Email: aernstsons@ufl.edu
T: @simonoptera
Academic summary
Dismantling dangerous trees in Auckland, New Zealand 2013
I am an applied ecologist with a varied and wide ranging skillset. My interests are broad but can be defined loosely as within tree and forest health, invasion ecology, and forest entomology. Prior to my academic career I worked as an arborist, arboricultural consultant, tree health officer, and as a forestry surveyor. My work took me to Denmark, Sweden, New Zealand, and Australia as well as back home in the UK. I always wanted to learn more and started my academic career studying Forest Management in 2014. In 2017 I completed an MSc in Entomology at Harper Adams University (UK) before joining the Hulcr Lab in August 2018.
Here at the University of Florida I study invasive and damaging forestry pests, predominantly wood-boring beetles such as Curculionidae (particularly the Scolytid and Platypodine ambrosia beetles), Buprestidae, and Cerambycidae. I am particularly interested in the beetles and forests of south east Asia. My projects focus on the potential for wood-boring beetles to become pests outside of their native environment, this includes American pests in Asia. In addition, I am interested in prevention of outbreaks, particularly focusing on how land managers and academics can share information for mutual benefit.
Monitoring population levels of Xylosandrus germanus in the New Forest, England 2018
Current projects
- Wood-boring beetle pre-invasion assessment: Who are the potential future pests?
- Asian forest pest and disease information exchange
- Black Turpentine Beetle – A potential future pest in Asia
Education and employment summary
- 2018-present: Doctoral Student and Graduate Assistant, University of Florida, with Jiri Hulcr
- 2017-2018: MSc Entomology, Harper Adams University
- 2014 – 2017: BSc (Hons.) Forest Management, University of Cumbria
- 2014 – 2018: Forest Surveyor, Self Employed (Forestry Commission Scotland)
- 2005 – 2013: Arborist / Consultant / Tree Health Officer, Self Employed
- 2005 -2006: NC Forestry and Arboriculture, Warwickshire College