Aaron T. Dossey, Ph.D.

2211 Snapper Ln
Midwest City, OK 73130
Cell Phone: 352-281-3643
Email Address: Aaron.T.Dossey@allthingsbugs.com
Web Pages: Cricket Powder; All Things Bugs

EDUCATION

Degrees:
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology – August 2006
Dissertation:Detailed Analysis of FMRFamide-Like Neuropeptides and Other Natural Products by NMR and Bioinformatics

Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK
B.S. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Cum Laude – May 2001
Areas of Concentration: Molecular Biology, Protein Structure, Enzymology
Minors: Mathematics, Chemistry
Honors Thesis: “Exploration of Kinetics of Several Dehydrogenases Both in the Presence and Absence of Others and the Possibility of Physical Associations”

Workshops and Other Training:

Write Winning Grant Proposals“; University of Florida, IFAS, March 19, 2012

Food + Health Entrepreneurship Academy; University of California Davis; Davis, CA; February 5-10, 2012.

SBIR Workshop; Florida Innovation Hub, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL; all day; October 20, 2011.

Applying to the NIH SBIR Phase I Program for First-Time Applicants; Online from the National Council of Entrepreneurial Tech Transfer; 2-night sections; October 19-20, 2011.

Workshop on Molecular Evolution; Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, Marine Biology Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA; August 2004.

Summer course work toward BS degree; Rose State College, Midwest City, OK; Summer 2000.

POSITIONS HELD

Founder/President; Invertebrate Studies Institute; Midwest City, OK; November 2017 – PRESENT.

Founder/Owner; All Things Bugs; Gainesville, FL, USA; July 2011 – PRESENT.

Research Entomologist; United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agriculture Research Service (ARS), Gainesville, FL, USA; July 17, 2010 – July 17, 2012.

Postdoctoral Research Associate; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; September 2006 – 2010.

HONORS AND AWARDS

  • Editors’ Choice Award for “Best Paper”, Entomological Society of America
2010
  • International Society of Chemical Ecology (ISCE) Conference Travel Award
2008
  • NSF “Pan American Advanced Studies Institute” (PASI) Fellowship
2008
  • Jack L. Beal Award for “Best Paper by Young Investigator” in Journal of Natural Products
2007
  • Scholarship toward Tuition Awarded (Woods Hole MBL)
August 2005
  • Student Travel Award – Experimental Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Conference (ENC)
2004
  • Grinter Fellowship (UF)
2001-2004
  • Outstanding Senior Award from the Department of Biochemistry (OSU)
2001
  • Lew Wentz Foundation Research Project Fellowship (OSU)
2000-2001
  • Freshman Research Scholar’s Program (OSU)
1996-1997

GRANTS AND FUNDING

(OVER $4.1 MILLION TO DATE)

