“We know enough to act now”
Forister’s research has evolved over the years to not only interpret the data but to provide actionable solutions for the declines in insect populations. In his 2019 paper titled Declines in insect abundance and diversity: We know enough to act now, Forister calls conservationists and policymakers to action, stating that with all the data on insect declines collected and documented, “it is now time for the development of a policy consensus that will allow for a swift societal response.”
Forister believes people’s fascination with butterflies can serve as a catalyst for change and he hopes to influence responses on both the large and small scale, even encouraging those with backyards to consider those spaces as potential safe-havens for butterflies and many other pollinators as well as birds that rely on the insects.
“Insects and butterflies, in particular, have a remarkable power to motivate people to change what they do in a way that other plants and animals don’t always have,” Forister said. “Other plants and animals that people want to conserve are often much more distant—perhaps a rare mammal or bird somewhere—whereas if you live in the West and you think about what plants to put in your yard and you don’t cover them with poisons, you can see amazing insects without having to travel more than a few feet out your back door.”
Looking toward the future
In addition to his ongoing butterfly population monitoring, Forister is exploring some new areas of research in 2020. In partnership with the Hitchcock Center for Chemical Ecology, Forister is using legumes (plants in the pea family) in the Great Basin as a model for understanding how the chemistry of plants in the West influences how insects interact with them. He is also working with the Fish and Wildlife Service on the study and conservation of the Carson Wandering Skipper, a federally protected butterfly.
While much of academic life and research practices across the country and world have seen significant adjustments with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Forister has been able to continue with his research mostly unimpeded with the support of the College and University. Being the exceptional professor and advisor that he is, his main concern is for his graduate students.
“I do believe it’s important to make people as independent as I can as quickly as I can,” Forister said of his graduate students. “I prefer to have people that are colleagues right away rather than students working for me. Coming out of this recession, they will need to be excellent to get and keep jobs. That’s something I think about constantly—how to help them become excellent.”
Despite any changes the University and Forister’s lab may face in the coming year, one thing that he and his graduate students will not lack is access to the plants and insects they study.
“I always feel very lucky to be a biologist exactly here,” Forister said. “The natural resources that we have access to are just amazing. For grad students, too. Having them working in ecology here lets them be in touch with such a diversity of natural environments that it’s just a ridiculously great opportunity.”
Forister has been and continues to be a leading researcher and teacher, contributing greatly to the University’s R-1 status. Being named Foundation Professor is a testament to his invaluable contributions.
“The level of recognition Matt brings as a scientist and professional to the University of Nevada, Reno is paramount,” Thompson said. “I most strongly endorsed Matt for recognition as a University Foundation Professor, and I look forward to seeing how he exceeds the expectations of this well-deserved title.”
