Current Opportunities: Please contact me directly with your interest and CV for project availability. No experience necessary just a lot of enthusiasm!
Research Interests
My research primarily focuses on the molecular mechanisms that underlie insect behavior through exploration of gene expression and physiological pathways. We focus on a wide range of insects to determine conserved molecular mechanisms that help us understand complex eusocial systems and pest interactions. We focus on molecular assays and bioinformatic techniques to answer these questions. I also am interested in other aspects of entomology, as demonstrated by the research projects currently ongoing. If you are interested in a research project, please contact me directly outlining your research interests.
Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Researchers
Jumana Hayat
Summer 2023 - Present Jumana is Masters student in the Department of Entomology. Her thesis is focused on the molecular mechanisms that drive foraging behavior in the honey bee, Apis mellifera. Jumana completed her BS. degree in Biology with a minor in Entomology. Her broader interests are in the ways that insects, especially pollinators, interact with our environment and our daily lives. There has been a general decline in beneficial insect species due to human activity and she would like to conduct more research on this issue. Current Project: Physiological mechanisms that underlie foraging behavior in the honey bee, Apis mellifera |
Isabella Cano
she/her/they/them Spring 2024 - Present Isabella is an undergraduate student at Rutgers University studying Ecology, Evolution, & Natural Resources with a minor in Entomology and a certification in Environmental Geomatics. Isabella earned her Associates of Science in Environmental Science from Raritan Valley Community College in May 2023, where she held 3 internships for Forest Ecology, Water Quality, and Environmental Stewardship. In addition to this, she also was able to study abroad at the Centro de Estudos da Biodiversidade Research Center of Michelin Ecological Reserve in the Atlantic Rainforest of Bahia, Brazil, where her deep passion for the insect world grew into what it is today, and inspiration to pursue entomology academically began. Isabella hopes to work in native pollinator restoration research in the future, as well as pursue a Master's degree in Entomology. Current Project: Gene expression patterns in worker Apis Mellifera |
Joanna Saxon
Spring 2024 - Present Joanna is an undergraduate student in the Department of Entomology. Her interest lies in studying the interplay between gene regulation and behavior among native bee species via exploratory transcriptomics. She also explores native bee diversity between New Jersey and Costa Rica (La Selva Biological Research Station), where she will study abroad in spring 2024 Current Project: Understanding the physiological mechanisms of foraging behavior in native bee species. |
Presentations
November 2023
Hayat, J. & Hawkings, C. 2023. Transcriptional differences of nutritionally linked genes in the brains of Apis mellifera workers. Entomological Society of America Annual Conference, National Harbor, MD.
November 2022
Wooby, J. C., Hamilton, G., & Hawkings C. 2022. Physiological and behavioral mechanisms of age-based host selection in Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). Entomological Society of America Annual Conference, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Gillooly, C. & Hawkings, C. 2022. The World of Insects: Understanding Student Opinions to Design Better Entomology Courses. Entomological Society of America Annual Conference, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
April 2022
Ryan, L. M., Hazaveh, S. & Hawkings, C. 2022. Transcriptional differences of the FTZ transcription factor among eusocial insect workers. Undergraduate Student Colloquium, Department of Entomology. New Brunswick, NJ.
Mazza, A. & Hawkings, C. 2022. Transcriptome analysis to identify caste-specific differential expression in the termite, Zootermopsis nevadensis. Undergraduate Student Colloquium, Department of Entomology. New Brunswick, NJ.
Wooby, J. C, Ben-Zvi, Y., Hamilton, G. C., Hawkings, C. 2022. Physiological and behavioral mechanisms of age-based host selection in Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). Undergraduate Student Colloquium, Department of Entomology. New Brunswick, NJ.
Shinal, M., Esquivel, I. L., Hawkings. C. 2022. Native bee biodiversity of Rutgers gardens, New Brunswick, NJ. Undergraduate Student Colloquium, Department of Entomology. New Brunswick, NJ.
James, E. & Hawkings, C. 2022. Caste-based gene expression analysis in the red harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex barbatus. Undergraduate Student Colloquium, Department of Entomology. New Brunswick, NJ.
Shinal, M., Esquivel, I. L., Hawkings. C. 2022. Diversity of native bee pollinator species in New Brunswick, NJ. William Paterson University 15th Annual Research Symposium, Wayne, NJ.
