Professor of Zoology and Entomology & Director, McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity Florida Museum of Natural History
The author of more than 395 publications, including 35 books, Emmel has discussed topics such as the biology, evolution, genetics, behavior, and ecology of butterflies and tree snails. He has worked since 1984 with the endangered Schaus Swallowtail butterfly in the Florida Keys, and currently directs an extensive reintroduction effort to help this endangered species recover and be removed from the endangered species list. He also has conducted research on the effects of mosquito control pesticides on non-target wildlife and humans living in South Florida. His findings have led to better control measures for the use of pesticides and enhanced survival of wildlife as well as human health in the Keys. Since April 2002, he also has directed an extensive ecological survey and restoration effort for the endangered Miami Blue butterfly in the Florida Keys. As if that wasn’t enough, Emmel has led Lepidoptera expeditions to more than 40 countries around the globe.