Professor of Biology
University of Evansville
Dr. Hochwender has carried out ecological research and educational experiences for more than 25 years, publishing those findings in journals that include American Naturalist, Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics, Oecologia, Evolutionary Ecology, and Evolution. In the positions listed below, his research efforts have focused on exploring ecological questions that include plant defense against herbivores, plant tolerance to damage, local adaptation of plants, and structuring forces of arthropod herbivore communities. He has engaged more than 50 undergraduate student research students, many who have been coauthors on publications associated with that research (as noted in the publications listed below). Most recently, his foundational ecological approaches have been used to explore questions that center on: (1) reconciliation ecology strategies that enhance diversity and provide refuges for native insect communities in urban settings, (2) the challenges of forest regeneration in the presence of deer & recalcitrant plants, and (3) the role of parasitic plants in structuring communities. The primary foci of these research efforts has been (a) student experiences and (b) community-based educational opportunities as outreach efforts, with publication efforts being minimal.