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Department of Entomology Faculty

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Dr. Blair Siegfried
Charles Bessey Professor of Entomology
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Department of Entomology
312A Entomology Hall
Lincoln, NE
68583-0816
Phone: (402) 472-8714
FAX: (402) 472-4687
Email: BSIEGFRIED1@UNL.EDU

 

Appointment:
80% Research, 20% Teaching

 

Education:
  1. B.S. in Biology, Lock Haven University, 1981
  2. M.S. in Entomology, University of Florida, 1984
  3. Ph.D. in Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, 1989

 

Professional Responsibilities and Activities:

My research program is directed at quantifying the ecological risks of pesticide use and advancing our understanding of insecticide resistance evolution. Our recent focus has been on transgenic maize hybrids that express insecticidal toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). We are currently attempting to increase genomic resources of important insect pests that are targeted by transgenic Bt maize through transcriptome sequencing of midgut tissue which is the target site for Bt toxins. Our goal is to develop the resources for identifying changes in gene expression associated with toxin exposure and with resistance evolution. We are also actively pursuing methods to achieve gene silencing by RNA interference (RNAi) in order to elucidate gene function, identify and validate novel target sites, and to examine the potential for RNAi to serve as a direct pest management tool. We believe that this work will provide a gateway for improved resistance detection, for quantifying the effect of resistance genes on reproductive fitness and ultimately, for improving our understanding of the insect midgut as a novel and safe insecticide target site.

While much of my research is focused on insecticide resistance evolution, we have also been involved in a number of projects to document effects of pesticide contamination on non-target organisms. Most recently, I have begun an active collaboration with our apiculture specialist here at the University of Nebraska (Dr. Marion Ellis) to investigate the role of in-hive pesticides used for controlling parasitic Varroa mites in explaining widespread losses of honey bee colonies across the U.S. and Canada.

 

Courses Taught:
  • Insecticide Toxicology (Entomology 820): A study of the principles of toxicology as they relate to insecticides and insect pest species. Emphasis on insecticide classification, mode of action, metabolism and environmental consequences of insecticide use. This course is also delivered on-line.
  • Toxins in the Environment (Entomology 300): An introduction to the principles of toxicology as they apply to environmental contaminants, emphasizing agrochemicals, but also including industrial and naturally occurring chemicals.

 

Publication Summary:

128 refereed journal articles; 8 reviews/book chapters; 16 refereed abstracts; 12 technical reports, and 6 extension articles.

Recent Publications:

 

Notable Distinctions:
  • Awarded Charles Bessey Professorship for distinguished scholarship and creative activity, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2008
  • Research Award of Merit, University of Nebraska Chapter of Gamma Sigma Delta, 2006
  • Outstanding Scientist Award, Sigma Xi Nebraska Chapter, 2003
  • Recipient of British Biology and Biotechnology Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) Underwood Fund to support international collaboration with BBSRC funded scientists, 2003
  • American Distance Education Consortium, Education Program Award (Presented to the Entomology Department), 2002
  • USDA-ARS Team Award, National Areawide Integrated Pest Management Program for Corn Rootworm Across the U.S. Corn Belt, 2000
  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Food Quality Protection Act, Scientific Review Board. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Plant - Pesticide; Resistance Management and Effects Non-target Organisms, 2000
  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. FIFRA Scientific Advisory panel, Subpanel on Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Plant -Pesticides and Resistance Management, 1998.
  • International Life Sciences (ILSI). Expert Panel Evaluation of Insect Resistance Management in Bt Field Corn: A Science-Based Framework for Risk Assessment and Risk Management, 1997 - 1998
  • Outstanding Young Scientist Award, University of Nebraska Chapter of Sigma Xi 1994
  • University of Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Agricultural Research Division, Junior Faculty Recognition for Excellence in Research, 1993
  • Selected as foreign exchange student, Kelvin Grove College of Advanced Education, Brisbane, Australia and Lock Haven University, 1981

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