Comprehensive Molecular Insect Science

Peter W. Atkinson is the College of Natural & Agricultural Sciences Dean at UC Riverside and a Professor of Genetics in the Department of Entomology. He joined UCR in 1997 after serving as a senior research scientist at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) in Canberra, Australia. Atkinson earned his Ph.D. and B.S., with honors, from the University of Melbourne, Australia. Since joining UC Riverside, Atkinson has served in a number of administrative roles within the college, campus, and the University of California system, including Deputy and Interim Director of the Institute of Integrative Genome Biology, Director of the Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Cell, Molecular, and Development Biology, Director of the Center for Vector Research, Chair of the Institutional Biosafety Committee, Divisional Dean of Life Sciences, and Chair of the Senate Committee on Planning and Budget. Atkinson’s research focuses on developing and implementing genetic control strategies in pest insects.

Naoki Yamanaka is an Associate Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of California, Riverside. Originally trained in biochemistry and molecular biology using the silkworm, he now applies molecular genetic tools to understand fundamental aspects of insect physiology. His current research program focuses on neuroendocrine signaling pathways that regulate development and reproduction in fruit flies and mosquitoes. He is a recipient of the NIH Director’s New Innovator Award (2018) and Japan Academy Medal (2022).