Wooby, J. C, Ben-Zvi, Y., Hamilton, G. C., Hawkings, C. 2022. The influence of volatile organic compounds on the life stages of Halyomorpha halys and implications for biological control. William Paterson University 15th Annual Research Symposium, Wayne, NJ.
November 2021
Wooby, J. C, Ben-Zvi, Y., Hamilton, G. C., Hawkings, C. 2021. The influence of volatile organic compounds on the life stages of Halyomorpha halys and implications for biological control. Entomological Society of America Annual Conference, Denver CO.
Mazza, A. & Hawkings, C. 2021. Transcriptome analysis to identify caste-specific differential expression in the termite, Zootermopsis nevadensis. Entomological Society of America Annual Conference, Denver CO.
Ben-Zvi, Y, Hamilton, G.C., Hawkings, C. 2021. Influence of a common plant volatile, decanal, on host location in the parasitic wasp Trissolcus japonicus. Entomological Society of America Annual Conference, Denver CO.
Shinal, M., Esquivel, I. L., Hawkings, C. 2021. Diversity of native bee pollinator species in New Brunswick, NJ. Entomological Society of America Annual Conference, Denver CO.
Ryan, L. M., Hazaveh, S. & Hawkings, C. 2021. Exploring the evolution of the Fushi Tarazu-Transcription Factor 1 (Ftz-F1) across eusocial insects. Entomological Society of America Annual Conference, Denver CO.
James, E. & Hawkings, C. 2021. Caste-based gene expression analysis in the red harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex barbatus. Entomological Society of America Annual Conference, Denver CO.
August 2021
Shinal, M., Esquivel, I. L., Hawkings. C. 2021. Diversity of native bee pollinator species in New Brunswick, NJ. Student Welcome Event, Department of Entomology, New Brunswick, NJ.
April 2021
Cirino, A. & Hawkings, C. 2021. Identification of differentially expressed olfactory genes in Musca domestica. Undergraduate Student Colloquium, Department of Entomology. Virtual meeting
Schwanitz, T. W. & Hawkings, C. 2021. Differential Gene Expression in Drosophila suzukii Winter and Summer Morphs. Undergraduate Student Colloquium, Department of Entomology. Virtual meeting
Ryan, L. M. & Hawkings, C. 2021. Exploring the evolution of transcription factors among social Hymenoptera. Undergraduate Student Colloquium, Department of Entomology. Virtual meeting
Paredes, S. & Hawkings, C. 2021. The Ecological Succession of Partially Submerged Carrion in Aquatic Environments. Undergraduate Student Colloquium, Department of Entomology. Virtual meeting.
Hazaveh, S. & Hawkings, C. 2021. Transcriptional differences in the worker caste of the Florida Carpenter Ant, Camponotus floridanus. Undergraduate Student Colloquium, Department of Entomology. Virtual meeting
Vega, F. R. & Hawkings, C. 2021. Who Knows Mosquitoes?: Identifying Knowledge Gaps in Mosquito Biology and Control. Undergraduate Student Colloquium, Department of Entomology. Virtual meeting
Ben-Zvi, Y, Hamilton, G.C., Hawkings, C. 2021. Influence of a common plant volatile, decanal, on host location in the parasitic wasp Trissolcus japonicus. Undergraduate Student Colloquium, Department of Entomology. Virtual meeting
Rademacher, L. & Hawkings, C. 2021. Transcriptome analysis identifies candidate genes influencing oviposition site location in the Australian sheep blowfly, Lucilia cuprina. Undergraduate Student Colloquium, Department of Entomology. Virtual meeting
Ben-Zvi, Y., Hamilton, G.C., Hawkings, C. 2021. Influence of a common plant volatile, decanal, on host location in the parasitic wasp, Trissolcus japonicus (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae). Nutrition, Endocrinology, and Food Science (NEFS) 2021 Graduate Student Conference. Poster.
March 2021
Rademacher, L, Tung, G. A., Hawkings, C. 2021. Gene expression analysis to identify molecular markers for development in the Australian sheep blowfly, Lucilia Cuprina. Entomological Society of America Eastern Branch Annual Conference. Virtual Meeting.
Hazaveh, S., Tung, G. A., Hawkings, C. 2021. Transcriptional differences in the worker caste of the Florida carpenter ant. Entomological Society of America Eastern Branch Annual Conference. Virtual Meeting.
Cirino, A., Tung, G. A., Hawkings, C. 2021. Identification of differentially expressed olfactory-related genes in Musca domestica. Entomological Society of America Eastern Branch Annual Conference. Virtual Meeting.
