Joseph Iacovazzi, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biology and Program Director of Environmental Biology, Environmental Studies, and Wildlife Biology
Biological and Physical Sciences and Mathematics | Turock School of Arts and Sciences
About
I have always been interested in the biological and environmental sciences. There are so many interesting and unique aspects about the animal kingdom I want to continually learn about. I studied biology for my undergraduate degree in Pennsylvania and moved to Florida for my Master’s Degree in Marine Biology. I had always wanted to study jellyfish and other cnidarians and it was a worthwhile opportunity to do so. During that time, I was also a genetics laboratory assistant and reptiles/amphibians intern at the West Palm Beach Zoo.
For my Ph.D research, I studied parasite-host interactions in caterpillar and wasp species to examine host-manipulation behavior. I
My research involves host-parasite interactions between the caterpillar Manduca sexta and parasitoid wasp Cotesia congregata. I also enjoy surveying arachnid populations across the American Southwest in Arizona and New Mexico.
Education – Degrees & Certifications
- B.S.: Marywood University, Biology and Environmental Science, 2010
- M.S.: Nova Southeastern University, Marine Biology, 2012
- Ph.D: Binghamton University, Biological Sciences: Ecology, Evolution, & Behavior (EEB Track), 2023
- Botany
- Evolution
- Herpetology
- Mammalogy
- Spiders and Arachnids
- Wetland and Riparian Ecology
- Wildlife and Fisheries Biology