Joe Staples

Dr. Staples conducts research in the areas of environmental entomology, integrated pest management, forest ecology, and education.  He collaborates with researchers from across the University of Maine System and with individuals from local and national organizations including the Maine Medical Center Vector-Borne Disease laboratory, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Hubbard Brook Research Foundation.  Dr. Staples is a graduate of the Scholar Educator Program at Illinois State University and has taught more than thirty courses in biology, environmental science, and general education.  A self-described “tinkerer,” Dr. Staples enjoys developing new methods and technologies to better monitor and measure the natural world.  Education and mentoring are common themes throughout Dr. Staples’ research.  He is a strong advocate of experiential education and a research-based approach to teaching.