Vega, F. R. & Hawkings, C. 2021. Identifying knowledge gaps in mosquito control among the student body of Rutger University. Entomological Society of America Eastern Branch Annual Conference. Virtual Meeting.
Ben-Zvi, Y., Hamilton, G.C., Hawkings, C. 2021. Influence of a common plant volatile, decanal, on host location in the parasitic wasp, Trissolcus japonicus (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae). Entomological Society of America Eastern Branch Annual Conference. Virtual Meeting.
Rademacher, L, Tung, G. A., Hawkings. 2021. Gene expression analysis to identify molecular markers for development in the Australian sheep blowfly, Lucilia Cuprina. University of Sao Paulo International Symposium of Scientific Initiation (SIICUSP). Virtual Meeting.
Ben-Zvi, Y., Hamilton, G.C., Hawkings, C. 2021. Influence of a common plant volatile, decanal, on host location in the parasitic wasp, Trissolcus japonicus (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae). University of Sao Paulo International Symposium of Scientific Initiation (SIICUSP). Virtual Meeting.
November 2020
Schwanitz, T. W., Rodriguez-Saona, C. R., Hawkings, C. 2020. Transcriptome analysis of Drosophila suzukii Winter and Summer Morphs identifies differences in olfactory related genes. Entomological Society of America Annual Conference. Virtual Meeting
August 2020
Schwanitz, T. W., Rodriguez-Saona, C. R., Hawkings, C. 2020. Transcriptome analysis of Drosophila suzukii Winter and Summer Morphs identifies differences in olfactory related genes. Department of Entomology Graduate Student Colloquium, Rutgers University, New Brunswick NJ
Hayat, J. & Hawkings, C. 2023. Transcriptional differences of nutritionally linked genes in the brains of Apis mellifera workers. Entomological Society of America Annual Conference, National Harbor, MD.
November 2022
Wooby, J. C., Hamilton, G., & Hawkings C. 2022. Physiological and behavioral mechanisms of age-based host selection in Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). Entomological Society of America Annual Conference, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Gillooly, C. & Hawkings, C. 2022. The World of Insects: Understanding Student Opinions to Design Better Entomology Courses. Entomological Society of America Annual Conference, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
April 2022
Ryan, L. M., Hazaveh, S. & Hawkings, C. 2022. Transcriptional differences of the FTZ transcription factor among eusocial insect workers. Undergraduate Student Colloquium, Department of Entomology. New Brunswick, NJ.
Mazza, A. & Hawkings, C. 2022. Transcriptome analysis to identify caste-specific differential expression in the termite, Zootermopsis nevadensis. Undergraduate Student Colloquium, Department of Entomology. New Brunswick, NJ.
Wooby, J. C, Ben-Zvi, Y., Hamilton, G. C., Hawkings, C. 2022. Physiological and behavioral mechanisms of age-based host selection in Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). Undergraduate Student Colloquium, Department of Entomology. New Brunswick, NJ.
Shinal, M., Esquivel, I. L., Hawkings. C. 2022. Native bee biodiversity of Rutgers gardens, New Brunswick, NJ. Undergraduate Student Colloquium, Department of Entomology. New Brunswick, NJ.
James, E. & Hawkings, C. 2022. Caste-based gene expression analysis in the red harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex barbatus. Undergraduate Student Colloquium, Department of Entomology. New Brunswick, NJ.
Shinal, M., Esquivel, I. L., Hawkings. C. 2022. Diversity of native bee pollinator species in New Brunswick, NJ. William Paterson University 15th Annual Research Symposium, Wayne, NJ.
Wooby, J. C, Ben-Zvi, Y., Hamilton, G. C., Hawkings, C. 2022. The influence of volatile organic compounds on the life stages of Halyomorpha halys and implications for biological control. William Paterson University 15th Annual Research Symposium, Wayne, NJ.
November 2021
Wooby, J. C, Ben-Zvi, Y., Hamilton, G. C., Hawkings, C. 2021. The influence of volatile organic compounds on the life stages of Halyomorpha halys and implications for biological control. Entomological Society of America Annual Conference, Denver CO.
Mazza, A. & Hawkings, C. 2021. Transcriptome analysis to identify caste-specific differential expression in the termite, Zootermopsis nevadensis. Entomological Society of America Annual Conference, Denver CO.
