Harlee A. Rush

They / Them
Ph.D. Candidate Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Kent State University

I am a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Biological Sciences at Kent State University, working under the mentorship of Dr. Oscar J. Rocha and Dr. Mark W. Kershner. My research sits at the intersection of entomology, community ecology, and ecosystem science, with a strong focus on field-based data collection and invertebrate taxonomy.

My dissertation explores how invertebrate communities shift along ecological gradients and the cascading effects these shifts have on community structure and ecosystem processes. Through this work, I aim to uncover patterns that inform biodiversity conservation and deepen our understanding of ecological function in dynamic and changing environments.

Beyond research, I am deeply committed to science education and public outreach. I have collaborated extensively with local park districts and research labs to engage communities and promote biodiversity awareness through hands-on, field-based learning experiences

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