  • United States Department of Agriculture (USDA); Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR); Phase II; Aaron T. Dossey (Principal Investigator); Title: New Opportunity for Small Farmers: Automated Mealworm Farming to Improve Food Security in the Face of Pandemics / COVID-19; Funding amount: $650,000; Funding Period: September 1, 2021 – August 31, 2023.
  • United States Department of Defense (DOD); Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA); Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR); Phase II; Dr. Aaron T. Dossey (Principal Investigator); Title: Thinking Outside the Cricket Box: Developing a State-of-the-art, Human-free Insect Production System (IPS)”; Funding amount: $1,000,000; Funding Period: March 2018 – March 2020; Option Funding: 500,000; Option period: March 2020 – March 2021.
  • United States Department of Agriculture (USDA); Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR); Phase I; Dr. Aaron T. Dossey (Principal Investigator); Title: Improving Food Security in the Face of Pandemics / COVID-19: Diversifying Protein via Mechanized High Density Mealworm Farming; Funding amount: $106,500; Funding Period: September 1, 2020 – April 30, 2021.
  • United States Department of Agriculture (USDA); Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR); Phase II; Aaron T. Dossey (Principal Investigator); Title: Adding Value and Sustainability to the Food Industry: Mealworm Protein Ingredient as Extract and Powder; Funding amount: $600,000; Funding Period: September 1, 2011 – August 31, 2020.
  • United States Department of Defense (DOD); Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA); Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR); Phase I; Dr. Aaron T. Dossey (Principal Investigator); Title: Thinking Outside the Cricket Box: Developing a State-of-the-art, Human-free Insect Production System (IPS)”; Funding amount: $175,000; Funding Period: January 2, 2018 – January 1, 2019; Option Funding: $50,000; Option Period: January 2. 2019 – May 1, 2019.
  • Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science & Technology (OCAST); Applied Research Grant; Dr. Aaron T. Dossey (Principle Investigator); Title: Streamlining Production and Development of New Farmed Insect Protein Extract Ingredients for the Food Industry; Funding amount: $250,000; Funding Period: August 1, 2017 – July 31, 2019.
  • United States Department of Agriculture (USDA); Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR); Phase I; Dr. Aaron T. Dossey (Principal Investigator); Title: Diversifying and Adding Value to the Food Industry: Mealworm Powder as an Ingredient; Funding amount: $100,000; Funding Period: July 1, 2017 – February 28, 2018.
  • United States Department of Defense (DOD); Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA); Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR); Phase I; Dr. Aaron T. Dossey (Principal Investigator); Title: Genetic/Genomic Technology to Improve Farmed Insects for Sustainable Nutrition, Health and Other Applications; Funding amount: $150,000; Funding Period: April 4, 2017 – October 4, 2017; Option Funding: $50,000; Option Period: October 27, 2017-February 26, 2018.
  • United States Department of Agriculture. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR); Phase II; Dr. Aaron T. Dossey (Principal Investigator); Title: Reducing Cost, Improving Efficiency and Productivity of Farming Crickets as Food Ingredients; Funding amount: $600,000; Funding Period: September 1, 2016 – August 31, 2018.
  • United States Department of Agriculture. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR); Phase I; Dr. Aaron T. Dossey (Principal Investigator); Title: Reducing Cost, Improving Efficiency and Safety of Farming Crickets as Food Ingredients; Funding amount: $100,000; Funding Period: July 1, 2015 – February 29, 2014.
  • United States Department of Agriculture. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR); Phase II; Dr. Aaron T. Dossey (Principal Investigator); Title: Low Crawling Fruit: High Quality, Clean, Sustainable Protein Created From Insects; Funding amount: $450,000; Funding Period: September 1, 2014 – September 1, 2016; STATUS: CURRENT. *Renewable for Phase III.
  • United States Department of Agriculture. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR); Phase I; Dr. Aaron T. Dossey (Principal Investigator); Title: Ready to Use Therapeutic Food Product to Alleviate Malnutrition in Children Using Insects; Funding amount: $100,000; Funding Period: July 1, 2013 – February 28, 2014.
  • Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Grand Challenges Explorations; Round 7; Explore Nutrition for Healthy Growth of Infants and Children; Title: Good Bugs: Sustainable Food for Malnutrition in Children; Dr. Aaron T. Dossey (Principal Investigator); Funding Amount: $100,000 for 18 months; Funding Period: May 1, 2012 – October 31, 2013; STATUS: COMPLETED. *Renewable for up to $1 million for up to 2 years.
  • Citrus Research Board; Project Title: Breaking citrus trade barriers using novel postharvest fumigations: high-concentration phosphine at low temperature (Horn method); Project Leader: Spencer S. Walse; Co-Investigators: Beth Grafton-Cardwell, Michael E. Rogers, Aaron T. Dossey; Funding Amount: ~$80,000; Funding approved for second year of a three year project – 2009-2010.

PATENTS

  • ALLOWED, ISSUANCE EXPECTED JAN. 2022: Aaron T. Dossey, INSECT PRODUCTS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE AND USE THEREOF, Canada, Patent Application Number: 2,929,177; National Stage Entry of International Patent Application Number: PCT/US2014/064920.
  • ISSUED: Aaron T. Dossey, INSECT PRODUCTS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE AND USE THEREOF, Mexico, Patent Number: 384003 (Application number MX/a/2016/006081); National Stage Entry of International Patent Application Number: PCT/US2014/064920.
  • Aaron T. Dossey, INSECT PRODUCTS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE AND USE THEREOF, U.S. Patent Application Number: 14/537,960; International Patent Application Number: PCT/US14/64920.
  • Aaron T. Dossey, Spencer S. Walse, Oskar V. Conle, Arthur S. Edison, Susan Matthew, and Hendrik Luesch, Parectadial Compounds, Methods of Synthesis, and Methods of Use, Provisional Patent, Serial No. 60/909,827, UF-12486, April 3, 2007 – April 3, 2008.

