BIO
Professor Paul Whitaker is an entomologist, teaching and researching insect ecology and organic agriculture. He is the assistant dean of the School of Biology, Chemistry, and Biochemistry. He’s involved with the Academic Affairs Committee and is associate degree coordinator at the UW-Stevens Point at Wausau campus. Whitaker said no two days or students or classes or semesters are the same, and he loves that diversity and the challenges that it represents. Outside of campus, Whitaker gives training sessions on insect biology, diversity and control for gardeners and interns at the Monk Botanical Gardens in Wausau.
RESEARCH INTERESTS
- Insect ecology
- Biological control
- Organic agriculture
PUBLICATIONS
Mahr, D. L., Whitaker, P. M., Ridgway, N. (2008). “Biological Control of Insects and Mites: An Introduction to Beneficial Natural Enemies and Their Use in Pest Management.” Cooperative Extension Publishing, University of Wisconsin Extension. https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/biological-control-insects-and-mites-introduction-beneficial-natural-enemies-and-their-use/
Whitaker, P. M., Mahr, D. L., & Clayton, M. (2006). “Verification and extension of a sampling plan for apple aphid, Aphis pomi DeGeer (Hemiptera: Aphididae).” Environmental Entomology. 35(2): 488-496. https://academic.oup.com/ee/article/35/2/488/378078
TEACHING HONORS
- UW-Stevens Point University Service Award (2024)
- Distinguished Faculty Society Fellowship, UW-Marathon County (Oct. 2008)
- Arthur M. Kaplan Award, University of Wisconsin Colleges (2006)
My biology colleagues consider the success of their students as an important part of their own professional success. They are really good at what they do and are good, kind people, besides.
paul whitaker
FUN FACT
When he was growing up, he wanted to be an astronaut or a naturalist.