Rate Professor Alistair Drake

Professional Summary for Professor Alistair Drake

Professor Alistair Drake is a distinguished academic affiliated with the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Canberra, Australia. With a career spanning several decades, he is recognized for his expertise in entomology, radar biology, and insect migration, contributing significantly to the understanding of insect behavior and ecological dynamics.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Drake holds advanced degrees in physics and biology, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to research. Specific details of his degrees and awarding institutions are as follows:

• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physics, University of Auckland, New Zealand
• PhD in Physics, University of Auckland, New Zealand (completed in the 1970s, focusing on radar techniques)

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Drake’s research primarily focuses on the application of radar technology to study insect migration and movement ecology. His work bridges physics and biology, with key interests including:

• Insect migration patterns and behavior
• Radar entomology and remote sensing technologies
• Ecological implications of insect movement for agriculture and pest management

Career History and Appointments

Professor Drake has held numerous academic and research positions, with a long-standing association with UNSW. His career trajectory includes:

• Emeritus Professor, School of Science, UNSW Canberra, Australia (current position)
• Associate Professor and Senior Lecturer, UNSW Canberra (prior roles over several decades)
• Research Scientist, CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation), Australia, focusing on entomological studies

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

While specific awards and honors are not widely documented in public sources, Professor Drake’s contributions to radar entomology and insect migration research have earned him recognition within the scientific community. His interdisciplinary work has been pivotal in advancing methodologies for studying insect ecology.

Key Publications

Professor Drake has authored and co-authored numerous influential publications in the fields of entomology and radar biology. Some of his notable works include:

• Insect Migration: Tracking Resources through Space and Time (co-edited with A.G. Gatehouse, 1995)
• 'Radar observations of moths migrating in a nocturnal low-level jet' (Journal of Applied Ecology, 1985)
• 'The influence of atmospheric structure and motions on insect migration' (Annual Review of Entomology, 1988)
• 'Radar entomology: observing insect flight and migration' (CABI Publishing, 2012, co-authored with D.R. Reynolds)

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Drake’s pioneering use of radar technology to study insect migration has had a transformative impact on entomology and ecology. His methodologies have provided critical insights into the migratory behavior of insects, influencing agricultural pest management strategies and ecological conservation efforts. His work is widely cited and has inspired further research into movement ecology and remote sensing applications.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Drake has contributed to the academic community through various roles, including editorial contributions and participation in scientific committees. Specific details include:

• Editorial board member for journals related to entomology and ecological research (specific journals not publicly specified)
• Invited speaker at international conferences on insect migration and radar biology