Contact Information
Address:
444 Russell Laboratories
Department of Entomology
1630 Linden Drive
Madison, WI 53706
Phone Number:
(608)
263-0964
FAX:
(608) 262-3322
E-Mail:
werling@entomology.wisc.edu
I am broadly interested in examining the nature and ecological implications of the myriad of interactions that occur between plants, insects and their natural enemies. I am especially interested in how ecological interactions in different habitats are linked across landscapes via insect dispersal. Currently, my research involves examining how multiple habitat use by predators impacts biological control in Wisconsin potatoes. Specifically, I am examining whether resources in off-crop natural areas subsidize biocontrol of Colorado potato beetle and green peach aphid in potatoes by enhancing populations of their natural enemies. I am currently conducting experiments to determine if field margin habitats are important in supporting natural enemy populations and am using GIS to ascertain whether the amount of natural area in agricultural landscapes affects biocontrol within fields. In addition, I am interested in the biology and ecology of ground beetles and in their role as predators of crop pests. Finally, I am interested in engaging students in the classroom with the fascinating world of insects and developing curricula that challenge students and help them develop the skills they need to succeed in their careers.
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 Aerial photo of a typical central Wisconsin agricultural landscape. Variation in the amount and type of different habitats surrounding crops may affect within-crop biocontrol. |
B.A., Biology, Luther College, Decorah, IA, 52101. Degree awarded May 2001.
Senior Thesis: Effects of microsatellite locus and allele number on ability to determine relatedness of hatchery fish. Advisor: Dr. Kirk Larsen. GPA 3.90
M.S., Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850. Degree awarded January 2004.
Thesis: Onion maggot Delia antiqua (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) adult activity and oviposition in New York onion fields: Implications for management. Advisor: Dr. Brian A. Nault. GPA 4.009
Employment/Teaching Experience
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant
1998; General Biology, Department of Biology, Luther College, Decorah, IA. Responsibilities included setting up laboratory exercises and helping students with questions.
Graduate Research Assistant
2001-2004; Department of Entomology, New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva, NY. Advisor B. A. Nault. Responsibilities included conducting research to improve control of New York vegetable pests and presenting results at professional and extension meetings.
2004; Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI. Advisor C. Gratton. Responsibilities include conducting research to enhance biological control of Wisconsin potato pests and presentation of results at professional and extension meetings.
Howard Hughes Medical Institute Teaching Fellow
2005-2006; Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI. As a teaching fellow, we are required to develop and implement a lesson plan in the classroom using inquiry-based teaching techniques. We are then required to evaluate and refine our lesson plans.
Teaching Assistant
2006; Plants, Parasites and People (Plant Pathology 123), Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin , Madison , WI .
Werling, B. P., J. P. Nyrop and B. A. Nault. 2006. Spatial and temporal patterns of onion maggot adult activity and oviposition within onion fields that vary in bordering habitat. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 118: 49-61.
Werling, B. P. 2004. An introduction to biological control. University of Minnesota Field Zoology course, guest lecture, Lake Itasca, MN.
Werling, B. P. and C. Gratton. 2004. Non-crop land and ecosystem management. World Wildlife Fund/Wisconsin Potato Vegetable Growers Association/University of Wisconsin Collaboration Executive Committee Meeting, Madison, WI.
Werling, B.P. and C. Gratton. 2006. Contribution of natural areas to pest control in Wisconsin potatoes. Annual Meeting of the North Central Branch of the Entomological Society of America, invited presentation, Bloomington, IL.
2004; USDA North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education 2006 Graduate Student Research Grant, “Working towards a sustainable agriculture: Landscape diversity, beneficial insects and pest suppression,” $8,202.
Professional Society Memberships/Awards
- Entomological Society of America, 2001-present
- Phi Beta Kappa, 2001-present
- Asa Fitch Award, Entomological Society of America , 2005
2002-2003; Graduate Student Association: Seminar Coordinator
Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
2003; Library Volunteer
Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
2004-2006; Insect Ambassadors: Insect Outreach in Elementary Schools
Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin, graduate student association, Madison, WI
2004-2005; Graduate Student Association: Fundraising Coordinator
Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin, graduate student association, Madison, WI
2005-2006; Graduate Student Association: Research Committee Member
Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin, graduate student association, Madison, WI
I enjoy fly fishing, playing cello, camping, hiking, cross country skiing and drinking good Wisconsin beer!