Education:

1969: Ph.D., Entomology, University of Georgia 1967: M.S., Entomology, University of Georgia 1965: B.S., Biology, Furman University

Employment History

1980-present: Professor, Entomology, Texas A&M University 1976-1980: Associate Professor, Entomology, Texas A&M University 1970-1976: Assistant Professor, Entomology, Texas A&M University 1970-1973: Principal Entomologist, Texas Forest Service 1969-1970: Postdoctorate Research Associate, Institute of Ecology, University of Georgia

Program Description

Robert N. Coulson is a Professor in the Departments of Entomology and Ecosystem Science and Management at Texas A&M University. His research is transdisciplinary in approach and directed to investigations of the activities and impacts of insects and other taxa in forest, prairie, savanna, and agricultural landscapes. The research addresses issues of significance to ecological science as well land-use management. He co-founded and directs the Knowledge Engineering Laboratory (KEL) to facilitate research and development of computer applications for planning, problem-solving and decisionmaking in environmental science and management. Focus of KEL research is directed to landscape-scale problems that require integration, interpretation, and use of different representations of knowledge. Special emphasis has been placed on ways and means of blending qualitative heuristic knowledge of experts, using methodologies from artificial intelligence, with quantitative information that results from scientific investigations. Current research projects can be examined at< http://kelab.tamu.edu/>

Teaching Activities

(see http://kelab.tamu.edu/coulson/ for syllabus, lecture, and laboratory materials) ENTO 424 (Insect Ecology), Spring-annual ENTO/GEOG 625 (Landscape Ecology), Fall-annual FRSC 307 (Forest Protection), Spring-alternate years

Awards

Outstanding Achievement in International Programs-National Agricultural Research Program. USDA, Organization of International Cooperation and Development 1993. A. D. Hopkins Award, Southern Forest Insect Work Conference. 1986. Faculty Achievement Award for Research, Texas A&M University Former Student Association. 1986. J. E. Bussart Award, Entomological Society of America. 1985. Award of Merit in Recognition of Outstanding Achievements in Forest Research, Texas Forestry Association. 1980.

Significant Publications (over the last 5 years)

Curry, G. L., R. N. Coulson, J. Gan, M. D. Tchakerian, and C. T. Smith. 2008. An optimization based system model of disturbance generated forest biomass utilization. Bull. Science Tech. and Soc. (In Press). Cairns, D. M., C. W. Lafon, J. D. Waldron, M. D. Tchakerian, R. N. Coulson, K. D. Klepzig, A. G. Birt, and W. Xi. 2008. Simulating the reciprocal interaction of forest landscape structure and southern pine beetle herbivory using LANDIS. Landscape Ecol. (In Press). Cairns, D. M., C. W. Lafon, A. G. Birt, J. D. Waldron, M. D. Tchakerian, R. N. Coulson, W. Xi, and K. D. Klepzig. 2008. Simulation modeling as a tool for understanding the landscape ecology of southern pine beetle infestations in southern Appalachian Forests. Geographic Compass (In. Press). Xi, W., R. N. Coulson, J. D. Waldron, M. D. Tchakerian, C. W. Lafon, D. M. Cairns, A. G. Birt, and K. D. Klepzig. 2008. Landscape modeling for forest restoration, planning, and assessment – Lessons from the southern Appalachians. J. Forestry (In Press). Baum, K. A., M. D. Tchakerian, S. C. Thoenes, and R. N. Coulson. 2008. Africanized honey bees in urban environments: A spatio-temporal analysis. Landscape and Urban Planning. 85: 123-132. Waldron, J. D., R.N. Coulson, D. M. Cairns, C. W. Lafon, M. D. Tchakerian, W. Xi, K. Klepzig, and A. Birt. 2007. Evaluating the impact of invasive species in forest landscapes: the southern pine beetle and the hemlock woolly adelgid. USDA Forest Service, Encyclopedia of Forest Environmental Threats (In Press). Lafon, C. W., J. D. Waldron, D. M. Cairns, M. D. Tchakerian, R.N. Coulson, and K. D. Klepzig. 2007. Modeling the effects of fire on the long-term dynamics and restoration of yellow pine and oak forests in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Restoration Ecol. (In Press). Pinto, M. A., W. S. Sheppard, J. S. Johnston, W. L. Rubink, R. N. Coulson, N. M. Schiff, I. Kandemir, and J. C. Patton. 2007. Honeybees of African Origin Exist in Non-Africanized Areas of the Southern United States: Evidence From Mitochondrial DNA (Hymenoptera; Apidae). Annals Entomological Soc. America. (In Press) Waldron, J. D. , C. W. Lafon, R. N. Coulson, D. M. Cairns, M.D. Tchakerian, A. Birt, and K. D. Klepzig. 2006. Simulating the impacts of southern pine beetle and fire on the dynamics of xerophytic pine and pine landscapes in the Southern Appalachian mountains. Appl. Veg. Sci. (In Press.). Curry, G. L. and R. N. Coulson. 2006. An optimization based system model of disturbance generated forest biomass utilization. Proc. FAIM2006, , Limerick, Ireland. (In press). Baum, K. A., W. L. Rubink, and R. N. Coulson. 2006. Searching behavior of feral honey bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in a coastal prairie landscape: patterns through space and time. Canadian Entomologist 138: 228-234. Coulson, R. N., M. A. Pinto, M. D. Tchakerian, K. A. Baum, W. L. Rubink, and J. S. Johnston. 2005. Feral honey bees in pine forest landscapes of east Texas. Forest Ecology and Management 215: 91-102. Pinto, M. A., William L. Rubink, John C. Patton, Robert N. Coulson, J. Spencer Johnston. 2005. Africanization in the United States: Replacement of Feral European Honey Bees (Apis mellifera L.) by an African Hybrid Swarm. Genetics 170: 1653-65. Bird, S. B., R. N. Coulson, and R. F. Fisher. 2004. Changes in soil and litter arthropod abundance following tree harvesting and site preparation in a loblollly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantation. Forest Ecology and Management 202: 195-208. Pinto, M. A., W. L. Rubink, R. N. Coulson, J. C. Patton, and J. S. Johnston. 2004. Temporal pattern of Africanization in a feral honey bee population from Texas inferred from mitochondrial DNA. Evolution 58: 1047-55 Baum, K. A., W. L. Rubink, R. N. Coulson, and V. G. Bryant, Jr. 2004. Pollen selection by feral honey bees in a coastal prairie landscape. Environ. Entomol. 33: 723-39. Pinto, M. A., J. S. Johnston, W. L. Rubink, R. N. Coulson, J. C. Patton, and W. S. Sheppard. 2003. Identification of Africanized honey bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) mitochondrial DNA: Validation of a rapid PCR-based assay. Ann. Entomol. Soc. Amer. 96: 670-84. Musacchio, L. R. and R. N. Coulson. 2001. Landscape ecological planning process for wetland, waterfowl, and farmland conservation. Landscape and Urban Planning. 56(3-4):125-147.

