Dr. Shawn Steffan

Associate Professor

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Biography

Shawn Steffan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Research Entomologist with the USDA-Agricultural Research Service. He earned his Ph.D. in Entomology from Washington State University in 2009 and has since focused on applied and fundamental aspects of cranberry entomological ecology. His research aims to refine Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies through mechanistic studies on key ecosystem functions. Steffan's current work includes collaborations with both public and private sectors to devise innovative crop protection strategies. He is particularly focused on biological, cultural, and chemical controls for major cranberry insect pests, such as pheromone-based mating disruption programs and phenological studies on various pests. Additionally, his longer-term research addresses community composition and trophic structure within cranberry ecosystems. This work is critical for understanding how arthropod communities interact within cultivated and wild cranberry populations, especially in the face of climate change. Steffan is also an active member of the Ecological Society of America and the Entomological Society of America.

Research Interests

Requirements for University of Wisconsin–Madison

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:92
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:125
Overall
Required:125
Prerequisites
Programming experience (Data Structures, Machine Organization) One year college-level calculus
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose
  • CV/Resume
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Unofficial transcripts
Specialization Notes

Department: Department of Computer Sciences