Dr. Jess Kansman (she/her)
Assistant Professor (Lab PI)
Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology
Montana State University
Interested in trophic interactions, climate change effects on agricultural productivity, and all things entomology. When I'm not at work, I love cooking challenging meals (finding the perfect injeera recipe will be the death of me), compulsively listening to audiobooks or reading (libraries are radical), and road tripping with my partner to natural areas and national parks for hikes and kayaking. I'm also pretending to learn how to cross-country ski.
Email: jessica.kansman [at] montana.edu
Abigail Noel
MS Student
Entomology
I am interested in all things insect ecology, with a special interest in predator-prey relationships and plant-insect interactions. I am currently investigating how drought affects the trophic interactions of wheat, aphids, and parasitoid wasps. Outside of the lab, I enjoy hiking, reading, thrifting, and learning new plants and insects! Currently doing my best not to trip people on the trails every time I see a new bug.
Email: abigail.noel [at] student.montana.edu
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Natalie Brennan
PhD Student
Plant Sciences
As an entomologist and naturalist, I am just generally passionate about watching insects do what they do. Because of this, I am on the never-ending quest to understand how insects interact with each other, with other organisms, and with their environment. My research interests include behavioral ecology, multi-trophic interactions, and chemical ecology, all the more fun within an applied system. Currently, I am researching the aphid-mediated spread of PVY in seed potato and utilizing behavioral-based management techniques to reduce the spread of both aphids and the virus. Outside of research, I can be found enjoying a nice hike, indulging in the creation and consumption of good eats, listening to or making music, and spending time with my friends and family.
Email: nataliebrennan [at] montana.edu
Camden Miley
Major: Fish and Wildlife Ecology and Management
Minor: Entomology
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Wasp Enthusiast
Before working in the Kansman Lab I had very little experience in the bug world. Since my introduction, I've been interested in insect identification and parasitoid wasp interactions with their hosts. When not in the lab, I am typically found standing in a river, drawing, or building things.
Email: camden.miley [at] student.montana.edu
Hodor
Life-Long Learner: The Ecology of Fear
Sadie
Life-Long Learner: Top-Down Effects
Dorkus the 67th (CD-RD-DW-67)
Life-Long Learner: Rage
Lab Alumni
Catherine Cadieux
Undergraduate Lab Assistant
Caring for the colonies!
I love learning about bugs, animals, botany, and the systems that help keep everything going! I enjoy rock climbing, backpacking, and trying new and adventurous things. I am currently studying Fish and Wildlife Management and Ecology as an undergraduate.
Email: ccadieux2005 [at] gmail.com
Karli Gowen
Undergraduate Research Assistant (2024-2026)
Grower of plants, Caretaker of bugs
Loves learning anything about plant and animal interactions. In my free time I like to ski, hike, read, and bake! I also enjoy traveling and hope to explore new countries this year! I’m currently studying conservation biology and ecology as an undergraduate.
Current Role: Whale-Watching Naturalist at Outer Island Excursions
Kaelin Smith (co-advised by Tiziana Oppedisano)
MS Student (2024-2026)
Entomology
I am interested in understanding plant-insect interactions and using that knowledge to improve sustainable pest management tactics in agriculture. In my free time, I like to run long distances, tend to my houseplants, and play with my cat, Miso.
Current Role: Research Associate, Oppedisano Lab, Montana State University
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Ayax Del Valle Sanchez
MS Student (2024-2026)
Entomology
I’m passionate about natural science and helping to solve problems. That’s the reason why I enjoy working on agroecology. Currently, the focus of my work is on how aphid’s natural enemies can be affected by intraguild predation and non-consumptive effects. I’m also a multi-faceted person who likes mechanics, music, martial arts, drawing, and many other things.
Current Role: Ph.D. Student, Giroux Lab, Montana State University
Dr. Erika Rodbell (she/her)
Agronomic Entomology Associate Specialist
Advised by Jess Kansman: (2024-2025)
Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology
Montana State University - Extension
I am interested in applied research pertaining to finding answers to entomological questions and concerns directly impacting Montana agricultural producers. When I am not working, I can be found backpacking, hiking, rock climbing, painting, or skiing (alpine or cross-country) with my partner and pup. I am attempting to get into ice climbing, but I found out last winter that it is an extremely cold sport.
Current Role: Forage Research Agronomist at Forage Genetics International
Entomology Research Credit Mentees:
Taylor King (Spring 2026) Project: Parasitoid-lady beetle interactions
Perry Watkins (Spring 2024) Project: Cultivar influence on aphid performance in potato