Personnel

Christine J. Picard, Ph.D. (PI)
Professor of Biology, IU Indianapolis

Dr. Picard’s main research interests concern the population genetics and genomics of agriculturally important insects. As with many other taxa, the growing availability of high-throughput sequencing makes it much easier to understand the genetic control and natural variation in insect phenotypes for optimized production and diversifying insect products. Dr. Picard co-directs the Center for Insect Biomanufacturing and Innovation (CIBI), an NSF IUCRC.

Gabriel Filippelli, Ph.D. (Co-PI)
Chancellor’s Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences, IU Indianapolis

Dr. Filippelli’s research focuses on biogeochemical cycling in the environment and the connections between geochemistry and the geologic record of climate change. Student projects involve field study, followed by detailed geochemical analyses in the biogeochemistry laboratory. The laboratory is equipped with a plasma emission spectrometer for elemental analyses, as well as specialized spectrometers for analysis of carbon, mercury, and phosphorous. Dr. Filippelli is the Executive Director of the Environmental Resilience Institute, and Director of the Center for Urban Health.

Meghan Barrett, Ph.D. (Co-PI)
Assistant Professor of Biology, IU Indianapolis

Dr. Barrett is an insect neuroethologist and physiologist using an interdisciplinary lens to address big questions in insect biology: (i) What are the welfare concerns of farmed insects?, (ii) How does the nervous system change in response to cognitive demands or allometric constraints?, and, (iii) Can insects feel pain? Dr. Barrett collaborates with philosophers, welfare scientists, and industry professionals to study the welfare concerns of farmed insects (black soldier flies, mealworms, crickets) and how insect nervous systems support a variety of sensory responses (including to noxious stimuli), especially in view of allometric constraints. Dr. Barrett is a Co-PI on the IUCRC Center for Insect Biomanufacturing and Innovation, and Founding Director of the Insect Welfare Research Society.

Jason M. Kelly, Ph.D. (Co-PI)
Professor of History, IU Indianapolis

Dr. Kelly’s current research projects focus on the histories of the environment, sciences, and art and architecture. He is currently writing A History of the Anthropocene, a deep history of human-nature relations. He leads a major international collaborative project, Rivers of the Anthropocene, which brings together scientists, humanists, and policy makers to study global freshwater systems and policy. Dr. Kelly is the Executive Director of the Indiana University Arts and Humanities Institute.

Jerome DuMortier, Ph.D. (Co-PI)
Professor of Economics, IU Indianapolis

Dr. DuMortier’s research assesses the short- and long-term effects of climate change, policy, and macroeconomics on agriculture, energy, transportation, and the environment, especially in relationship with land-use change, bioenergy, and future climate projections. His forward-looking research uses simulation models to evaluate public policy, which aims to reduce carbon emissions while satisfying food, energy, and transportation demand.

Jeffery K. Tomberlin, Ph.D. (Co-PI)
AgriLife Professor of Entomology, Texas A&M University

Jeff Tomberlin is a professor of entomology at Texas A&M University, where he leads research on using insects - especially the Black Soldier Fly - for sustainable waste recycling and as alternative protein sources for livestock and aquaculture. Over more than two decades, his work has helped promote insect-based bioconversion: transforming organic waste into valuable biomass while reducing environmental impact. Dr. Tomberlin directs the Center for Insect Biomanufacturing and Innovation (CIBI), an NSF IUCRC.

Collaborators

Bob Fischer, Ph.D.
Professor of Philosophy, Texas State University

Dr. Fischer works on a wide range of projects connected to animal welfare. He's especially interested in research and resources that can serve real-world decision-making. Dr. Fischer is the President of the Animal Welfare Economics Working Group, an officer in the Insect Welfare Research Society, and an Editor with American Entomologist.