Nicholas Aflitto
Assistant Professor, Forest Ecosystem Health
- B.S. in Forestry, Northern Arizona University, 2014
- M.S. in Forestry, Northern Arizona University, 2015
- Ph.D. in Entomology, Cornell University, 2021
BIO
Dr. Nick Aflitto’s research is driven by a fundamental goal: to help maintain functioning natural and managed ecosystems in a time of great change. He integrates landscape, chemical, acoustic, and behavioral ecology to address questions at the intersection of environmental change and ecosystem health. His lab aims to blend applied and fundamental science to produce outcomes with real-world applicability. A core focus of Nick’s research is to leverage insect and plant sensory systems to meet management and conservation goals using semiochemicals - message-carrying compounds. Given that semiochemicals play a crucial role in how insects and plants perceive their environment, there is a unique opportunity to develop innovative, biocompatible treatments. Drawing on his experience working with scientific startups, the tech industry, academia, and cooperative extension, Nick values interdisciplinary collaboration to transition from discovery to practical application.
Area(s) of expertise
Instructional programs: Forestry, Natural Resources
Research: Entomology, forest health, semiochemicals, applied sensory ecology, machine learning, remote sensing
Bio
Dr. Nick Aflitto’s research is driven by a fundamental goal: to help maintain functioning natural and managed ecosystems in a time of great change. He integrates landscape, chemical, acoustic, and behavioral ecology to address questions at the intersection of environmental change and ecosystem health. His lab aims to blend applied and fundamental science to produce outcomes with real-world applicability. A core focus of Nick’s research is to leverage insect and plant sensory systems to meet management and conservation goals using semiochemicals - message-carrying compounds. Given that semiochemicals play a crucial role in how insects and plants perceive their environment, there is a unique opportunity to develop innovative, biocompatible treatments. Drawing on his experience working with scientific startups, the tech industry, academia, and cooperative extension, Nick values interdisciplinary collaboration to transition from discovery to practical application.
Areas of Expertise
Instructional programs: Forestry, Natural Resources
Research: Entomology, forest health, semiochemicals, applied sensory ecology, machine learning, remote sensing