Kipling (Kip) Will

Research Bio

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. 

Research Expertise and Interest

Systematic Entomology

In the News

Featured in the Media

Please note: The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or positions of UC Berkeley.
July 6, 2020

Scientists Solve Mystery of Bombardier Beetles' Hot, Toxic Spray

The Washington Post
Lela Nargi
The bombardier beetle deters would-be attackers by shooting hot, toxic chemicals from its body, and itself doesn't suffer any ill effects from the assault. Researcher Athula Attygalle wanted to figure out how they do this, so he teamed up with other researchers, including Kipling Will, a biologist at the University of California at Berkeley.
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Teaching

Courses taught during the three most recent terms
2026 Spring

  • Senior Thesis  [ESPM 195]  

  • Supervised Independent Study and Research  [ESPM 199]  

  • Individual Research  [ESPM 299]  

  • Honors Research  [ESPM H196]  

2025 Fall

  • Senior Research Laboratory in Environmental Sciences  [ESPM 175L]  

  • Senior Research Laboratory in Environmental Sciences  [ESPM 175L]  

  • Senior Thesis  [ESPM 195]  

  • Senior Thesis  [ESPM 195]  

  • Field Study in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management  [ESPM 197]  

  • Supervised Independent Study and Research  [ESPM 199]  

  • Supervised Independent Study and Research  [ESPM 199]  

  • Individual Research  [ESPM 299]  

  • Natural History of Insects  [ESPM 42]  

  • Honors Research  [ESPM H196]  

2025 Summer

  • Field Study in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management  [ESPM 197]  

2025 Spring

  • Fire, Insects, and Diseases in Forest Ecosystems  [ESPM 134]  

  • General Entomology  [ESPM 140]  

  • General Entomology  [ESPM 140A]  

  • Senior Research Laboratory in Environmental Sciences  [ESPM 175L]  

  • Senior Thesis  [ESPM 195]  

  • Supervised Independent Study and Research  [ESPM 199]  

  • Sponsored Projects for Undergraduate Research (SPUR)  [ESPM 199S]  

  • Individual Research  [ESPM 299]  

  • Honors Research  [ESPM H196]  

  • Research Seminar  [INTEGBI 290]