After completing honors research in psychiatric genetics, Leigh Boardman switched research fields and completed her PhD in insect physiology. For her dissertation, she integrated organismal insect physiology perspectives with molecular biology techniques to study mechanisms of cold tolerance and cross-tolerance in false codling moth larvae (a widespread southern African pest of citrus fruit). She continued her research career with postdoctoral research, first at Stellenbosch University (South Africa) and later at the University of Florida before joining the Department in Fall 2021. The Boardman Lab will focus on the evolutionary and physiological ecology of arthropods. Projects will aim to improve the mechanistic understanding of how arthropods live in environments where they must cope with multiple simultaneous stresses (e.g., changes in temperature, oxygen, and/or water availability). This research can be applied to improve predictions of the effects of climate change and invasive species spread, and improve the efficacy of chemical-free pest management strategies. Dr. Boardman teaches Extreme Biology (BIOL4098/6098), and Animal Physiology (BIOL3030).
Human Life Sciences, BS, 2007, Stellenbosch University
Human Genetics, B.Med.Sci, 2008, Stellenbosch University
Entomology, PhD, 2013, Stellenbosch University
Post-Doc, Stellenbosch University and University of Florida.
Learn more at the Boardman Lab
For the most current list of publications, go to Dr. Boardman’s Google Scholar profile.
