Dr. Matthew E. O'Neal

Dr. Matt O'Neal is an associate professor of entomology at Iowa State University, where he oversees research related to the management of insect pests of annual crops, with a focus on soybeans.  His overall goal is the development of pest management programs that are economically and environmentally sustainable. To achieve this goal, he explores the ecology of pests with their host-plant and natural enemies, often within a landscape context. This research has contributed to the management of soybean aphids in Iowa and throughout the Midwest US. More recently, his lab is exploring how conservation methods may improve the abundance and diversity of beneficial insects that contribute to aphid mortality and crop pollination. This later topic includes study of the pollinator community that resides within corn and soybean fields. O'Neal has published 47 scientific papers, reviews and book chapters on insect pest management and ecology. He teaches two classes within the department of Entomology and a course as a member of the Graduate Program in Sustainable Agriculture.

Areas of Expertise: Insect Ecology, Integrated Pest Management