Dewayne Shoemaker
Specialization: Population and Evolutionary Genetics/Genomics of Insects
In August 2016, I became a part of the Entomology and Plant Pathology Department at UTIA. Prior to joining, I dedicated ten years at the USDA Agricultural Research Service, focusing on the study of fire ant biology and natural history. Before that, I held academic positions at Western Michigan University (1998-2002) and the University of Wisconsin (2002-2006). Throughout my career, I specialized in teaching Introductory Genetics, Evolutionary Genetics, and Molecular Evolution. Additionally, I spent nearly four years as a postdoctoral research associate at three different institutions.
I earned my Ph.D. from the University of Georgia, specializing in entomology under the guidance of Dr. Ken Ross. My research primarily centers on functional, population, and evolutionary genomics of fire ants (genus Solenopsis), though I've also explored other systems throughout my career.
Mentorship is a cornerstone of my approach, seamlessly weaving together my teaching and research duties. Over time, I've guided postdoctoral associates and graduate students and contributed to over 15 graduate committees. Actively involving undergraduates is also a key aspect of my work, with them playing vital roles in nearly all my studies.
I am dedicated to advancing diversity in science and have a proven track record of mentoring and recruiting students from STEM-underrepresented groups.
A central concern to evolutionary biology is understanding the evolutionary, ecological, and historical processes responsible for the patterns of diversity observed in nature. One main goal of my research is to contribute to this understanding.
In today's fast-paced world, it's impossible to know everything. We must be prepared to learn new skills as they become necessary. As an educator, I see my role as not only imparting knowledge but also cultivating critical and independent thinking.
I consider outreach an important facet of teaching. I've crafted engaging outdoor science lessons for a middle school in Gainesville, Florida. I was also involved in two citizen science projects, a collaborative research approach with the public.
- How do invasive species adapt to new environments?
- What genomic changes occur when a species invades a new habitat?
- What are the genetic underpinnings of complex social behaviors?
- What is the genetic architecture (number, distribution, and effects of genes) of species differences?
- What are the consequences of hybridization and admixture between different species?
2505 E J Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996
- PhD, Entomology, University of Georgia, 1995
- Agriculture and Natural Resources
Dewayne Shoemaker
2505 E J Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996
- PhD, Entomology, University of Georgia, 1995
- Agriculture and Natural Resources
In August 2016, I became a part of the Entomology and Plant Pathology Department at UTIA. Prior to joining, I dedicated ten years at the USDA Agricultural Research Service, focusing on the study of fire ant biology and natural history. Before that, I held academic positions at Western Michigan University (1998-2002) and the University of Wisconsin (2002-2006). Throughout my career, I specialized in teaching Introductory Genetics, Evolutionary Genetics, and Molecular Evolution. Additionally, I spent nearly four years as a postdoctoral research associate at three different institutions.
I earned my Ph.D. from the University of Georgia, specializing in entomology under the guidance of Dr. Ken Ross. My research primarily centers on functional, population, and evolutionary genomics of fire ants (genus Solenopsis), though I've also explored other systems throughout my career.
Mentorship is a cornerstone of my approach, seamlessly weaving together my teaching and research duties. Over time, I've guided postdoctoral associates and graduate students and contributed to over 15 graduate committees. Actively involving undergraduates is also a key aspect of my work, with them playing vital roles in nearly all my studies.
I am dedicated to advancing diversity in science and have a proven track record of mentoring and recruiting students from STEM-underrepresented groups.
A central concern to evolutionary biology is understanding the evolutionary, ecological, and historical processes responsible for the patterns of diversity observed in nature. One main goal of my research is to contribute to this understanding.
In today's fast-paced world, it's impossible to know everything. We must be prepared to learn new skills as they become necessary. As an educator, I see my role as not only imparting knowledge but also cultivating critical and independent thinking.
I consider outreach an important facet of teaching. I've crafted engaging outdoor science lessons for a middle school in Gainesville, Florida. I was also involved in two citizen science projects, a collaborative research approach with the public.
- How do invasive species adapt to new environments?
- What genomic changes occur when a species invades a new habitat?
- What are the genetic underpinnings of complex social behaviors?
- What is the genetic architecture (number, distribution, and effects of genes) of species differences?
- What are the consequences of hybridization and admixture between different species?