We are a systematics and ecology lab focused on biodiversity, biogeography and the interactions of the often overlooked world of micro-arthropods, with a special emphasis on Acari (mites). We are based in the Department of Entomology at the University of Arkansas, situated in the heart of the Interior Highlands.
This region of the US has been particularly understudied, but yet may be one of the most diverse regions within the country. In other words, there is an amazingly high level of microarthropod diversity right in our backyard that has rarely or never been studied. Research in the lab covers both terrestrial and aquatic habitats ranging from undisturbed areas to agricultural landscapes. Projects range from population level analyses examining phylogeographic patterns and discovery of cryptic species up to large scale phylogenetic tests of the evolutionary relationships across orders, or even all of Acari.
There really is no organism too small or project too bizarre for study in the Dowling Lab. If you have a strong desire to explore the unknown and the creativity to troubleshoot along the way, this lab may be the perfect place for you. Please explore the website and feel free to contact us at any time.
Dowling Lab News and Events
- Congratulations to Colton Zrikle on the successful defense of his MS!
- Dowling currently working at the National Science Foundation as a program director in Systematics and Biodiversity Sciences
- Dowling Lab awarded an NSF systematics grant to study velvet mites, water mites, and chiggers
- Congratulations to Alexis Hilario on the successful defense of his MS!
- Congratulations to Ray Fisher on the successful defense of his PhD!
- Michael Skvarla, Derek Hennen, Joseph O’Neill, and Ricki Hamilton all defend theses – Congrats!
- Michael Skvarla wins the 2014 LLoyd and Ruby Warren Scholarship and the Dwight Isely Outstanding PhD student award. He also has eight manuscripts accepted or in review this year!
- Dowling awarded 2014 Teaching Award of Excellence by Gamma Sigma Delta
- Ricki Hamilton wins second place in the student poster competition and the Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting
- Dowling Lab receives State Wildlife Grant to survey Arkansas arthropod biodiversity and endemism.
- Dowling Lab conducts water mite collecting expedition to the northern Rockies resulting in thousands of mite specimens and numerous new species
- Dowling Lab receives National Science Foundation PEET grant for 5-year water mite systematics project.
- Dowling teaches at 61st Annual Ohio State Summer Acarology Program – two days of dermanyssine mites of medical and veterinary importance.