PUBLICATIONS

Published and In Review:

Submitted:

  • None at the moment.

In Preparation:

  • John M. Whitaker, Aaron T. Dossey, Marco Gottardo, Maria Cristina A. Dancel and William R. Roush,Synthesis of Defensive Spiroketals from the Stick Insect Asceles glaber, In Preparation for the Journal of Organic Chemistry.
  • Aaron T. Dossey, Marco Gottardo, Maria Christina A. Dancel, Ulrich R. Bernier and Robert K. Vander Meer, Sulcatone in the Chemical Defense Spray of Lopaphus sphalerus and its Effects on Ants and Mosquitoes, In Preparation for the Journal of Natural Products.
  • Aaron T. Dossey and Spencer S. Walse, Systems Based Evaluation of Citrus Packing House Treatment on Removal and Mortality of Asian Citrus Psyllid (Diaphorina citri), In Preparation for Postharvest Biology and Technology.

SELECTED MEDIA AND PRESS

COLLABORATIONS

Current and Ongoing:

  • USDA-ARS, Dr. Brenda Oppert; Genomic sequencing of insects and transgenic insect strategies. Collaborator on the DARPA grant project above related to this topic.
  • NCSU (North Carolina State University); Prof. Marcé Lorenzen; Insect genetic transformation and transgenic insect generation strategies and genomic data mining. Collaborator on the DARPA grant project above related to this topic.
  • USDA-ARS, Stoneville, MS; Drs. Juan Morales-Ramos and Guadalupe Rojas; Research in the area of insect mass rearing/production/farming for human food consumption, animal feed or other applications. We have submitted several grant applications and are continuing to collaborate in the interim.
  • USDA-ARS, Gainesville, FL; Dr. Ulrich R. Bernier; identifying natural products derived from insect chemical defenses and other sources with efficacy as mosquito repellents. I provide experience and expertise in sample preparation, target source species identification entomology, ecology, NMR spectroscopy and experimental design.
  • USDA-ARS, Gainesville, FL; Dr. Robert K. Vander Meer; identifying natural products derived from insect chemical defenses and other sources with efficacy as fire ant repellents; I provide experience and expertise in sample preparation, target source species identification entomology, ecology, NMR spectroscopy and experimental design.

JOURNALS REVIEWED

  • Journal of Natural Products – 2009-present.
  • Journal of Chemical Ecology – 2007-present.

JOURNAL COVERS

MEETINGS AND PRESENTED WORK

Organizer / Co-Organizer:

  • Plant & Animal Genomics Conference (PAG); Annual Conference; January 13-17, 2020; Town & Country Hotel, San Diego, CA, USA; Co-Organizer; Workshop Title: “Farmed Insects to Feed Future Populations“, Dr. Brenda Oppert and Dr. Aaron T. Dossey. Room: Royal Palm Salon 3-4 Wednesday, Jan 15, 2020; 01:30 PM – 2 hours and 10 minutes.
  • KoSFoST International Symposium and Annual Meeting; June 26-28, 2019; Songdo Convensia; Incheon, South Korea; Co-Chair; section on “Insect-Based Food“; Dr. Aaron T. Dossey; Wednesday, June 26, 2019; 3:45-5:45 PM.
  • Plant & Animal Genomics Conference (PAG); Annual Conference; January 12-16, 2019; Town & Country Hotel, San Diego, CA, USA; Co-Organizer; “Farmed Insects to Feed Future Populations“. Dr. Aaron T. Dossey and Dr. Brenda Oppert. Room: Royal Palm Salon 3-4; January 16, 2019; 01:30 PM – 03:40 PM.
  • Plant & Animal Genomics Conference (PAG); Annual Conference; January 13-17, 2018; Town & Country Hotel, San Diego, CA, USA; Co-Organizer; Workshop Title: “Farmed Insects to Feed Future Populations“, Dr. Brenda Oppert and Dr. Aaron T. Dossey. Room: Royal Palm Salon 3-4 January 17, 2018; 01:30 PM – 03:40 PM.
  • Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Annual Meeting & Food Expo; July 25-28, 2017; Sands Expo Center, Las Vegas, NV, USA; Co-Organizer and Session Moderator; Title: “Challenges in the Edible Insect-Based Food Industry: Farm to Fork”, Part 2; Dr. Aaron T. Dossey. Room: Bellini 2105 6/28/2017, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm.
  • Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Annual Meeting & Food Expo; July 25-28, 2017; Sands Expo Center, Las Vegas, NV, USA; Co-Organizer; Title: “Challenges in the Edible Insect-Based Food Industry: Farm to Fork”, Part 1; Dr. Aaron T. Dossey. Room: Bellini 2105 6/28/2017, 8:30 am – 10:00 am.

