Seun Oladipupo

Seun joined as an Assistant Professor of Urban Entomology at Ohio State University in August 2024.

Seun is an entomologist focused on developing innovative and sustainable solutions for urban insect challenges. One such is the potential use of endosymbionts for managing urban insects. His research has been highlighted by popular news outlets such as ESA’s blog, Entomology Today, and National Geographic. During his postdoctoral research at Yale University, Seun investigated the molecular mechanisms of insect-microbe interactions, particularly Wolbachia-mediated cytoplasmic incompatibility.

The Oladipupo Lab will leverage advancements in insect-microbe interactions, genetic engineering, and bioinformatics to develop sustainable urban pest management solutions. To do this, our research will focus on:

1. investigating socioeconomic drivers of urban pest prevalence
2. leveraging biotechnology to exploit behavior and ecology of urban pests and their microbiomes
3. understanding how microbiomes influence key life history traits of these intractable pests
4. developing sustainable strategies based on these insights
5. creating tools to apply lab-based strategies in real world-settings

Seun’s extension efforts will focus on using this research-based information to improve urban insect management strategies. Collectively, these efforts aim to produce efficient eco-friendly tools for managing urban insects ultimately enhancing the quality of human life. Beyond research, Seun actively participates in initiatives that advance entomological science, such as the Entomology Games, and is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of scientists.