
Research
I am an ecological physiologist that is interested in how organisms deal with extreme environmental conditions. More specifically, I am interested in how insects deal with low temperature and the mechanisms underlying freeze tolerance. This remarkable ability requires a suite of physiological adaptations to protect cells against freezing-induced damage, however much remains unknown about the mechanisms underlying this strategy of overwintering. To better understand these remarkable adaptations, I have spent nearly two months at Palmer Station in Antarctica studying the largest land animal on the continent- the wingless midge, Belgica antarctica.
Teaching
I strive to enable every student to think like a scientist, whether that be as an informed citizen with a foundational understanding of biology or a future researcher who will devote their life to scientific discovery. Recently taught courses:
ENTMLGY 1111: Biology of Insects, Animals, and Fungi-Affecting Buildings; 4 units
ENTMLGY 2101 Insects and Human Affairs: Pests, Plagues, Poisons and Politics; 3 units
ENTMLGY 5608 Turfgrass Insect and Mite Pests - ID, Biology & Management; 2 units
ENTMLGY 5609 Landscape Ornamental Plant Insect & Mite Pests - ID, Biology & Management; 3 units
Extension
I am part of The Ohio State University Extension IPM Program, where I focus on outreach related to identification and proper management of beg bugs in residential and commercial structures throughout the state. Questions related to bed bugs can be directed to bedbugs@osu.edu.
Recent Professional Publications
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Potts, L.J., J. D. Gantz, Y. Kawarasaki, B.N. Philip, D.J. Gonthier, A.D. Law, L. Moe, J.M. Unrine, R.L. McCulley, R.E. Lee Jr, D.L. Denlinger and N.M. Teets. 2020. Environmental Factors Influencing Fine-Scale Distribution of Antarctica’s Only Endemic Insect. Oecologia 194 (4): 529–39.
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B.N. Philip. 2020. Bed Bugs [Fact Sheet HYG-2105]. The Ohio State University. https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-2105
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Teets, N.M., Y. Kawarasaki, L.J. Potts, B.N. Philip, J.D. Gantz, D.L. Denlinger, R.E. Lee Jr. 2019. Rapid cold hardening protects against sublethal freezing injury in an Antarctic insect. Journal of Experimental Biology. 222:206011.
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Kawarasaki, Y., N.M. Teets, B.N. Philip, L.J. Potts, J.D. Gantz, D.L. Denlinger, R.E. Lee Jr. 2019. Characterization of the drought-induced rapid cold-hardening response in the Antarctic midge, Belgica antarctica. Polar Biology. 42:1147-1156.