Joanna Chiu Named ESA Fellow

Recognition of Excellence in Entomology and Biological Rhythms

Joanna Chiu, a molecular geneticist and physiologist, has been recognized as a newly elected Fellow of the Entomological Society of America (ESA). As a professor and chair of the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology, her work has significantly advanced the understanding of circadian and seasonal biology, as well as invasive species genomics. Her election to this prestigious honor highlights her contributions to the field and her ongoing impact on scientific research and education.

Chiu will be among nine Fellows honored at ESA’s annual meeting, Entomology 2025, which is scheduled for November 9 through 12 in Portland, Oregon. The ESA recently highlighted her laboratory's focus on the molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate insect circadian and seasonal rhythms. These biological processes are essential for organisms to adapt to daily and seasonal environmental changes. Chiu's research has provided critical insights into post-transcriptional and translational mechanisms that control the circadian clock, as well as how environmental and metabolic signals influence these rhythms. Additionally, her team explores the role of the circadian clock in seasonal adaptations and applies genomic approaches to study insect invasion biology and pesticide resistance, aiming to develop innovative strategies for managing agricultural pests.

Frank Zalom, a UC Davis Distinguished Professor Emeritus and former president of ESA, nominated Chiu for the award. He praised her as a "brilliant and enthusiastic researcher" and acknowledged her dedication as a teacher, mentor, and public servant. Their collaboration began in 2010 when they joined forces to address the management of spotted wing drosophila (SWD), an invasive pest that has caused significant economic damage to fruit producers across North America. Together, they have worked closely with UC Cooperative Extension advisors, researchers, growers, and agribusinesses to monitor and manage this pest effectively.

Born in Hong Kong, Chiu earned her bachelor’s degree in biology and music from Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts and later received her doctorate in biology with a focus on molecular genetics from New York University. She completed her postdoctoral research at the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine at Rutgers University in New Jersey. Joining UC Davis in 2010, she started as an assistant professor and was promoted to associate professor in 2016 and full professor in 2021. She served as vice chair of the department from 2016 to 2023 and became chair in 2023.

Throughout her career, Chiu has received numerous accolades for her excellence in research and teaching. In 2019, she was named a UC Davis Chancellor’s Fellow, and she also received the Physiological, Biochemical, and Toxicological Research Award from the Pacific Branch of ESA. She was honored with the UC Davis Academic Senate’s Distinguished Teaching Award in 2022 and the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Mentoring Undergraduate Research in 2023. In 2024, she was awarded the PBESA Distinction in Mentoring Award. Chiu co-founded and co-directs the campuswide Research Scholars Program in Insect Biology, launched in 2011 to provide undergraduates with mentored research opportunities.

Currently, she leads the Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program at UC Davis, which is funded by a five-year $2.1 million National Institutes of Health award. Chiu is also president-elect of the Society for Research on Biological Rhythms and serves in editorial roles for several scientific journals, including the Journal of Insect Science, Scientific Reports, Frontiers in Neuroscience, Journal of Biological Rhythms, and Frontiers in Physiology.

Sergio Hidalgo Sotelo, a former member of Chiu’s lab and now an assistant professor at Washington State University, shared his admiration for her leadership and commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive research environment. He emphasized how her approach to mentoring extends beyond science, helping students grow personally and professionally. Chiu’s efforts to increase diversity and inclusion in science are evident in her work with the Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program.

The Entomological Society of America, founded in 1889, is the largest organization dedicated to serving the professional and scientific needs of entomologists worldwide. With over 7,000 members, its community includes educators, extension personnel, consultants, students, researchers, and scientists from various sectors, including agriculture, health, private industry, academia, and government.