Dr. Shawn T. Dash
- Associate Professor
- Biological Sciences
Areas of Expertise
Entomology, Biodiversity, Conservation Biology, Taxonomy, Evolution, Science Education, Ecology, Zoology
Education
- 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
- B.Sc. (Degree of Distinction) Entomology and Wildlife Conservation (double major) minor Biological Science, University of Delaware, Newark, DE (UD)
- 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
- M.Sc. Entomology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA (LSU)
- 2003
- The Ant Course Sponsored by The California Academy of Sciences, The E. O.
- 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)
- Ph.D. Biological Science, University of Texas, at El Paso, TX (UTEP)
- 2019
- Evolution: A Course for Educators, American Museum of Natural History, Coursera
- Insect-Human Interactions, University of Alberta. Coursera.
- 2018
- CURE Institute, Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences Network
- Wilson Foundation and The Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard
About Dr. Shawn T. Dash
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.
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)
- Hampton University (HU), Associate Professor. Department of Biological Sciences
- 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)
- Hampton University (HU), Assistant Professor. Department of Biological Sciences
- 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
- El Paso Community College (EPCC), Adjunct Instructor. Division of Biology, Chemistry, and Architecture
- 2012-2014
- University of Texas, Department of Biological Sciences, Lecturer
Courses: Introduction to Biology I & II, Animal Behavior, and Birds and Mammals
- University of Texas, Department of Biological Sciences, Lecturer
- 2011‑2012
- Gustvus Adolphus College (GAC), Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Biology
Courses: Introduction to Biology (lecture and lab)
- Gustvus Adolphus College (GAC), Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Biology
- 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.
- The University of Texas, Department of Biological Sciences, Adjunct Instructor
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
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.