Profile
Modernizing Insect Censusing Technologies to Inform Conservation Models
PIs: Michael H. Dickinson and Joseph Parker
Research Team: William B. Dickson, Kellan P. Moorse and Katherine J. Leitch
Division of Biology and Biological Engineering
Ecology and Biosphere Engineering Initiative
This project will apply modern technology including distributed camera networks, machine learning, and molecular sequencing, to census population dynamics of insects in several distinct ecosystems. We aim to develop and share novel, low-cost and accurate methods for measuring both species diversity and population density with the scientific community and amateur insect enthusiasts alike. In doing so we hope to spur more entomological monitoring efforts worldwide, generating insights to inform conservation models for a wide diversity of ecosystems, towards reversing deleterious effects of human impact.