School of Forest Resources and Conservation
Contact
Research Summary
My work has been focused on the development and implementation of a large scale bark and ambrosia beetle monitoring project utilizing public participation in science (aka Citizen Science). The Backyard Bark Beetles project (www.backyardbarkbeetles.org) is aimed at widespread capture of bark and ambrosia beetles for the purposes of distribution mapping, use in phylogenetic analyses, and increasing public awareness of these significant forest pests.
Current Projects
1. Disseminating the Backyard Bark Beetles project through the use of social media and direct outreach
2. Assisting with the organization and administration of the 2014 Bark & Ambrosia Beetle Academy (http://ambrosiasymbiosis.org/academy/)
Short Bio & Education
2013-Present: Graduate Assistant, Entomology & Nematology Department, University of Florida
2009-2013: Biological Science Technician (Insects), USDA-ARS
2007-2008: Sea Turtle Conservation Intern, Conservancy of Southwest FL
2002-2006: B.S. in Zoology, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
Publications
Steininger, M. S, Storer, C., Hulcr, J., Lucky, A. (2015) Alternative preservatives of insect DNA for citizen science and other low-cost applications. Invertebrate Systematics, 29:468-472
Steininger, M. S, J. Hulcr, M. Šigut, A. Lucky. 2015. Simple and Efficient Trap for Bark and Ambrosia Beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) to Facilitate Invasive Species Monitoring and Citizen Involvement. Journal of Economic Entomology. 1–9: DOI: 10.1093/jee/tov014
Steininger, M. S., S. A. Wright, J. Ding, & G. S. Wheeler. 2012. Biology and host range of Heterapoderopsis bicallosicollis: a potential biological control agent for Chinese tallow Triadica sebifera. Biocontrol Science and Technology. 23(7): 816-828. doi:10.1080/09583157.2013.797564
Presentations
Steininger, M. S., A. Lucky, & J. Hulcr. 2013. Soda-bottle trap baited with hand sanitizer is an effective tool for large-scale monitoring of bark and ambrosia beetles (Curculionidea: Scolytinae & Platypodinae). November 12, Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, November 12, Austin, TX.
Steininger, M. S., A. Lucky, & J. Hulcr. 2013. Simple Soda Bottle Trap for Monitoring Bark & Ambrosia Beetles. I-Cubed Graduate Student Research Day Poster Competition, October 29, Gainesville, FL.
Hulcr, J. & M. S. Steininger. 2013. Forest Entomology Extension for the New Century. Extension Professional Associations of Florida Conference, August 28, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.
Steininger, M. S., A. Lucky, & J. Hulcr. 2013. Evaluation of Trap Types and Attractants on Large Scale Monitoring of Bark and Ambrosia Beetles (Curculionidae: Platypodinae & Scolytinae). Florida Entomological Society Annual Meeting, July 15, Naples, FL.
Wheeler, G., M. S. Steininger, S. A. Wright, & J. Ding. 2011. Biological Control of Chinese Tallow: Results from Foreign Exploration and Host Testing. Florida Exotic Plant Pest Council Annual Symposium, May 19, Maitland, FL.
Outreach
Outreach is a prominent aspect of my work and I take advantage of every opportunity to engage with the public about science, insects, and especially invasive species. I have presented information about the Backyard Bark Beetles project (www.backyardbarkbeetles.org) at the following events:
- The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention “Women in Science” Event, Gainesville, FL (April 2014)
- The University of Florida’s Bug Fest, Gainesville (April 2014)
- The League of Environmental Educators Conference, Ocala National Forest, FL (March 2014)
- Master Gardener Seed Savers Group Meeting, High Springs, FL (February 2014)
- The Florida State Fair, Tampa (February 2014)
- Buc Tuocs (Boy Scouts) at Camp Shands, Melrose, FL (February 2014)
- The 4-H Extension Youth Development Institute, Ocala, FL (January 2014)
- The National Science Writer’s Conference at the University of Florida, Gainesville (November 2013)
- The University of Florida’s Summer Bug Camp, Gainesville (June 2013)
- The Florida Museum of Natural History’s Earth Day BioBlitz, Gainesvile (April 2013)