Mary Fran Keller

Mary Fran Keller serves as Lecturer in the Department of Entomology and Nematology and Museum Scientist at the Bohart Museum of Entomology at the University of California, Davis. A proud UC Davis alumna, she earned an Associate of Science from Sacramento City College, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Evolution and Ecology, a Master of Science in Entomology, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Entomology from UC Davis, completing her doctorate in 2013 under the guidance of faculty in the department.

Keller's research focuses on insect morphology and systematics, with particular emphasis on the tribe Asidini in the family Tenebrionidae. She also studies Bahamian insect diversity and the impacts of isolation on Borrichia species in the Bahamas. She teaches ENT 100: General Entomology at UC Davis, introducing students to core principles of the discipline. In addition, she is Professor of Zoology and Biology at Folsom Lake College since 2016, serving as Department Chair for Biology and teaching a broad range of college-level biology courses including zoology. Keller is committed to public outreach and education, staffing interactive stations at Bohart Museum open houses to demonstrate collecting equipment and share entomological knowledge, leading Bioblitz events, participating in Biodiversity Museum Days, and organizing collecting expeditions such as to Belize. She authored the children's book "The Story of the Dogface Butterfly," illustrated and photographed in collaboration with Bohart Museum affiliates, published through the museum. Her contributions to entomology are highlighted by the naming of the trapdoor spider Ummidia frankellerae after her by UC Davis professor Jason Bond. Keller has delivered tributes to luminaries like Lynn Kimsey and E.O. Wilson, served as president of the Pacific Coast Entomological Society, and maintains active research affiliations and collaborations within the UC Davis entomology community.

Professional Email: mfkeller@ucdavis.edu