Curriculum Vitae
I was originally trained as a wildlife manager in northern California, but over time I became increasingly enthralled with the insects around us. After traveling and working on conservation projects throughout California, Hawai`i, & New York, I moved to Australia to earn a PhD in Biological Sciences (entomology) from The University of Queensland.
I spend most of my time split between conducting ecological research, working with conservation groups restoring natural environments, and running educational events.
During my free time I can often be found playing various board games, because I strive to be a well-rounded nerd.
_JPG.jpg)
Education
PhD – Biological Sciences. The University of Queensland, 2020
BSc Honours (1st Class) – Entomology. The University of Queensland, 2009
Thesis: The role of host-discrimination cues in the host-searching process of the parasitoid wasp Encarsia bimaculata
BS – Wildlife Management. Humboldt State University, 2006
Awards
Dean’s Award for Outstanding Higher Degree by Research Theses. The University of Queensland, 2020
Dean’s Commendation for High Achievement. The University of Queensland, 2009
Presidential Scholar. Humboldt State University, 2006
Honor and Distinction. National Society of Collegiate Scholars, 2003
Research Positions
Research & Development Team Leader. RapidAIM, 2022-present
Entomopathogen Project Officer. RapidAIM, 2021-22
Insect Education Contractor. Independent Contractor, 2020-22
PhD Research Scholar. The University of Queensland, 2013-20
Native Bee Technician. Cornell University, 2013
Entomological Assistant. Research Corporation of the University of Hawai`i, 2011-12
Food Web Technician. UC Berkeley, 2010
Honeybee Research Assistant. Queensland Brain Institute, 2009
Entomology Research Assistant. The University of Queensland, 2009
Food Web Technician. Research Corporation of the University of Hawai`i, 2006-08
Entomology Intern. US Geological Survey, 2005-06
Academic Publications
Wongnikong, WW, JP Hereward, SL van Brunschot, JK Cappadonna, & GH Walter. (2021). Assessment of relative host plant quality for three cryptic species of the Bemisia tabaci species complex in Australia. Arthropod-Plant Interactions 15:845–859.
Cappadonna, JK, JP Hereward, & GH Walter (2020). Diel activity patterns and arrestment behaviour in host associations of green mirids (Creontiades dilutus). Bulletin of Entomological Research 111: 129-137.
Cappadonna, JK, JP Hereward, & GH Walter (2019). Inferring invasion paths into cotton by Creontiades dilutus (Hemiptera: Miridae) from arid zone and agricultural sources. Environmental Entomology 48: 1489–1498.
Cappadonna, JK, MM Miles, JP Hereward, & GH Walter (2018). Invasions of green mirid (Creontiades dilutus) (Stål) (Hemiptera: Miridae) into cotton – perceptions of Australian crop consultants. Agricultural Systems 166: 70 - 78.
Cappadonna, J, M Euaparadorn, RW Peck, & P Banko (2009). New Record for Woldstedtius flavolineatus (Ichneumonidae: Diplazontinae), a hymenopteran parasitoid of syrphid flies in Hawai`i. Proceedings of the Hawaiian Entomological Society 41:105 - 111.
Suckling, DM, RW Peck, LM Manning, LD Stringer, J Cappadonna, & AM El Sayed (2008). Pheromone disruption of Argentine ant trail integrity. Journal of Chemical Ecology 34:1602 - 1609.
Technical Reports
RW Peck, PC Banko, J Cappadonna, C Steele, DL Leonard, HL Mounce, CD Becker, & K Swinnerton (2015). An assessment of arthropod prey resources at Nakula Natural Area Reserve, a potential site of reintroduction for Kiwikiu (Pseudonestor xanthophrys) and Maui `Alauahio (Paroreomyza montana). Technical Report HCSU. Vol. 59. pp 40.
RW Peck, PC Banko, J Cappadonna, K Snook & M Euaparadorn (2013). Distribution of invasive ants and methods for their control in Hawai`i National Park. Technical Report, Hawai`i Cooperative Studies Unit. Technical Report HCSU. 40. pp 44.
Academic Supervison
Co-supervisor (1 honours project). The University of Queensland, 2016
Statistical Advisor (3 PhD & 2 honours projects). The University of Queensland, 2016-20
University Teaching (Demonstrator)
Animal Behaviour. The University of Queensland, 2020
Vertebrate Diversity & Evolution. The University of Queensland, 2019
Private Tutor for Biological Sciences. Union College, 2018
Animal-plant Interactions. The University of Queensland, 2017-20
Evolution. The University of Queensland, 2016-19
Global Challenges in Biology. The University of Queensland, 2014-20
Ecology. The University of Queensland, 2014-19
Animal Forensics. The University of Queensland, 2008
Public Seminars
Cappadonna, JK (2023). Insect behaviour & insecticide management. Butterflies & Other Invertebrates Club. Brisbane, Qld.
Cappadonna, JK (2023). Mt Coot-tha Butterfly Bushcare. The Hut Environmental & Community Association. Brisbane, Qld.
Cappadonna, JK (2021). Bountiful butterflies & sneaky species: Appreciating the insects around us. Pullen Pullen Catchments Group. Brisbane, Qld.
Cappadonna, JK (2021). An introduction to butterflies. Brisbane Catchments Network, Brisbane, Qld.
Cappadonna, JK (2020). Becoming an entomologist. Pullenvale Environmental Education Centre. Brisbane, Qld.
Cappadonna, JK (2018). The butterflies of Mt. Coot-tha: Identification, monitoring, & habitat restoration. The Hut Environmental & Community Association. Brisbane, Qld.
Cappadonna, JK (2017). Hilltopping butterflies at risk: Ways we can help the Mt. Coot-tha community. The Hut Environmental & Community Association Inc. Brisbane, Qld.
Cappadonna, JK (2014). Implementing insect conservation in Queensland. The Society for Conservation (Brisbane Chapter). Brisbane, Qld.
Blended-learning Content Creation
Cappadonna, JK (2021). Entomologist-in-training (a series of 8 videos supporting blended learning for primary school students. Sponsored by The Pullenvale Environmental Education Centre.
Cappadonna, JK (2020). How to look for butterflies (a series of 4 videos supporting blended learning for primary school students. Sponsored by The Pullenvale Environmental Education Centre.
Technology Development
Wokring with entomologists & engineers, developed devices & systems to provide real time monitoring and forecasting of crop pests.
Community Engagement
Survey Leader/Educator. Brisbane’s Big Butterfly Count, 2020-present
Mt Coot-tha Butterfly Bushcare Coordinator. Habitat Brisbane, 2017-present
Secretary/Conservation Officer. Society for Conservation Biology SEQ Chapter, 2021-23
President (Co-founder)/Secretary. Society for Conservation Biology Club, 2014-15