Dr. ir. Jetske de Boer
PostdocTerrestrial Ecology |
Research themes
Research expertiseBiological control Chemical ecology Entomology Insect Biodiversity Insect behaviour
Page last updated: 30-09-2021
Since May 2020 I am appointed as a scientist (lector in Dutch) at Aeres University of Applied Sciences in Wageningen and the Netherlands Institute of Ecology.
My research program focuses on 'Insects and Society', including both pest insects and insect biodiversity. Insect populations and diversity are declining globally, caused by changes in land-use and climate change among other factors. On the other hand, some insect species are very abundant and cause problems as crop pests or for public health, such as oak processionary moths, with their hairy caterpillars. I believe that biodiversity decline and pest insects are strongly linked. In my program, I partner with nature conservation organisations and companies to investigate practical solutions to both issues. Solutions that are sustainable and inspired by nature. By exposing students and future teachers to applied research on the ecology of insects, I aim to strengthen education on ecology and ecological thinking in the Netherlands, knowledge and skills that are needed to transition to a sustainable society.
As an entomologist, I have studied ecology and behaviour of a variety of species, including predatory mites, parasitoid wasps, hyperparasitoid wasps and mosquitoes. My experimental research has focused in particular onthe interactions of these organisms with other species, such as their prey or hosts, and how these interactions influence behaviour, and vice versa. Chemical ecology has been an important pillar of my research on insect behaviour. I am fascinated by how insects evolved to respond to chemical cues, and the role of behavioural plasticity in these responses.
Research positions
2020-present Lector (scientist) at Aeres University of Applied Sciences Wageningen and the Netherlands Institute of Ecology, Wageningen, The Netherlands
2017-2020 Post doctoral research associate at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Main project. Exploring and exploiting phytochemicals to lure hyperparasitoids away from beneficial biocontrol agents. TTW-funded, with Louise E.M. Vet)
2012-2017 Post doctoral research associate at the Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University, The Netherlands.
Main project. Chemical signalling of malaria parasites: Call for transmission? (ZonMW-funded, with Willem Takken)
2007-2011 Post doctoral research associate at Evolutionary Genetics, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.
Main project. Sex determination in Cotesia: integrating genetics and behaviour. (personal grant: ALW-VENI / with Leo W. Beukeboom)
2004-2007 Post doctoral research associate at the Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, USA.
Main project. Evolution of gregarious development in parasitoid wasps: the role of sex determination mechanism. (NSF-funded, with George Heimpel)
Education
1999-2004 Ph.D. at the Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University, The Netherlands (Graduate School Experimental Plant Sciences)
Thesis-title. Bugs in odour space: How predatory mites respond to variation in herbivore-induced plant volatiles
Promotors. Dr. M. Dicke (Wageningen University) & Dr. M.W. Sabelis (University of Amsterdam)
1994-1999 M.Sc. ‘cum laude’ (includes B.Sc.), Wageningen University, The Netherlands: Ecological Crop Protection