Ben-Zvi, Y, Hamilton, G.C., Hawkings, C. 2021. Influence of a common plant volatile, decanal, on host location in the parasitic wasp Trissolcus japonicus. Entomological Society of America Annual Conference, Denver CO.
Shinal, M., Esquivel, I. L., Hawkings, C. 2021. Diversity of native bee pollinator species in New Brunswick, NJ. Entomological Society of America Annual Conference, Denver CO.
Ryan, L. M., Hazaveh, S. & Hawkings, C. 2021. Exploring the evolution of the Fushi Tarazu-Transcription Factor 1 (Ftz-F1) across eusocial insects. Entomological Society of America Annual Conference, Denver CO.
James, E. & Hawkings, C. 2021. Caste-based gene expression analysis in the red harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex barbatus. Entomological Society of America Annual Conference, Denver CO.
August 2021
Shinal, M., Esquivel, I. L., Hawkings. C. 2021. Diversity of native bee pollinator species in New Brunswick, NJ. Student Welcome Event, Department of Entomology, New Brunswick, NJ.
April 2021
Cirino, A. & Hawkings, C. 2021. Identification of differentially expressed olfactory genes in Musca domestica. Undergraduate Student Colloquium, Department of Entomology. Virtual meeting
Schwanitz, T. W. & Hawkings, C. 2021. Differential Gene Expression in Drosophila suzukii Winter and Summer Morphs. Undergraduate Student Colloquium, Department of Entomology. Virtual meeting
Ryan, L. M. & Hawkings, C. 2021. Exploring the evolution of transcription factors among social Hymenoptera. Undergraduate Student Colloquium, Department of Entomology. Virtual meeting
Paredes, S. & Hawkings, C. 2021. The Ecological Succession of Partially Submerged Carrion in Aquatic Environments. Undergraduate Student Colloquium, Department of Entomology. Virtual meeting.
Hazaveh, S. & Hawkings, C. 2021. Transcriptional differences in the worker caste of the Florida Carpenter Ant, Camponotus floridanus. Undergraduate Student Colloquium, Department of Entomology. Virtual meeting
Vega, F. R. & Hawkings, C. 2021. Who Knows Mosquitoes?: Identifying Knowledge Gaps in Mosquito Biology and Control. Undergraduate Student Colloquium, Department of Entomology. Virtual meeting
Ben-Zvi, Y, Hamilton, G.C., Hawkings, C. 2021. Influence of a common plant volatile, decanal, on host location in the parasitic wasp Trissolcus japonicus. Undergraduate Student Colloquium, Department of Entomology. Virtual meeting
Rademacher, L. & Hawkings, C. 2021. Transcriptome analysis identifies candidate genes influencing oviposition site location in the Australian sheep blowfly, Lucilia cuprina. Undergraduate Student Colloquium, Department of Entomology. Virtual meeting
Ben-Zvi, Y., Hamilton, G.C., Hawkings, C. 2021. Influence of a common plant volatile, decanal, on host location in the parasitic wasp, Trissolcus japonicus (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae). Nutrition, Endocrinology, and Food Science (NEFS) 2021 Graduate Student Conference. Poster.
March 2021
Rademacher, L, Tung, G. A., Hawkings, C. 2021. Gene expression analysis to identify molecular markers for development in the Australian sheep blowfly, Lucilia Cuprina. Entomological Society of America Eastern Branch Annual Conference. Virtual Meeting.
Hazaveh, S., Tung, G. A., Hawkings, C. 2021. Transcriptional differences in the worker caste of the Florida carpenter ant. Entomological Society of America Eastern Branch Annual Conference. Virtual Meeting.
Cirino, A., Tung, G. A., Hawkings, C. 2021. Identification of differentially expressed olfactory-related genes in Musca domestica. Entomological Society of America Eastern Branch Annual Conference. Virtual Meeting.
Vega, F. R. & Hawkings, C. 2021. Identifying knowledge gaps in mosquito control among the student body of Rutger University. Entomological Society of America Eastern Branch Annual Conference. Virtual Meeting.
Ben-Zvi, Y., Hamilton, G.C., Hawkings, C. 2021. Influence of a common plant volatile, decanal, on host location in the parasitic wasp, Trissolcus japonicus (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae). Entomological Society of America Eastern Branch Annual Conference. Virtual Meeting.
Rademacher, L, Tung, G. A., Hawkings. 2021. Gene expression analysis to identify molecular markers for development in the Australian sheep blowfly, Lucilia Cuprina. University of Sao Paulo International Symposium of Scientific Initiation (SIICUSP). Virtual Meeting.
