Rate Professor Nick Keiser

Professional Summary: Professor Nick Keiser

Professor Nick Keiser is a distinguished academic at the University of Florida, where he serves in the Department of Entomology and Nematology. His research focuses on the intersection of behavioral ecology, disease ecology, and host-parasite interactions, contributing significantly to the understanding of social behaviors in insects and their ecological implications.

Academic Background and Degrees

Dr. Keiser has a robust academic foundation in ecology and evolutionary biology:

• Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Pittsburgh, 2016
• B.S. in Biology, University of Kentucky, 2010

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Keiser's research primarily explores:

• Behavioral ecology of social insects
• Disease transmission dynamics in animal populations
• Host-parasite interactions and their evolutionary consequences
• The role of personality traits in ecological and social systems

His work often integrates field studies, laboratory experiments, and theoretical modeling to address complex ecological questions.

Career History and Appointments

Dr. Keiser has held several academic positions, reflecting his growing prominence in the field:

• Assistant Professor, Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, 2018–present
• Postdoctoral Researcher, Washington University in St. Louis, 2016–2018

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Professor Keiser has been recognized for his contributions to ecology and entomology:

• Early Career Award, Entomological Society of America, 2020
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, National Science Foundation, 2016–2018

Key Publications

Dr. Keiser has authored numerous influential papers in peer-reviewed journals. A selection of his key works includes:

1. Keiser, C.N., & Pruitt, J.N. (2014). 'Personality composition is more important than group size in determining collective foraging efficiency.' Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
2. Keiser, C.N., et al. (2016). 'The primary case for personality-dependent disease transmission.' Trends in Ecology & Evolution.
3. Keiser, C.N., et al. (2019). 'Social context modulates sickness behavior in a gregarious insect.' Behavioral Ecology.
4. Keiser, C.N., et al. (2021). 'Host behavior drives parasite transmission in a social insect.' Journal of Animal Ecology.

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Keiser's research has had a notable impact on the fields of behavioral and disease ecology, particularly through his innovative studies on how individual behaviors influence group dynamics and disease spread in social insects. His work has provided new insights into the evolutionary drivers of sociality and parasitism, influencing both theoretical and applied ecological research. His publications are widely cited, and he is recognized as a rising leader in entomological and ecological sciences.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Dr. Keiser actively contributes to the academic community through various roles:

• Invited Speaker, Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, 2019 and 2022
• Member, Editorial Board, Behavioral Ecology, 2020–present
• Committee Member, Early Career Professionals Committee, Entomological Society of America, 2019–2021