Ann Ray

Dr. Ray studies the biology of invasive forest insects, with an emphasis on improving strategies for monitoring and controlling emerging pests.  

Dr. Ray collaborates extensively with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other government and academic entities worldwide. Some ongoing projects include developing and improving semiochemical lures to trap woodboring beetles, evaluating traps and lure combinations for monitoring spotted lanternfly, and assessing the natural spread of parasitoids for emerald ash borer. Dr. Ray’s lab includes research scientists who work in USDA facilities in MI, MA, and PA on emerald ash borer parasitoids, Asian citrus psyllid, box tree moth, spotted lanternfly, and other emerging pests. 

Past research projects include studies of the mating behavior of longhorned beetles in California and Brazil (a collaboration with UC Riverside), improvement of technology to monitor longhorned beetles in Alaska (a collaboration with the USDA Forest Service), a survey for longhorned beetles in Corsica (with the French equivalent of USDA, INRA), and identification of longhorned and jewel beetles intercepted in quarantine facilities (a collaboration with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service).

Dr. Ray teaches General Biology II, Introduction to Entomology, Parasitology, an Honors seminar on Darwinism, Tropical Diversity in Costa Rica, and the senior capstone courses. Students interested in invasive species or forest ecology research are encouraged to contact Dr. Ray about opportunities in the lab.