peopleMatt Thomas
Professor of Entomology
Email: mbt13@psu.edu
Phone: 814-865-2480
Fax: 814-863-4439
Office: 1 Chemical Ecology Lab
Research
My research explores the ecology and evolution of "enemy-victim" interactions. A particular interest is insect-pathogen and insect-parasite systems.
We aim to understand the role of biotic and abiotic factors in the virulence and transmission of insect pathogens and parasites. We want to use this information to develp novel interventions for control of pests and diseases.
Key questions include:
- How does environmental temperature affect host resistance and parasite/pathogen virulence?
- What are the costs of resistance in insects? How are these affected by environmental context and host condition?
- What role do environmental factors play in mediating interactions between:
- pathogens with shared hosts?
- hosts with a shared pathogen?
- How will biodiversity loss affect dynamics of a particular host or pathogen?
- How does infection by one pathogen or parasite affect host susceptibility to other natural enemies (including disease agents)?
- How will subtle changes in environmental conditions (e.g. through climate change) affect ability of insect vectors to transmit diseases?
- What are the consequences of sub-lethal infections for insect population dynamics? Can we exploit sub-lethal diseases for novel pest control or to prevent spread of an invasive species?
- Can we exploit pathogens or parasites to:
- alter the ability of vectors to transmit disease?
- develop biological pesticides that will not be undermined by evolution of resistance by the vector?
- Can biological pesticides be used to slow development of resistance to conventional chemical insecticides by:
- pests?
- vectors?