Research Expertise and Interest

Systematic Entomology

Research Description

Kipling Will is an associate professor in the Department of Environmental Science, Policy & Management.  His research interests center on the systematics, taxonomy and natural history of insects.  He uses a broad range of data types (morphology, DNA, behaviors, etc.) to develop phylogenetic hypotheses. These data contribute to monographic revisions that include the description of new species and development of keys for identification. Understanding all aspects of the study taxon and development of phylogenetic hypotheses for the group worldwide is an essential part of his research, this naturally leads to many avenues of inquiry that address more general questions in biology. He intends his research to further the cause of systematics, which he believes is to expand our knowledge and understanding of the natural world and provide necessary basic knowledge for other biological studies. In order to develop a broader understanding of insects he emphasizes field work and observation of the living animals whenever possible. His focus and model taxon is the carabid beetle family (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and his work cuts across all taxonomic levels from species to subfamilies.