Jason T. Botz

Jason is pursuing a Ph.D. in entomology. He received a B.S. (1999) magna cum laude from the University of Arizona, where he majored in ecology and evolutionary biology.

While at the University of Arizona, Jason conducted independent research into the local distribution of yellow fever mosquitoes. He is also a skilled linguist, having studied German, Polish, Russian, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese.

His current research probes the effects of physically complex habitats on the mechanical function and sensory biology of insects. He is investigating the changes that occur in a wave signal travelling across an air:water interface. Such waves are both produced and detected by aquatic insects, which use the pattern of waves to locate and identify prey, predators, and mates. He is also studying the locomotion of water striders, using measurements of surface wave energy to determine the efficiency of locomotion at the air:water interface. The results have important implications for the design of equipment that would operate in such habitats.

After completing the Ph.D., Jason would like to continue his research in a university or government laboratory.

Publications: Botz, J. T. 2002. Survey of Aedes aegypti eggs in and around homes in Tucson, Arizona. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association 18:63-64.

Mentor: Catherine Loudon, Associate Professor, Entomology