Ben-Zvi, Y., Hamilton, G.C., Hawkings, C. 2021. Influence of a common plant volatile, decanal, on host location in the parasitic wasp, Trissolcus japonicus (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae). University of Sao Paulo International Symposium of Scientific Initiation (SIICUSP). Virtual Meeting.
November 2020
Schwanitz, T. W., Rodriguez-Saona, C. R., Hawkings, C. 2020. Transcriptome analysis of Drosophila suzukii Winter and Summer Morphs identifies differences in olfactory related genes. Entomological Society of America Annual Conference. Virtual Meeting
August 2020
Schwanitz, T. W., Rodriguez-Saona, C. R., Hawkings, C. 2020. Transcriptome analysis of Drosophila suzukii Winter and Summer Morphs identifies differences in olfactory related genes. Department of Entomology Graduate Student Colloquium, Rutgers University, New Brunswick NJ
Former Researchers
Alex Mazza
Entomology, BS Fall 2021 - Fall 2023 Project: Caste-based gene expression patterns in social insect colonies Julia Wooby Entomology, BS Fall 2021 - Fall 2022 Project: The influence of volatile organic compounds on the life stages of H. halys and implications for biological control. Chris Gillooly Entomology, BS Spring 2022 - Fall 2022 Project: Understanding student perceptions to better design entomology courses for non-majors Eliyashaib James Entomology, BS Summer 2021 - Fall 2022 Project: Caste-based gene expression analysis of the Red harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex barbatus Toviah Bass Entomology, BS Spring - Summer 2022 Project: Physiological mechanisms of native bee foraging behavior Liam Ryan Entomology, BS Summer 2021 - Spring 2021 Project: Investigation of the interplay between transcription factors and the juvenile hormone pathway as a modulator of behavior in eusocial insects Marisa Shinal Entomology, BS Summer 2021 - Spring 2021 Project: Native bee diversity assessment and implementation of conservation strategies in New Jersey Laura Rademacher Entomology, BS Summer 2020 - Summer 2021 Project: Transcriptome analysis of the Australian sheep blowfly (Lucilia cuprina) to identify molecular markers associated with development for forensic application Alexis Cirino Forensic Chemistry & Criminal Justice, BS Summer 2020 - Summer 2021 Project: Identification of differentially expression olfactory genes in Musca domestica Sandra Paredes Entomology & Evolutionary Anthropology, BS Summer 2020 - Summer 2021 Project: Ecological succession of partially submerged carrion in aquatic environments Yahel Ben-Zvi Entomology & Plant Sciences, BS Fall 2020 - Summer 2021 Project: Studying the effects of various plant volatile organic compounds on Trissolcus japonicus, the parasitoid wasp of the brown marmorated stink bug Timothy W. Schwanitz Entomology & English, BS Spring 2020 - Summer 2021 Project: Transcriptome analysis of Drosophila suzukii Winter and Summer Morphs to identify genes involved in behavioral differences Falyn Vega Biological Sciences, BS Summer 2020 - Summer 2021 Project: Who knows mosquitoes?: Identifying knowledge gaps in mosquito biology and control Saba Hazaveh Biotechnology, BS Summer 2020 - Summer 2021 Project: Transcriptional differences in the worker caste of the Florida Carpenter Ant, Camponotus floridanus |
Photos
May 2021: Lab group (but missing Saba who just relocated to Boston!). From back row, left to right: Eliyashaib James, Liam Ryan, Yahel Ben-Zvi. From middle row, left to right, Falyn Vega, Alexis Cirino, Alex Mazza, Julia Wooby, Marisa Shinal, Laura Rademacher, Chloe Hawkings, Sandy Paredes. Bottom row: Timothy Schwanitz
February 2021: Virtual lab meeting. From top left to right: Timothy Schwanitz, Chloe Hawkings, Yahel Ben-Zvi. From middle left to right: Sandy Paredes, Liam Ryan, Saba Hazaveh, From bottom left to right: Laura Rademacher, Alexis Cirino, Falyn Vega
August 2020: Lab meeting during the pandemic. From top left to right: Chloe Hawkings, Timothy Schwanitz, Falyn Vega. From middle left to right: Saba Hazaveh, Sandy Paredes, Laura Rademacher. From bottom left to right: Alexis Brena, Alexis Cirino