Insects play a vital role in our world, from pollinating crops to maintaining healthy ecosystems. At Cornell’s Entomological Data Science Lab, we’re working to protect these essential creatures by turning vast amounts of biodiversity data into meaningful conservation actions.
Our work combines traditional field research with cutting-edge data science to:
Track changes in pollinator populations over time, helping us understand where these important insects are thriving or declining
Investigate how human activities affect insect communities by studying their genetics and population patterns
Develop new statistical tools that make the most of citizen science observations and other biodiversity records
Use computer simulations to understand how different insect species interact and move across landscapes
Through this research, we aim to provide the scientific foundation needed to protect insects and the crucial services they provide to both natural ecosystems and human society. We also collaborate with government and conservation practitioners to increase the impact of our science.