Our Team
Jason J. Dombroskie
Principal
My main interest is microlepidoptera with a focus on the taxonomy of the tortricid moth tribe Archipini in the New World. I am the manager of the Cornell University Insect Collection and coordinator of the Insect Diagnostic Lab and you will often find me collecting in various parts of the world or browsing insect collections in efforts to document the Lepidoptera fauna of New York State. You can also find me leading various public outings and talks on Insects.
Maddie Worth
PhD student
I am a PhD candidate in the Entomology department at Cornell University, co-advised by Dr. Jason Dombroskie and Dr. Patrick O’Grady. My research broadly focuses on the taxonomy, systematics, and evolution of crane flies in the family Limoniidae, along with floral associations of nectarivorous long-mouthed crane flies. My dissertation work is looking at the evolution of lengthened mouthparts and feeding behavior of limoniids, along with providing the first molecular phylogeny of the subfamily Limoniinae. My field work is based in the tropical ecosystems of Costa Rica, where these crane flies are extremely abundant and largely understudied, with the goal of describing new species. Additionally, I enjoy collecting locally in New York with the goal of greatly expanding the crane fly collection in the Cornell University Insect Collection.
Karlie Moriarty
Undergraduate Student
I am an undergraduate at Cornell University collaborating with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and CUIC to investigate how DNA metabarcoding can identify known apple orchard pests through analysis of sampled avian diets. I help identify pest species and prevalence of specimens collected in field sites to compare to these diets, which will then be linked to avian foraging behavior, diet preference, and overall species abundance. Outside of my research, I enjoy working on Integrated Pest Management in agricultural systems and have a fondness for all things Coleoptera and Phasmatodea.
Kevin Schermerhorn
Technician
Besides assisting in the CUIC, I manage the Insect Diagnostic Laboratory. My focus is providing accurate insect (and closely related arthropod) identifications and helping form pest management plans for the public. Additionally, I oversee invasive species monitoring grants with multiple state and federal agencies. While invasive species and pests fill much of my schedule, I have an inordinate fondness for aquatic insects and weevils. My interest in insects started while earning BS and MS degrees from SUNY Oneonta.
Alumni and Past Visitors
Vanessa Ale
Undergraduate Student
Kyhl Austin
Masters Student
Gwen Erdosh
High School Student
Matthew Fox
Technician
Sana Gardescu
Technician
Jacob Gorneau
Undergraduate Student
Emily Jernigan
Technician