Postdoc at Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, China
Dr. Lifang Xiao is a prominent researcher at the Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, specializing in entomology and paleobiology. His research focuses on plant-insect co-evolution, endophytic insect behavior, and environmental factors influencing insect herbivory. With a Ph.D. from Capital Normal University and extensive postdoctoral experience, including a visiting researcher role at the Department of Paleobiology, NMNH USA, Dr. Xiao has established a solid academic foundation. He has published numerous peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals, contributing significantly to our understanding of fossil terrestrial ecosystems and herbivorous insect management. His work integrates interdisciplinary approaches, enhancing both ecological and practical applications in pest control. With ongoing projects and a commitment to advancing knowledge in his field, Dr. Xiao is poised to make further impactful contributions to science. His blend of research excellence and potential for mentorship positions him as a valuable asset to the scientific community.
Education📚
Dr. Lifang Xiao has a robust academic background in entomology and related fields. He completed his Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Geology at Gannan Normal University, Jiangxi Province, in 2015. He then earned a Master of Science in Plant Protection from Jiangxi Agricultural University between 2015 and 2018, focusing on the dynamics between plants and herbivorous insects. Dr. Xiao continued his academic journey by pursuing a Ph.D. at Capital Normal University in Beijing, where he specialized in entomology from 2018 to 2022, deepening his understanding of insect behavior and ecology. Currently, he is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, where he is involved in research on Mesozoic plant-insect associations. Dr. Xiao’s education has equipped him with a comprehensive knowledge base and research skills that underpin his contributions to the fields of paleobiology and ecology.
Professional Experience🏛️
Dr. Lifang Xiao has amassed significant professional experience in entomology and paleobiology. Currently, he serves as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, where he focuses on Mesozoic plant-insect associations from July 2022 to October 2024. Additionally, he is a Visiting Researcher in the Department of Paleobiology at the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) in the USA, a position he has held since October 2023. Prior to this, he was also a Visiting Researcher at NMNH from September 2019 to July 2020, which allowed him to collaborate on international research projects. His diverse roles have enabled him to contribute extensively to the understanding of plant-insect co-evolution, environmental influences on herbivory, and pest management strategies. Dr. Xiao’s professional journey reflects his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge in his field through research, collaboration, and innovation.
Research Interest🌐
Dr. Lifang Xiao’s research interests center on the intricate relationships between plants and insects, particularly in the context of co-evolution and ecological dynamics. His primary focus is on plant-insect co-evolution as evidenced by fossil records, which provides insights into historical interactions and adaptations. He studies the behavior of endophytic insects and their interactions with plant hosts, exploring how environmental conditions influence insect herbivory. Dr. Xiao also investigates herbivorous insect pest management and control strategies, aiming to develop sustainable approaches to managing agricultural pests. Additionally, his research extends to analyzing fossil terrestrial food webs to assess ecosystem health and biodiversity over geological time. By integrating paleobiology with contemporary ecological issues, Dr. Xiao’s work contributes to a deeper understanding of insect behavior and plant interactions, with implications for conservation and agricultural practices. His interdisciplinary approach highlights the relevance of historical ecological data to modern environmental challenges.
Award and Honor🏆
Dr. Lifang Xiao has received several awards and honors that recognize his contributions to the fields of entomology and paleobiology. His research on plant-insect co-evolution and environmental influences on herbivory has garnered attention in the scientific community, reflected in his selection for competitive research positions, such as his role as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences. Additionally, Dr. Xiao’s work as a Visiting Researcher at the Department of Paleobiology, NMNH USA, showcases his international recognition and collaboration opportunities. He has also published numerous peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals, which underscores his influence and expertise in his field. While specific awards are not detailed in his profile, his extensive research output and contributions to understanding fossil ecosystems and insect behavior indicate a promising trajectory that could lead to further accolades as his career progresses. Dr. Xiao’s commitment to excellence positions him as a noteworthy emerging scientist.
Conclusion
Lifang Xiao stands out as a strong candidate for the Young Scientist Award due to his impressive research contributions, diverse expertise, and solid academic background. His work on plant-insect interactions and herbivory not only adds to scientific knowledge but also has practical implications for pest management and ecosystem health. By addressing areas for improvement, such as public engagement and mentorship, he can further amplify the impact of his research. Overall, Xiao’s potential for future contributions to science and his commitment to advancing knowledge in his field make him a deserving candidate for this recognition.
Publication top noted📜
- Middle Jurassic insect mines on gymnosperms provide missing links to early mining evolution
Xiao, L., Labandeira, C.C., Wu, Y., Ren, D., Wang, Y.
New Phytologist, 2024, 242(6), pp. 2803–2816.
📚 1 Citation
- New dusty lacewings from Upper Cretaceous amber of northern Myanmar (Neuroptera: Coniopterygidae)
Xiao, L., Chen, Z., Ren, D., Wang, Y.
Cretaceous Research, 2024, 154, 105755.
📚 2 Citations
- Insect herbivory immediately before the eclipse of the gymnosperms: The Dawangzhangzi plant assemblage of Northeastern China
Xiao, L., Labandeira, C.C., Ren, D.
Insect Science, 2022, 29(5), pp. 1483–1520.
📚 15 Citations
- Data, metrics, and methods for arthropod and fungal herbivory at the dawn of angiosperm diversification: The Rose Creek plant assemblage of Nebraska, U.S.A.
Xiao, L., Labandeira, C.C., Dilcher, D.L., Ren, D.
Data in Brief, 2022, 42, 108170.
📚 8 Citations
- The natural history of fossil insect herbivory
Xiao, L., Lin, X., Ren, D.
Dizhi Xuebao/Acta Geologica Sinica, 2022, 96(5), pp. 1654–1679.
📚 1 Citation
- Arthropod and fungal herbivory at the dawn of angiosperm diversification: The Rose Creek plant assemblage of Nebraska, U.S.A.
Xiao, L., Labandeira, C.C., Dilcher, D.L., Ren, D.
Cretaceous Research, 2022, 131, 105088.
📚 16 Citations
- Plant–insect interactions from the mid-Cretaceous at Puy-Puy (Aquitaine Basin, western France) indicates preferential herbivory for angiosperms amid a forest of ferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms
Santos, A.A., Xiao, L., Labandeira, C.C., Perrichot, V., Wappler, T.
Botany Letters, 2022, 169(4), pp. 568–587.
📚 6 Citations
- Early Cretaceous mealybug herbivory on a laurel highlights the deep-time history of angiosperm–scale insect associations
Xiao, L., Labandeira, C.C., Ben-Dov, Y., Dilcher, D.L., Ren, D.
New Phytologist, 2021, 232(3), pp. 1414–1423.
📚 7 Citations
- Florivory of Early Cretaceous flowers by functionally diverse insects: Implications for early angiosperm pollination
Xiao, L., Labandeira, C.C., Dilcher, D.L., Ren, D.
Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 2021, 288(1953), 20210320.
📚 25 Citations
- New archidermapteran earwigs (Dermaptera) from the middle Jurassic of Inner Mongolia, China
Xiong, S., Engel, M.S., Xiao, L., Ren, D.
ZooKeys, 2021, (1065), pp. 125–139.
📚 5 Citations
