IGI Seminar Series: Integration of the Black Soldier Fly into the Bio-economy: Foundational Impacts on Human Health

Jeffery K. Tomberlin is a Professor, AgriLife Research Fellow, & Presidential Impact Fellow in the Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University and Fellow of the Entomological Society of America. He is the principal investigator of the Forensic Laboratory for Investigative Entomological Sciences (F.L.I.E.S.) Facility at Texas A&M University, and he is the Director of the National Science Foundation Center for Environmental Sustainability through Insect Farming. Research in the F.L.I.E.S. Facility examines species interactions on ephemeral resources such as vertebrate carrion, decomposing plant material and animal wastes in order to better understand the mechanisms regulating arthropod behavior as related to arrival, colonization and succession patterns. The goals of his program are numerous; however, a major focus of his research is on forensic entomology as well as waste management in confined animal facilities as well as concerns with food waste being placed in landfills. His research efforts for the past 27 years have been developing methods for the production of alternate protein sources for use as livestock, poultry and aquaculture feed from these resources. Predominantly, these efforts have been accomplished through his research with the black soldier fly. Since arriving at Texas A&M University in 2002, 20 Ph.D. and 21 M.S. students have completed their degrees under his supervision. He has also supervised 8 postdoctoral associates. To date, he has edited 8 books, published 28 book chapters and +260 research articles which have more than 21,800+ citations. Through his efforts, he has been recognized as a Fellow by the Entomological Society of America and the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. Tomberlin welcomes those that are interested in collaborating or gaining experience in black soldier fly as a sustainable system to produce protein or other areas of his research to visit the F.L.I.E.S. Facility. Dr. Tomberlin has worked with companies throughout the world including, but not limited to Malaysia, China, and Australia. He has also given presentations (e.g., TEDx) on research throughout the world as well.