Exhibits / EXPO Booth/Table Presentations:

Oral Presentations:

Meetings Attended as a Participant:

Poster Presentations:

  • Advances in Genome Biology and Technology (AGBT); General Meeting; February 23 – February 26, 2020; JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort; Marco Island, FL.; Poster# 302; Title: “Developing Genetic Resources and Engineering Insects for Food, Feed and Pharma”. Dr. Aaron T. Dossey and Dr. Clay Chu. Room: Clausa Ballroom; 11:20 AM – 11:40 AM (mine was the last talk of the set).
  • Vertebrate Genomes Project, Earth Biogenome Project (G10K-VGP/EBP); Tuesday – Friday, 27-30 August 2019; 1:30-2:00 PM; Wednesday, August 28; Dossey, A., Chu, C.; Oppert, B.; Reference Quality Insect Genomes: Applications for Sustainable Protein and Biodiversity; Greenberg Atrium, Floor B, Collaborative Research Center; The Rockefeller University, Manhattan, NY, USA; New York City, NY.
  • Akbaran, M., Amarender, V., Dossey, A., Gamagedra, S. and K. Bhargava. Mealworm Powder as a Novel Source of Food Protein: Defatting and Proximate Analyses. 2018 IFT-Oklahoma and FAPC Research Symposium, Stillwater, OK; Poster Presentation.
  • Amarender, V., Akbaran, M., Dossey, A., Gamagedra, S. and K. Bhargava. Defatting and Proximate Analysis of Cricket Powder For Effective and Functional Insect Protein Isolates For Food Applications. 2018 IFT-Oklahoma and FAPC Research Symposium, Stillwater, OK; Oral Presentation.
  • Akbaran, M., Amarender, V., Dossey, A., Gamagedra, S. and K. Bhargava. Mealworm Powder as a Novel Source of Food Protein: Defatting and Proximate Analyses. 2018 Oklahoma Research Day, Enid, OK.
  • Akbaran, M., Amarender, V., Dossey, A., Gamagedra, S. and K. Bhargava. Mealworm Powder as a Novel Source of Food Protein: Defatting and Proximate Analyses. IFT Annual Meeting 2018, Chicago, IL.
  • Amarender, V., Akbaran, M., Dossey, A., Gamagedra, S. and K. Bhargava. Defatting and Proximate Analysis of Cricket Powder For Effective and Functional Insect Protein Isolates For Food Applications. IFT Annual Meeting 2018, Chicago, IL.
  • Morales-Ramos, J. A., M. G. Rojas, and A. T. Dossey. Age-dependent Food utilization in small groups of Acheta domesticus (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) at two temperatures. 91st Annual Meeting of the SEB of ESA. March 12-15, 2017, Memphis, Tennessee.
  • IV Congreso Latinoamericano de Aracnología y XLIX Congreso Nacional de la SME; Sociedad Mexicana de Entomología; July 20-25, 2014; Centro cultural Universitario y Primitivo y Nacional de San Nicolás de Hidalgo Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo; Morelia, Michoacán; “LOS INSECTOS COMO UNA FUENTE DE PROTEINA LIMPIA Y SUSTENTABLE PARA EL FUTURO” (Low Crawling Fruit: Insects as the Clean Sustainable Protein of the Future); Aaron T. Dossey and Ingrid Raquel Méndez-Gutiérrez.
  • Grand Challenges | Explorations Agricultural Development (Round 8 & 9) and Nutrition (Round 7 & 8); Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Campus; March 13-15, 2013; Seattle WA, USA; Poster Session and Meeting. “Good Bugs: Sustainable Food for Malnutrition in Children”; Dr. Aaron T. Dossey.
