Speaker

Andrew Michel

Andy Michel received his B.S. in Entomology from Purdue University and his Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the University of Notre Dame. In 2007 Dr. Michel joined the Entomology Department at The Ohio State University with research and extension responsibilities. Dr. Michel’s Insect Molecular Ecology and Adaptation Laboratory’s goal is to understand how insect pests adapt to rapidly changing selection pressures in agroecosystems such as host-shifting to important crops or resistance to management tactics. Specifically, his research uses molecular ecology and genetic techniques to characterize the genetic basis for insect pest adaptation and how these adaptive traits spread across the landscape. Understanding and demonstrating how insects adapt, as well as communicating research-based insect management recommendations, delays the evolution of resistance or emergence of pests, and ensures a safer and more productive food supply. His main focus has been understanding the interaction between the soybean aphid and aphid resistant soybean in order to extend the durability of host-plant resistance. He has also been part of a collaborative effort to understand Bt resistance in western corn rootworm and western bean cutworm. His research has produced over 50 publications and leveraged over $5 million dollars as a PI and a co-PI.