Research in Dr. Gaffke’s lab focuses on the integration of chemical ecology and biological control. Many of his research questions center around plant-insect interactions and how these interactions can be used to increase the efficacy of biological control. His research takes an interdisciplinary approach to examine the mechanisms that govern these multitrophic interactions and incorporates analytical chemistry, insect behavior and physiology, and agronomy. Specific areas of his research include: the development of semiochemical based monitoring systems for classical weed biocontrol agents, investigation of semiochemicals that regulate entomopathogenic nematode infection dynamics, and development of management strategies to minimize non-target impacts from biocontrol agents.
- Chemical Ecology
- Biological control
- Insect-plant interactions
- Ph.D. Ecology and Environmental Science • 2018
Montana State University - B.S. Environmental Biology • 2011
Montana State University
- Research Entomologist, 2022-Present
USDA-ARS-CMAVE - Postdoctoral research associate, 2021
Louisiana State university - Postdoctoral research associate, 2019-2021
USDA-ARS-CMAVE - Postdoctoral research associate, 2018-2019
Montana State university
Dr. Gaffke has received funding from multiple state and federal granting agencies totaling over $250,000. Additionally, Dr. Gaffke has been requested to provide advisory and consulting activities to county, state, tribal, and federal agencies and has been requested to present his research at national and international organizations. Dr. Gaffke has also been able to mentor multiple graduate students and places a high priority on student development and engagement.
