Dr. Shawn Dash

Education

2005-2011                     Ph.D. Biological Science, University of Texas, at El Paso, TX (UTEP)
                                         Advisor: Dr. William Mackay
Dissertation: A Revision of the New World Hypoponera Santschi, 1938
(Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

2002-2004                    M.Sc. Entomology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA (LSU)
                                         Thesis: Diversity and Biogeography of Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Louisiana with Notes on Their Ecology. Departmental Outstanding Masters Award

1998-2002                     B.Sc.  (Degree of Distinction) Entomology and Wildlife Conservation (double major) minor Biological Science, University of Delaware, Newark, DE (UD)
Advisor: Dr. Charles R. Bartlett
Supplemental Education/Courses/Development
2019                 Evolution: A Course for Educators, American Museum of Natural History, Coursera
2019                 Insect-Human Interactions, University of Alberta. Coursera.
2018                 CURE Institute, Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences Network
2003                 The Ant Course Sponsored by The California Academy of Sciences, The E. O.

Wilson Foundation and The Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard

Professional Positions Held

2021-current                  Hampton University (HU), Associate Professor. Department of Biological Sciences
Courses:                           Biology II Organismal, Organismal Biology Lab (Coordinator), Introduction to Biology Lab, General Zoology (lecture and lab), Toxic and                                                    Venomous Animals, Freshman Seminar, Research Design, Chesapeake Bay Biodiversity, and Student Research Problems (I & II)

2014-2021                      Hampton University (HU), Assistant Professor. Department of Biological Sciences
Courses:                           Introduction to Biology I, Biology II Organismal, Organismal Biology Lab (Coordinator), Introduction to Biology, Lab, General Zoology,                                                      Botany Medical Entomology, Research Design, Non-Majors Biology, Science-majors Biology, Toxic and Venomous Animals, Chesapeake                                                  Bay Biodiversity, Conservation Biology, and Student Research Problems (I & II)

2006-2014                      El Paso Community College (EPCC), Adjunct Instructor.  Division of Biology, Chemistry, and Architecture
Courses:                            Introduction to Biology I &II, Human Biology, Non-majors Biology, Invertebrate Zoology, and Anatomy and Physiology

2012-2014                     University of Texas, Department of Biological Sciences, Lecturer 
Courses:                          Introduction to Biology I & II, Animal Behavior, and Birds and Mammals

2011‑2012                    Gustvus Adolphus College (GAC), Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Biology
Courses:                         Introduction to Biology (lecture and lab)

2005-2009                  The University of Texas, Department of Biological Sciences, Adjunct Instructor
Courses:                        Desert Ecology, Ecology, Animal Ecology, Entomology, Invertebrate Zoology, and Organismal Biology Laboratory.

Awards and Recognitions

2016-2019                   Hampton University, TRIO Student Support Services Favorite Professor Award (multiple Awards one per year -2018 two awards)
2016                              Hampton University, Executive Vice President, and Provost Innovative Teaching Award

Curricula Development and Teaching Assignments
Current – Hampton University

Over the past decade, I have taught a range of undergraduate and graduate courses. I am committed to the power of education in shaping the future through mentorship and effective teaching. At Hampton University, I have taught the following courses:
BIO 101: Nature of Life
BIO 103: General Biology
BIO 105: Introduction to Biology I
BIO 106: Introduction to Biology II
BIO 110: Freshman Biology Seminar
BIO 210: General Botany
BIO 211: Research Design Lecture
BIO 220: General Zoology
BIO 407: Special Projects
BIO 408: Research Problems
BIO 525: Conservation Biology
BIO 541: Medical Entomology
BIO 542: Toxic and Venomous Animals

Research Interests

My research interests are broad, with a primary focus on insects, particularly ant ecology and systematics. I also explore various ecological and evolutionary fields. My work with undergraduates centers on biodiversity, especially in invertebrates like ants, as well as animal behavior and urban ecology. My lab has openings for students interested in bird ecology using large datasets, insect biodiversity, and the study of microplastics in the Hampton River.

Selected Publications

Dash, S. T. and W. P. Mackay. 2019. Capitulo Genero Hypoponera. Hormgias de Colombia, Editors F. Fernández, R.J. Guerrero & T. Delsinne, Istituto de Ciencias Naturales Facultad de Ciencias, Sede Bogotá

Ivanov, K., L. Hightower, S. T. Dash, and J. B. Keiper. 2019. 150 years in the making: the first comprehensive list of the ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of Virginia, USA. Zootaxa 4554 (2) 532-560.
Berube, C. T., S. T. Dash, C. Thomas-Charles. 2019. Nanoscience Research Modules for Pre-service STEM Teachers Core Nanoscience Concepts as a Vehicle in STEM Education. Information Age Publishing Inc. Charlotte, North Carolina. 67 pp.

Mackay, W. P., and S. T. Dash 2016. A revision of the phalangium species complex of the ant genus Aphaenogaster (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae). Transactions American Entomological Society. 142: 1-22.

Fennell, H., and S. T. Dash. 2014 Introduction to Botanical Sciences. Laboratory Manual. Kendall/Hunt Publishing, Dubuque, Iowa.