My knowledge and experience in computer simulation, mathematical modeling, behavioral ecology, entomology, biostatistics, population genetics, and molecular biology provide an excellent background for studying trophic interactions, population genetics modeling, and applied ecology.

I have gained expertise as a mathematical modeler during my Ph.D. I developed species-specific, demographic simulation models of European corn borer, western corn rootworm, sugarcane borer, and cowpea weevil. My models were used to study the effect of landscape, use of transgenic crops and refuge, crop consumption by humans, dispersion, diapause, and maturation delay on the evolution of resistance by insects to transgenic crops expressing compounds causing mortality or maturation delay. I also worked as a computer programmer to develop a simulation model of Maruca vitrata, a major insect pest of cowpea. I currently develop simulation models for species conservation.

For my M. S., as a behavioral ecologist, I studied the mating behavior of western corn rootworm to investigate the impact of the insect behavior on the high-dose refuge strategy for transgenic corn. My 3-year experience in corn and soybean fields in Indiana and Illinois improved my understanding in agricultural landscapes, crop production systems and insects interacting with the landscapes.

My career goal is to develop mathematical models providing guidelines for shaping environmental protection and species conservation policies. In future, I would like to study the persistence of interacting species in ecosystems affected by humans (i.e. deforestation, agricultural land expansion, and industrialization).

 If I can provide further details, please email me at jungkoo.kang@gmail.com. Thank you.