  • 18th Annual C. Elegans Meeting; The Genetics Society of America Conference Series; June 22-26, 2011; University of California, Los Angeles, CA; “Identification of ascr#1 as the female sex pheromone in the free-living nematode Panagrellus redivivus“, (844C); Andrea Choe, Aaron T. Dossey, Tatsuji Chuman, Ramadan Ajredini, D. Kogan, H. Von Reuss, Frank Schroeder, Arthur S. Edison and Paul W. Sternberg.
  • 18th Annual C. Elegans Meeting; The Genetics Society of America Conference Series; June 22-26, 2011; University of California, Los Angeles, CA; “Identification of a New Ascaroside, Female Attracting Pheromone in Panagrellus redivivus“; (1232C) Tatsuji Chuman, Aaron T. Dossey, Ramadan Ajredini, Andrea Choe, Stephan von Reuss, Frank C. Schroeder, Paul W. Sternberg and Arthur S. Edison.
  • European C. elegans Neurobiology Meeting; October 9-11, 2010; Fodele Beach, Crete; “Identification of Ascr1 as a Gender Specific Mate-finding Cue in the Free-living Nematode Panagrellus redivivus“; Andrea Choe, Aaron T. Dossey, Tatsuji Chuman, Ramadan Ajredini, Frank C. Schroeder, Arthur S. Edison and Paul W. Sternberg.
  • American Society of Pharmacognosy (ASP) and Phytochemical Society of North America; 51st Annual Meeting; July 11, 2010; Tradewinds, Island Grand Beach Resort, St. Petersburg Beach, FL, USA; “Chemical Communication in Nematodes: Identification of a Panagrellus redivivus Mating Pheromone”, Tatsuji Chuman, Ramadan Ajredini, Hans Alborn, Andrea Choe, Aaron T. Dossey, Fatma Kaplan, Frank C. Schroeder, Paul W. Sternberg and Arthur S. Edison.
  • Southeastern Magnetic Resonance Conference (SEMRC); October 17-19, 2008; Florida State University (FSU), Tallahassee, FL; Poster Presented; “Walkingsticks as Models for Chemical Biodiversity and Biosynthesis (Order Phasmatodea)”; Aaron T. Dossey and Arthur S. Edison.
  • SEMRC; October 17-19, 2008; FSU, Tallahassee, FL; Poster Presented; “Developmental and Environmental Metabolomics of Caenorhabditis elegans: Interactions Between Worms and Bacteria”; Fatma Kaplan, Dayakar Badri, Jagan Srinivasan, Cherian Zachariah, Ramazan Adjerdini, Hans Alborn,
    Fransisco Sandoval, Sanja Roje, Lanfang Levine, Fengli Zhang, Steve Robinette, Wei Zhao, Mike Stadler, Rathika Nimalendran, Aaron T. Dossey, Rafael Brüschweiler, Peter Teal, Paul W. Sternberg, Jorge Vivanco, Arthur S. Edison.
  • International Society of Chemical Ecology (ISCE); 25th Anniversary Meeting of ISCE; August 16-23, 2008; Penn State University, State College, PA; Poster Presented; “Walkingsticks as Models for Chemical Biodiversity and Biosynthesis (Order Phasmatodea)”; Aaron T. Dossey and Arthur S. Edison.
  • Experimental Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Conference (ENC); April 2008, Asilomar Conference Grounds, Pacific Grove, CA; Poster Presented; “Covariance NMR Metabolomics Web Portal”; Fengli Zhang; Steven L. Robinette; Aaron T. Dossey; Cherian Zachariah; Lei Bruschweiler-Li; Arthur S. Edison; Rafael Brüschweiler.
