An insect ecologist is set to discuss bark beetle infestations and conserving insect biology duing a presentation at the College of the Rockies on March 12.
Dezene Huber, a professor of Ecosystem Science and Management program at the University of Northern British Columbia, has examined various aspects of bark beetle ecology for more than 20 years, and has spent the last 10 years involved in mountain pine beetle genomics research.
“We are excited to host Dr. Huber and Genome BC,” said Darrell Bethune, Dean of Business and University Studies at College of the Rockies. “Dr. Huber’s presentation on bark beetle infestations and insect biodiversity is timely and important. It will be a fascinating evening for science students and general audiences alike, and I encourage interested community members to attend.”
The presentation will be held in the College Lecture Theatre from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. A moderated question and answer period will follow.
His presentation will include a look at how human activity and climate change have affected insect biodiversity in B.C. and Alberta and bark beetle infestations. His recent research has been studying genomics in the central Interior using traditional methods along iwth DNA bardcoding and environmental DNA, which is partly funded by Genome BC, Genome Alberta and Genome Canada.
Huber will also discuss past and ongoing research into the mountain pine beetle infestation in B.C., and its movement into Alberta. He will also talk about Genome BC-funded research into a growing spruce beetle infestation near Prince George.
The College of the Rockies and Genome BC are partnering together to offer the presentation.
Genome BC manages a cumulative portfolio of over $625 million in research projects, and science and technology platforms to generate social and economic benefits for the province and Canada.