Research Bio
Rosemary Gillespie is the William M. and Esther G. Schlinger Chair in Systematic Entomology and a professor of Environmental Science, Policy & Management. Her research focuses on insects and spiders that comprise much of life's diversity and are critical for functioning ecosystems. Her focus is on the elucidation and conservation of this biodiversity in order to maintain the life-support system provided by nature's variety, and the living resources necessary for ecologically sustainable development.
Research Expertise and Interest
systematics, insect biology, evolution and conservation biology, spiders, oceanic islands
In the News
How brightly colored spiders evolved on Hawaii again and again … and again
Climate video series: Surviving the onslaught of invasive species
Help wanted: Public needed to uncover clues in natural history collections
Like bugs? Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes at natural history museums? Interested in helping scientists understand our changing environment? These are just some of the reasons why people should join a project led by UC Berkeley’s Essig Museum of Entomology.
Scientists look to Hawaii’s bugs for clues to origins of biodiversity
The Hawaiian Islands are a unique and ongoing series of evolutionary and ecological experiments. As each volcano rises above the waves, it is colonized by life from neighboring volcanoes and develops its own flora and fauna.
Hindcasting helps scientists improve forecasts for life on Earth
Long distances can’t keep this pair apart
UC Berkeley researchers have found evidence that leafflower trees and leafflower moths, two species that are mutually dependent upon each other, managed to colonize South Pacific islands separately, and then reconnect again. The findings contradict a long-standing belief in island biology that highly specialized organisms cannot establish themselves on remote islands.