  • 16th Annual C. elegans Meeting; June 27 – July 1, 2007; Los Angeles, CA; Poster Presented; “Behavioral/Developmental Metabolomics: Isolation and Characterization of Mating Pheromones from C. elegans“; F. Kaplan, J. Srinivasan, R. Ajredini, C. Zachariah, H. Alborn, A. T. Dossey, M. Stadler, J. R. Rocca, P. W. Sternberg, P. Teal, A. S. Edison.
  • ENC; April 2007; Daytona Beach, FL; Poster Presented; “The Isomers of Anisomorphal: A Model System for NMR and Computational Methods for Stereochemical Analysis”; A. T. Dossey, S. S. Walse, B. Wang, K. Merz, A. S. Edison.
  • ENC; April 2007; Asilomar Conference Grounds, Pacific Grove, CA; Poster Presented; “NMR and Mixtures: New Developments for Natural Products and Metabolomics”; F. Zhang, R. Brüschweiler, F. Kaplan, C. Zachariah, K. Sippel, M. Stadler, A. T. Dossey, A. S. Edison.
  • SEMRC; November 3-5, 2006; Gainesville, FL; Poster Presented; “Single Insect NMR: A New Tool to Probe Chemical Biodiversity”; A. T. Dossey, S. S. Walse, J. R. Rocca, A. S. Edison.
  • SEMRC; November 3-5, 2006; Gainesville, FL; Poster Presented; “Identification and Characterization of Pheromones from C. elegans“; R. Ajredini, H. Alborn, R. Bruschweiler, A. Dossey, A. S.Edison, F. Kaplan, J. R. Rocca, M. Stadler, G. Tavera, P. Teal, C. Zachariah, F. Zhang, K. Sippel.
  • The Conference for Genomes, Evolution, and Bioinformatics; 2006; Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ; Poster Presented; “Bioinformatic and Phylogenetic Analysis of the FMRFamide Like Multigene Neuropeptide Family in Phylum Nematoda”; A. T. Dossey, S. O. Sassi, E. L. Braun, S. A. Benner, and A. S. Edison.
  • University of Florida Bioinformatics Workshop; 2005; Gainesville, FL; Poster Presented; “Comparative Study of Sequence, Chemical, and Functional Properties of FMRFamide-Like Neuropeptides and Their Precursor DNAs/Proteins in Caenorhabditis elegans and C. briggsae“; Aaron T. Dossey and Arthur S. Edison.
  • ENC; 2004; Asilomar Conference Grounds, Pacific Grove, CA; Poster Presented; “Differential Activities Of NPR-1 Peptide Ligands are Regulated by Differences in Secondary Structures of the N-Termini”; A. Dossey, C. Zachariah, A. S. Edison, M. de Bono, and P. D. Evans.
  • ENC; 2003; Savannah, GA; Poster Presented; “Optimization of the Production of the Extracellular Domain of the FMRFamide-Gated Sodium Channel for Structural Studies”; Aaron T. Dossey, Cherian Zachariah, and Arthur S. Edison.
  • 33rd Annual Meeting of the Society of Neuroscience; Nov. 8-12, 2003; New Orleans, LA; Poster Presented; “Differential Activities of NPR-1 Ligands are Regulated by Differences in Secondary Structures”; Edison, A. S.; Dossey, A.; Zachariah, C.; Reale, V.; Chatwin, H.; de Bono, M.; Evans, P. D.
  • 32nd Annual Meeting of the Society of Neuroscience; 2002; Orlando, FL; Poster Presented; “Preliminary Structural Characterization of FaNaCh Receptor and FMRFa Bound to FaNaCh.”; Edison, A. S.; Zachariah, C.; Thomas, S. G.; Dossey, A. T.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

