Insect behavior that leads to better pest management.
Urban entomology for healthier communities
At New Mexico State University, our lab studies how arthropods adapt to human-dominated environments and turns that knowledge into practical, sustainable pest-management strategies. We combine behavioral ecology, genetics, field research, and stakeholder-driven outreach across urban, peri-urban, and livestock systems.
Our research focuses on three connected areas:
URBAN PEST IPM
Building practical, lower-impact strategies for cockroaches, flies, and other pests in human environments.
BEHAVIORAL RESISTANCE
Discovering how pests detect and avoid insecticides, and how smarter formulations can overcome that behavior.
SURVEILLANCE & PREPAREDNESS
Improving early detection, response readiness, and outreach for New World screwworm and other animal health threats.
Our goal is simple: translate rigorous behavioral and ecological research into field-ready tools that protect human, animal, and environmental health.
People behind the work
DR. CALEB B. HUBBARD
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
ALEXIS N. OLMOS
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER
ISHA BUDHA MAGAR
LAB ALUMNA
WARRICK NOWELL
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER
TALLY & RED
LAB MORALE OFFICERS
HANK HUTCHESON
STEM FELLOWS MENTEE
Training the next generation
Students in the Hubbard Lab develop experience in experimental design, field and laboratory methods, quantitative analysis, scientific writing, and professional communication. We value curiosity, collaboration, careful documentation, integrity, and steady progress.
Featured project: New World screwworm preparedness
The Hubbard Lab supports early detection and rapid response readiness across New Mexico and the Southwest. Our work combines New World screwworm research with hands-on trainings, identification resources, stakeholder needs assessments, and practical surveillance guidance for livestock producers, veterinarians, Extension professionals, wildlife managers, and animal health officials.
Across our projects, we connect insect behavior and ecology to actionable solutions for people, animals, and communities.
