The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is pleased to welcome Kelsey Coffman as an assistant professor of insect-microbe interactions. Coffman officially joined the team on February 1, 2024.
In filling this faculty position, Coffman will conduct research that focuses on the roles of beneficial viruses associated with parasitoid wasps. Her work integrates cutting-edge techniques in molecular biology, manipulative genetics, and bioinformatics. Additionally, Coffman will contribute to the creation of our newly proposed undergraduate program.
“I’m eagerly looking forward to many aspects of this new position, including contributing to cutting-edge research at UTIA and cultivating a dynamic learning environment in my laboratory. I also look forward to teaching entomology-related classes in the near future and engaging with students to instill a deeper appreciation for insects. Additionally, I’m excited to collaborate with fellow members of UTIA and the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology through research and service,” says Coffman.
Coffman holds a Ph.D. in entomology from the University of Georgia. Her dissertation, titled “Evolution and Function of a Parasitoid Facultative Symbiont”, focused on characterizing viruses that parasitoid wasps use as biological weapons to incapacitate their insect hosts. Her research to date builds upon this foundation to further explore these novel insect-virus interactions and aims to use this knowledge in the future to develop innovative biological control strategies.
Expressing her excitement about joining the academic community at UTIA, Coffman says, “I’m thrilled to be part of this vibrant academic community that embodies the Volunteer spirit. I very much look forward to interacting with each of you and working together to foster what is a wonderful environment to learn.”
During her leisure time, Coffman can be seen long-distance running, participating in pub trivia with friends, and enjoying the company of her cat, Heidi, while listening to Taylor Swift’s music.