  • Biomedical Sciences Grand Rounds; IDP (Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Sciences, University of Florida); Sept. 8, 2008, “Medicines from Nature: More Common Than You Think”.
  • Invited Lecture and Workshop given for: Pan-American Advanced Studies Institute (PASI): Interdisciplinary Studies in the Chemical Biology of the Tropics; May 26 – June 5, 2008; Lima and Tambopata National Reserve, PERU; Lecture Presented, Workshop Participation, and invited Book Chapter; “Milking them for all they’re worth: Chemical Biology of Walkingsticks and Other Insects”; Aaron T. Dossey.
  • Teaching Assistant for BCH 6745C: “Molecular Structure and Dynamics by NMR Spectroscopy”, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL; Fall, 2005
  • Mentoring undergraduate students; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL; 2003-present

MEMBERSHIPS

  • Institute of Food Technologists (IFT)
2014-present
  • Sigma Xi
2009-2011
  • Entomological Society of America
2008-2016
  • American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
2008-2013
  • American Chemical Society (ACS)
2008-2011
  • International Society of Chemical Ecology (ISCE)
2008-2011
  • Phasmid Study Group (England, UK)
2008-present
  • Alachua County Democratic Executive Committee
2008-2013
  • Union of Concerned Scientists
2008-2012
  • Oklahoma State University Alumni Association
2003-2011

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Gainesville Energy Advisory Committee (GEAC) 2007-2010

OUTREACH AND EDUCATION

  • Chief Organizer, Entomology Section; USA Science and Engineering Festival; via All Things Bugs LLC (Aaron T. Dossey, Founder/Owner); Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington DC; April 6 (VIP Sneak Peek) and 7-8, 2018.
  • Chief Organizer, Entomology Section; USA Science and Engineering Festival; via Invertebrate Studies Institute (Dr. Aaron T. Dossey, Founder); Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington DC; April 25 (VIP Sneak Peek) and 26-27, 2014.
  • Chief Organizer, Entomology Section;USA Science and Engineering Festival; via Invertebrate Studies Institute (Dr. Aaron T. Dossey, Founder); Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington DC; April 25 (VIP Sneak Peek) and 26-27, 2012.
  • Chief Organizer, Entomology Section; USA Science and Engineering Festival; via All Things Bugs LLC (Aaron T. Dossey, Founder/Owner); Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington DC; April 27 (VIP Sneak Peek) and 28-29, 2012.
  • September 16-17, 2011; Volunteer;Bugfest; Largest Insect themed event in the USA; Volunteer at 3 different sections teaching the public about 1) Arthropods in general, 2) Insects as human food and 3) Orthoptera/Phasmatodea/Mantodea; North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh, NC.
  • September 23-24, 2011; Participant, invited/paid; “Insectival”; Helped prepare food and set up displays for the “Insect Café”, teaching people about insects as a sustainable food source; worked with Daniella Martin of “Girl Meets Bug” and Prof. Marianne Shockley (UGA Entomology); The State Botanical Gardens of Georgia; University of Georgia; Athens, GA.
  • 2008: Demonstrations of techniques in entomology and chemistry for local high school teachers; Gainesville, FL.
  • 2003: Educational demonstration using live and preserved insects; Prairie View Elementary School; Gainesville, FL.

RELATED EXPERIENCE

Southern Texas – Big Bend National Park and several state parks
Research Field Expedition – Collection and Study of the several stick insect species. September 2009
Collecting, photography, and observation expedition with one of the world’s leading team of experts (Oskar V. Conle and Frank H. Hennemann from Germany) on stick insects. I applied for and obtained permits for the national and state parks, collected specimens for molecular phylogenetic analysis (DNA) and took photographs. I also applied for USDA live insect transport permits for this collaboration.

Gainesville and Ocala National Forest, Florida
CollaborationAnisomorpha buprestoides – Nature Filming October 2008
Several days helping a BBC Natural History Unit filming crew take high-speed high-definition video of the defensive chemical spraying mechanism of A. buprestoides – film to appear on the BBC series “Life” in Fall, 2009.

California Institute of Technology
Training in TechniquesCaenorhabditis elegans – culture and experimental Summer 2005
Two week summer training in the lab of Prof. Paul Sternberg in C. elegans culture, worm transfer techniques, chemotaxis and other bioassays, worm video tracking, and general worm behavior observation.

