Dr. Kelli Hoover

Biography

Kelli Hoover is an Emerita Professor in the Department of Entomology at Penn State University. Her research focuses on chemical ecology, specifically the interactions between plants, insects, and their microbial symbionts or pathogens. She has a keen interest in invasive species, particularly the biology, ecology, and population dynamics of the spotted lanternfly, an invasive pest from Asia that poses a significant threat to various hardwood trees. Hoover's teaching contributions include courses such as 'The Insect Connection' offered through World Campus, alongside her research activities which investigate the complex relationships between invasive species and their host environments. Throughout her extensive career, she has published numerous papers addressing the life history traits of the spotted lanternfly and its interactions with grapevines and tree of heaven. In addition to her research, she is involved with international panels focused on phytosanitary treatments for wood packing materials, aiming to prevent the movement of invasive pests via global trade. She collaborates with industrial engineers and scientists to improve the efficacy of alternative treatments for pest management.

Research Interests