Samuel N Crane

A fourth-year doctoral student at CUNY and AMNH

I study the history of insects from genetic and ecological perspectives. In particular, I investigate various aspects of the evolutionary history of weevils. Weevils, small snout beetles, are often crop pests. Besides the excitement of discovery, my research is motivated by the prospect of improving pest management practices and reducing chemical inputs into the environment by leveraging demographic and evolutionary information.

My areas of interest span a variety of methods, disciplines, and organizational levels:

• Population Genetics
• Biogeography
• Niche modeling
• Biodiversity informatics
• Systematics & Taxonomy
• Agricultural ecosystems

Research & Related Activities

Dissertation Work

My research covers the population genetics, biogeography, and systematics of beetles. This work focuses on the plum curculio beetle, a fruit pest native to the eastern United States. This beetle is an obstacle to organic and low-spray commercial fruit operations. Current pest control measures rely on insecticides. These control measures are effective for now but long term management of the pest requires better understanding of the demography and history of the beetle. I'm using a variety of evolutionary biology methods to investigate and contribute to attempts to control this important crop pest. Find out more…

Teaching

As a former NSF GK12 Fellow and current CUNY College Now Fellow, I am developing and piloting inquiry-based science curriculum for New York City high schools. I have also taught introductory biology, ecology, and conservation biology courses—all with a focus on biodiversity and genetics—for Baruch College and the American Museum of Natural History. Find out more…