South Florida, Florida Keys, and the Dry Tortugas
Research Field Expedition – Collection and Study of the walkingstick insect Aplopus mayeri. Sept. 2007
Research was conducted at, and permits obtained from, several state and national parks independently.

SCIENTIFIC INTERESTS

The central theme of my research is to capitalize on the chemical and biological diversity which exists among arthropods for a host of applications including drug discovery, identifying new insect repellents and how insects might contribute to a more sustainable human food supply.

Entomology – 1995 to Present
In addition to my research goals, I am very interested in utilizing arthropods in education, outreach and conservation efforts. To this end I hope one day to establish a public insect zoo coupled with a mass rearing and research facility. Arthropods are unique in their ability to inspire creativity and spark interest in people who are able to observe and learn about them. So far I have pursued my passion for insects through volunteer help rearing insects at OSU Insectary with Mike Doss, donating specimens for educational display at the OSU Entomology Museum curated by Don Arnold, and giving educational demonstrations for elementary school children. I have also independently maintained insect cultures for my own research in insect chemical biology. I am also an avid armature nature photographer with a special emphasis on insects. I continue to seek opportunities to interact with other entomologists and share my love and enthusiasm for insects and the natural world at any given opportunity.

Invertebrate Studies Institute – Entomology/Nematology
Founding and leadership of the Invertebrate Studies Institute (ISI); Running an Invertebrate Zoo through ISI (goal to be the largest live exotic insect collection in the US); Mentoring Undergraduate and Graduate students; Education and outreach activities focused on invertebrates, particularly insects; Collaboration on research projects in insect husbandry and insect chemical defense research, insect rearing and Entomophagy. I provide expertise on insect rearing, running an organization, acquisition of exotic insects from all over the world, plant rearing and insect feeds/foodplants, Chemistry, Biochemistry and general laboratory and greenhouse techniques.

Chemical Ecology – Natural Products Chemistry
The research program I began in 2006 emerged from my life-long passion for entomology and interest in understanding and utilizing the biochemical mechanisms that underlie natural processes. In that work I have been working on an exciting series of projects determining the chemical makeup of walkingstick insect (Order Phasmatodea) chemical defenses. Throughout this research I have independently conceived, designed, conducted, and managed each of the various projects involved. Additionally, I have maintained several national and international collaborations on these projects. My work has led to award-winning publications as well as press articles and a number of speaking engagements at meetings and institutions. I am also interested in mechanisms of natural product biosynthesis, the evolution of chemical defense, and ecological implications of chemical compounds produced by insects.

Entomophagy – Insects as a Sustainable Human Food Source
In addition to my interests in insect chemistry, I also believe that there is substantial potential for insects to become the sustainable livestock of the future and to help combat world hunger and malnutrition. As the human population grows, it is even more important to sustain rather than increase our levels of consumption and harvesting materials from the planet and its ecosphere. The United Nations expects the population to grow to more than 9 billion people by 2050, adding approximately twice the current population of China. Because of this, it is important to find ways to carry out our livelihoods which do not continue adding harmful materials to our environment, demolishing limited and ever dwindling habitat or abusing natural ecosystems or other valuable natural resources. The FAO estimates there are at least 1,000 species of edible insects in the world. Insects possess a number of features which make them attractive targets for exploration as a more sustainable food source. Projects: development of cricket powder, cricket flour, Griopro® Cricket Powder www.cricketpowder.com.

REFERENCES

Tyler Tatum
Ripple Technology, LLC
Principal
1984 Howell Mill Rd, #19924
Atlanta, GA 30327
ttatum@rippletechnologyllc.com
Phone: (404) 783-0923
http://ripplemgmt.com/

Dr. Brenda Oppert
Research Molecular Biologist
USDA-ARS-CGAHR-SPIERU
ATTN: Brenda Oppert
1515 College Avenue
Manhattan, KS 66502
brenda.oppert@ars.usda.gov
Phone: (785) 776-2780

Laurie Keeler
Senior Manager for Product Development
The Food Processing Center
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
143 Filley Hall, East Campus/1625 Arbor Drive
Lincoln, NE 68583-0930
lkeeler@gmx.com
Phone: (402) 310-8005

Additional references available upon request.