I investigate interactions among invasive species, native plants and arthropods. I’m primarily interested in how plant defenses affect invasive herbivore host-plant choice and fitness.

I am a member of a large collaborative project funded by a Specialty Crop Research Initiate (SCRI) grant examining the invasive brown marmorated stink bug. My current research investigates brown marmorated stink bug dispersal among host plant species. I believe host plant phenology drives brown marmorated stink bug movement. I combine mark/recapture field experiments with laboratory experiments to examine my predictions.

In my free time, I enjoy hiking, camping, and spending time with my wife and kids.

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John Tooker, Ph.D.
  • Professor of Entomology