People
Dr. Kelsey Coffman, Principal Investigator
I earned my PhD in Entomology from the University of Georgia under the direction of Dr. Gaelen Burke. I then worked as a USDA-ARS postdoc with Dr. Scott Geib on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. Now, I’m an Assistant Professor in the Entomology & Plant Pathology Department at UT.
Most of my time is spent overseeing the Coffman Lab and pursuing research on insect-microbe interactions, specifically how some parasitoid wasps partner with heritable viruses to take down insect pest populations. You can also find me teaching courses like Introductory Entomology and Insect-Microbe Interactions.
Favorite bug (insect) or bug (microbe): Strepsiptera – they are super weird-looking and also parasitoids!
Fun fact you may not know about me: I’m among the top 0.5% Taylor Swift listeners on Spotify.
I am a sophomore undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science with a concentration in Wildlife Management and minoring in Forestry, Environmental Studies, and Watershed.
Biology has always been a huge part of my life, and some of my interests include herpetology, entomology, and wildlife biology. Organism interactions with each other and the environment as well as conservation are two research topics that I enjoy learning more about.
Currently in the Coffman Lab, I am involved with insect rearing and undergraduate research.
Fun fact you may not know about me: I am a trumpet player in the “Pride of the Southland” Marching Band here on campus!
Favorite bug (insect) and/or bug (microbe): I absolutely adore Hummingbird Moths; they are such cool creatures!
Rachel Cohen, Undergraduate Student Assistant
Charles Dawe, MS Student
I received my bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Georgia and am currently pursuing a master’s degree in Entomology and Plant Pathology.
My research focuses on parasitoid wasp-associated viruses. I aim to understand the role of a novel filamentous virus in its parasitoid host to provide insights into how parasitoid wasp-virus associations could contribute to improved pest control strategies.
I’m a trivia expert on: Harry Potter. I have seen each movie more than five times.
When I’m not in the lab: I enjoy hiking tall mountains in the Rockies in Colorado.
I am currently an undergrad at UTK majoring in Biochemistry Cellular and Molecular Biology and minoring in Entomology.
I am currently working on performing RNAi knockdowns in long venom gland Diachasmimorpha longicaudata.
Fun fact you may not know about me: I am extremely good at quoting movies.
Favorite bug (insect) and/or bug (microbe): Orchid mantis.
Eva Grissom, Undergraduate Student Assistant
Vanesa Torres, Undergraduate Student Assistant
Hello! I’m currently a senior undergraduate student at the University of Tennessee majoring in Microbiology with a minor in Entomology and Plant Pathology.
My academic interests have always centered around host-microbe interactions. Previously, I’ve worked with insect-specific viruses in aphids, which further sparked my passion for exploring insect-microbe relationships.
I’m thrilled to continue this journey with the Coffman Lab, where I’m currently involved in insect rearing and general laboratory maintenance.
Fun facts you may not know about me:
My favorite type of food is soup. My diet is mostly soups and I love tasting soups of different cultures!
In high school, I won the Most Talented and Best Dressed superlative.
I listen to a lot of music and have played multiple instruments since 5th grade.
I am an Entomology PhD student in the Coffman Lab with a concentration in Bioinformatics and Molecular Interactions. Prior to studying at UTK, I received my Master’s degree in Entomology from Iowa State University, where my work focused on insect neuroendocrinology.
My research interests rest in the realm of molecular entomology and insect physiology, and my current research involves the parasitoid wasp Fopius arisanus and its associated endogenous nudivirus.
When I’m not in the lab: I like to do a ton of different arts and crafts. I also like to spend time outside looking for rocks and of course bugs, especially hymenopterans and mantispids.
Fun fact you may not know about me: I own like 20+ 90’s furbies, because I have weird hobbies and poor self control.
Lark Trott, PhD Student
Dr. Emily Vu, Postdoc Researcher
I am a double gator: I attended the University of Florida for both my bachelor’s degree (2020) and PhD (2024).
I study the parasitoid wasp species Diachasmimorpha longicaudata and its viral mutualist, an entomopoxvirus. We’re trying to understand how the virus and wasp co-evolved and how the virus replicates in the wasp without harming it.
My LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-vu-10324a201/
Fun fact you may not know about me: I’ve fostered 9 dogs!
Hidden talent or hobby: I can skate and I play roller derby.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in Environmental and Soil Science from the University of Tennessee, where I conducted a research project investigating the impact of organic agriculture on pollinator biodiversity.
Since graduating, I have worked as a research technician in UT’s Entomology and Plant Pathology department and, most recently, joined the Coffman Lab!
My research interests broadly include plant-pollinator interactions, insect-microbe mutualisms, and applications of conservation genomics.
Fun fact you may not know about me: I am a sourdough baker and aspiring ceramic artist!
Go-to snack: Bread, all day every day.
Emily Walker, Lab Manager
Lab Alumni
Nathaniel Haulk, Former Lab Manager
Where you can find me now: Screwworm Research Technician at the USDA-ARS Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, Kerrville, TX
Honorary Lab Members
Kelsey’s cat, Heidi
Heidi is 13 years young and loves curling up in laps, getting pet behind the ears, and exploring the outdoors. She has zero tolerance for loud noises or being ignored and will happily remind you when it’s time to give her attention.
Rachel’s snake, Cornbread
Cornbread is a sweet 10-year-old snake enjoying his retirement from being a teacher’s pet! Some of his favorite activities include napping under his heat lamp, knocking over plants in his tank, and tangling himself up in my hair!
Charles’ cat, Belltower (Bella)
Bella is two years old and loves to play with her favorite toy, a Hexbug (a little robot insect), and eat grass.
Eva’s cat, Rocky
Vanesa’s dog, Bruno
Lark’s cat, Pepper
Pepper R. Pizza is a huge brat with an attitude problem. Her favorite activities include playing, eating snacks, and bullying the spare human Brandon. As far as she is concerned, Peppy is an apex predator and boss of everyone.
Emily Vu’s dog, Goggles
Goggles is a silly girl who doesn’t have front teeth so she is constantly blepping. She loves exploring trails, skunk-hunting, and laying on top of puppies.
Emily Walker’s pets, Sebastian and Fergus
Sebastian is a 6-ish year-old rescue kitty who is a total mommy’s boy. He loves cuddles and screams for attention at all hours of the day. He wants to be friends with his bunny brother, but he is often rejected.
Fergus is a 3-ish year-old rescue bunny who thinks he owns the whole house. He enjoys free roaming and showing his cat brother who’s boss. He likes attention from his people on his own terms, and he’s not afraid to dish out some sass when necessary.