Chia-Hua Lue

As an entomologist, I specialize in studying host-parasitoid interactions, focusing on fundamental ecological questions such as what determines host ranges and how species evolve in response to climate change and host availability. I enjoy collaborating with researchers from diverse areas, bridging the gap between field observations and laboratory experiments to enhance our understanding of natural phenomena and improve predictions. I currently have two ongoing projects. The first project involves exploring biodiversity through wild Drosophila-parasitoid networks. Given the specialist lifestyle of parasitoids, they play a crucial role in sustainable agriculture. This project aims to understand the community compositions of parasitoids that attack the invasive Spotted Wing Drosophila, with the added opportunity to discover new parasitoid species. The second project focuses on understanding how temperature impacts host-parasitoid interactions. Climate change has significant effects on ecosystems, but the mechanisms altering species interactions require further study. In this project, students will investigate the influence of rising temperatures and heatwaves on the reproductive performance of parasitoids that may disturb community functioning. Both projects aim to explore the effectiveness of parasitoids on invasive fly species under changing climates, ideal for students interested in both basic and applied ecology. In addition to the Drosophila-parasitoid system, I am open to working on other insect systems and strongly encourage students to bring their own unique interests and perspectives to collaborate with me.

 

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