University of Michigan
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

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Mark F. O'Brien

Mark F. O'Brien

  • Insect Division Collection Manager
O'Brien webpage

Contact information

  • University of Michigan
    2053 Ruthven Museums
    1109 Geddes Ave.
    Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1079
  • Phone: (734) 647-2199
  • Email: mfobrien@umich.edu

Description

Herding dead insects. Actually, what I do is make sure that our collections are properly housed, organized, labeled, pest-free, and accessible. Within that range of activities are included - fulfilling loan requests, advising students and professors on proper shipping and permitting issues, photographing specimens, working on the ethanol move plan to Varsity Drive, answering insect/pest identification questions, dealing with specimen database issues, shipping specimens, and helping graduate students with occasional questions and problem-solving .

Research interests

Aside from my long-standing fascination with dragonflies and work with the Michigan Odonata Survey, I have published on sphecid wasp behavior,  state distribution records for various insect groups, and retain the same sense of wonder about insects that I had as a teenager.

Academic background

M.S. SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry 1981

UM affiliation

Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Museum of Zoology

Publications

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