Significant Invited Presentations (over the past 5 years)

What’s New at Texas A&M University. 35 Anniversary East Texas Forest Entomology Seminar.Nacogdoches, TX.. 2008. An Urban Perspective on Africanized Honey Bees. Urban-Rural Interface Conference: Emerging Issues Along Urban/Rural Interfaces –Linking Land-Use, Science, and Society. An Urban Perspective on Africanized Honey Bees. SREF Conference. Atlanta, GA. 2007. The North American Forest Insect Work Conference: The Aftermath. North Central Forest Pest Workshop. Pellston, MI.. 2006. Utilization of Plant Biomass Generated From Southern Pine Beetle (SPB) Outbreaks. Joint Workshop IEA Bioenergy Task 30 & 31,Multiple Benefits from Sustainable Bioenergy Systems, Perth, AUSTRALIA.. 2005. An Approach to Modeling Southern Pine Beetle Epizootiology in Mesoscale Forest Landscapes. IUFRO Working Parties 7.03.07 – Population Dynamics of Forest Insects; 7.03.05;Integrated Control of Scolytid Bark Beetles; 7.03.03 Insects Affecting Reforestation; and 8.07.02 --Population Dynamics, Dispersal, and Ecosystem Impacts. Prince George, BC, CANADA.. 2005. Utilization of Plant Biomass Generated From Southern Pine Beetle (SPB) Outbreaks. Joint Workshop IEA Bioenergy Task 30 & 31, Multiple Benefits from Sustainable Bioenergy Systems, Perth, AUSTRALIA. 2005. An Approach to Modeling Southern Pine Beetle Epizootiology in Mesoscale Forest Landscapes. IUFRO Working Parties 7.03.07 – Population Dynamics of Forest Insects; 7.03.05;Integrated Control of Scolytid Bark Beetles; 7.03.03 Insects Affecting Reforestation; and 8.07.02 --Population Dynamics, Dispersal, and Ecosystem Impacts. Prince George, BC, CANADA. 2005. Expanding the Range and Resolution of Observation to Examine Insect Activities in Landscapes: honey bees in coastal prairie and pine forest landscapes. University of Georgia, Department of Entomology, Athens, GA. 2005. The Southern Pine Beetle Integrated Pest Management Program: A Coalition Response to the Healthy Forest Restoration Act. Forest Health Conference: Partnering for Healthy Forests. Little Rock, AR. 2004. Impact of Insects on Forest Landscapes: Implications to Forest Health Management. International Congress of Entomology, Brisbane, Australia. 2004. Impact of the Southern Pine Beetle on Wildlife Habitat Suitability. Forest Diversity and Resistance to Native and Exotic Pests. IUFRO Working Parties 7.03.07 – Population Dynamics of Forest Insects; 7.03.05,, Integrated Control of Scolytid Bark Beetles; 7.03.03 Insects Affecting Reforestation; and 8.07.02 – Biodiversity Effects on Forest Pest Dynamics. Hamner Springs, New Zealand. 2004. Knowledge Engineering in a Landscape Ecological Context: An Approach to Integration. Integrated Biological Systems: Research, Synthesis, and Management Conference. San Antonio, TX. 2003. Relating Principles of Landscape Ecology to Forest Protection. Society of American Foresters National Conference. Winston-Salem, NC. 2002.

Awards