D3370: Impact through integration: A case study of the Global Locust Initiative and NSF-Behavioral Plasticity Research Institute

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM MST

Location: Phoenix Convention Center, Exhibit Hall 6, PCC

Presenting Author(s)

RO

Rick Overson

Research Scientist
Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona

Co-Author(s)

RO

Rick Overson

Research Scientist
Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona
AC

Arianne Cease

Associate Professor
Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona
FG

Fabrizio Gabbiani

Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, Texas
Hojun Song

Professor
Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas
Mira Word Ries

Project Coordinator
Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona
AM

Audélia M.C Mechti (she/her/hers)

PhD Student Researcher
Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas
VP

Vivian A. Peralta Santana (she/her/hers)

Ph.D Student
Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas
MP

Mario Poot Pech

Yucatan Plant Health
Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
HM

Hector Medina

The National Food Safety and Quality Service (SENASA AR)
Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
BT

Behavioral Plasticity Research Institute Team

Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas

The unique biology of locusts makes them both a fascinating organism to study and a grave threat to food security. The Behavioral Plasticity Research Institute (BPRI) was created to advance our understanding of the extreme form of phenotypic plasticity displayed by locusts. To understand the mechanisms, maintenance, and evolution of this phenomenon, complete biological integration is needed. To go beyond basic science and address the broader impacts locusts have on society calls for even more collaboration. Through partnering with ASU’s Global Locust Initiative (GLI), the BPRI has engaged with stakeholders working on locust-related issues around the world in parallel, as the project unfolds. Through interactions with the online GLI Network, HopperLink, of over 200 diverse stakeholders as well as hosting meetings with these experts, the BPRI has been able to ground the scientific and societal implications of their research through feedback and collaboration as the project unfolds.