [graduateschool](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/graduateschool/)
- [publications](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/publications/)
- [undergraduate](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/undergraduate/)
- [nbc10](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/nbc10/)
- [philly](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/philly/)
- [conservation](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/conservation/)
- [sustainability](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/sustainability/)
- [treephilly](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/treephilly/)
- [tree](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/tree/)
- [Aruba](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/aruba/)
- [pan-invasion](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/pan-invasion/)
- [framework](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/framework/)
- [science communication](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/science-communication/)
- [communication](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/communication/)
- [coding](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/coding/)
- [R](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/r/)
- [poster](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/poster/)
- [field work](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/field-work/)
- [modeling](https://www.iecolab.org/blog/tag/modeling/)