Jose Pacheco

Colorado AGEP
University of Colorado, Boulder


I received a Bachelor’s of Science at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) in December 2001. As part of my undergraduate experience, I researched the possible biological control of the Red Imported Fire Ant with the thief ant, Solenopsis molesta, under the direction of Dr. William Mackay. This study and mentor relationship, led to my dissertation topic: The New World Thief Ants of the Genus Solenopsis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae); a taxonomic revision of this notoriously difficult yet fascinating group.

I received my Doctorate in May 2007 from UTEP. My research interests include both lab and field work. My main research interests are the study of arthropods, such as soil mites, butterflies and especially ants. My focus is mainly with the ecology, taxonomy, and systematics of ant species. I have worked with the notorious red imported fire ant, as well as other ant species of the genus Solenopsis.

I have been an Assistant Instructor and Instructor for several semesters in which I gave lectures, set up experiments, as well as assisted and graded students in several freshman biology laboratories. Since my entrance into the doctoral program, I have done the lab preparation and have taught both Organismal Biology for Biology Majors (Course 1108; 15 classes) and Introductory Biology for Non-Majors (Course 1103; 5 classes). Since August 2004, I have helped direct the research of five undergraduate students whose studies range from taxonomic revisions of whole ant genera to morphometric and DNA sequence analyses between cryptic species. I really enjoy interacting with students and I take pride when they excel in their classes and academic careers. These courses, studies, and relationships have been extremely rewarding and have helped me realize that my ultimate goal is to join the Professoriate where I will be able to carry out both research and teaching.

I am currently working in the Mike Breed lab at the University of Colorado at Boulder, studying behavior and division of labor of the Honeybee, Apis mellifera.

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