Nobuaki Mizumoto, Ph.D.

Nobuaki Mizumoto, Ph.D.

  • Assistant Professor
  • Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology
nzm0095@auburn.edu
Funchess 376A
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Mizumoto Lab
Nobuaki Mizumoto (Nobu) is an Assistant Professor in Insect Ecology at the Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology at Auburn University. He is interested in the evolution of collective behavior in termites and tandem running behavior.

Education

  • Doctor of Agricultural ScienceKyoto University2018

  • Master of Agricultural ScienceKyoto University2015

  • Bachelor of AgricultureKyoto University2013

Professional Experience

  • 2024-Present: Assistant Professor; Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology, Auburn University
  • 2023: OIST Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Scholar Fellow; Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Evolutionary Genomics Unit / Computational Neuroethology Unit
  • 2020-2023: JSPS Research Fellow (CPD, cross-border postdoctoral); Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Evolutionary Genomics Unit
  • 2020-2020: JSPS Research Fellow (SPD, superlative postdoctoral); Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Evolutionary Genomics Unit
  • 2018-2020: JSPS Overseas Research Fellow; School of Life Sciences Arizona State University
  • 2015-2018: JSPS Research Fellow (DC1); Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Japan

Research

Termite – Collective behavior – Evolution 

We study nest construction and movement coordination in termites, asking how collective-level phenomena are regulated by individual-level behaviors and how behavioral coordination has evolved in the history of life. Our research is based on detailed behavioral observations and the life history of each termite species but extends the analysis to multiple species in a phylogenetic context to understand their environmental adaptation and evolutionary process.

Visit my AUSME research profile.

Mizumoto Lab Statement

Mizumoto lab aims to trace the evolution of collective behavior in termites. We will identify behavioral rules underlying termite communications and relate behavioral diversity with social structures and pest status. We believe behavioral findings come from a new perspective and a small set of carefully designed experiments, not solely from advanced technology. Thus, we strive to create a constructive environment, turning daily discussions into exciting research ideas.

Also, one of our missions is to provide a comprehensive understanding of termite diversity. Knowledge of termites is highly biased towards destructive structural pest species. However, among > 3,000 termite species in this world, only a handful are considered as destructive pests. We want to reveal why some termites are pests and others are not. We will contribute to society by sharing a comprehensive picture of our tiny creatures.

Termite identification and distribution

We are updating the distribution of Formosan subterranean termites and other pest/invasive species. 

If you find unknown termites or need identification, please send samples with solders and/or alates. Place samples in a small container (e.g., vials) that can be sent by mail.