Robin P. Marquez is a Goldwater Scholar and Dr. Ronald E. McNair Scholar at the University of Central Florida driven to explore the systematics and applied ecology of parasitoid wasps. As one of the few Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Certified Professionals based in Orange County, Florida, Robin has previously used his horticultural knowledge to conduct research, education, and stakeholder collaboration in sustainable landscaping that conserves our precious natural resources and supports pollinator biodiversity. In tandem, he is driven to improve the inclusion and accessibility of entomology education and outreach initiatives. Robin is eager to continue honing his skills as an early-career entomologist, educator, and conservation leader.
Currently, Robin is Assistant Curator for the University of Central Florida Collection of Arthropods, and incoming entomology research intern for the Interdisciplinary Evolutionary Sciences Research Experience for Undergraduates (faculty mentor Dr. Andrew Forbes).
Robin is also a Senior Research Volunteer for Yale University, contributing to the study of climate change and pathogenic Vibrio bacteria in the gut microbiome of mottled ducks (faculty mentor Dr. Andrea Ayala, University of New Hampshire; and co-PI Dr. C. Brandon Ogbunu, Yale Dept. of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology).
Robin's previous experience includes:
Currently, Robin is Assistant Curator for the University of Central Florida Collection of Arthropods, and incoming entomology research intern for the Interdisciplinary Evolutionary Sciences Research Experience for Undergraduates (faculty mentor Dr. Andrew Forbes).
Robin is also a Senior Research Volunteer for Yale University, contributing to the study of climate change and pathogenic Vibrio bacteria in the gut microbiome of mottled ducks (faculty mentor Dr. Andrea Ayala, University of New Hampshire; and co-PI Dr. C. Brandon Ogbunu, Yale Dept. of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology).
Robin's previous experience includes:
- Smithsonian Natural History Research Experiences REU : Studied the biodiversity of micro-parasitoid Hymenoptera in Central and South America (mentors Dr. Jeffrey Sosa-Calvo, Research Entomologist; Dr. Robert L. Kresslein, Postdoctoral Fellow; and Dr. Matt Buffington, Research Entomologist).
- University of Michigan Summer Research Opportunity Program (U-M SROP): Studied the effects of herbicide (dicamba) drift on morning glory (Ipomoea) populations and arthropod communities (faculty mentor Dr. Regina Baucom, Dept. of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology).
- University of Central Florida Conservation, Restoration, and Communication REU: investigated effects of compost on plants and pollinators in suburban native plant landscape designs (research mentor Dr. Patrick Bohlen, Dept. of Biology; current Director of University of Wisconsin Arboretum).
- University of Central Florida: Investigated effects of agrochemical pendimethalin on mosquito immune systems and capacity for disease transmission (faculty mentor Dr. Ken Fedorka, Dept. of Biology).
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Robin (bottom) at National Museum of Natural History (NHRE REU) with research mentors, from top left to right: Dr. Robert L. Kresslein, Dr. Jeffrey Sosa-Calvo, and Dr. Matt Buffington. (Photo by Phillip R. Lee, Smithsonian Institution)
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Robin (right) leading tours of sustainable landscaping research plots for 2023 OUTSIDE: Sustainable Landscaping Collaborative Conference in St. Cloud, Florida (Photo Credit: OUTSIDE Collab)
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Robin (right) presenting research poster at a University of Central Florida Poster Showcase (Summer 2022)
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Robin conducting entomology outreach and education for the 2024 Partial Solar Eclipse and Earth Day Celebration at the Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island, Florida
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Robin is currently pursuing an Undergraduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), with a focus on GIS for Environmental Studies, from the University of Central Florida.