Evan Hilpman
- Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology
Areas of Study
Education
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PhD, Washington State University
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BA, Colorado College
Biography
As a plant-insect community ecologist and evolutionary biologist, Evan Hilpman strives to understand how the interactions between plant and insect communities are mediated by plant traits. His work combines field work with data collected from common garden, greenhouse, and laboratory studies as well as in depth natural history observations to address ecological and evolutionary questions. In addition to extensive field work, Hilpman has developed a broad array of analytical skills including genetic tools, analytical chemistry, and varied statistical approaches to assess the relative importance of insect mutualists and antagonists that together, drive selection on floral scent. This work is an accessible topic that is ideal for introducing undergraduate students to research. Hilpmans take what seems like a simple idea (a flower’s scent), demonstrate the hidden complexity (the many different chemical components to that scent), then isolate and analyze the important patterns (those volatile compounds or functional groups that affect insect interactions).
In the classroom, Hilpman utilizes teaching tools and techniques designed to promote growth mindsets and foster an inclusive learning environment. He relies on active learning methods where students are expected to synthesize information and work together to formulate hypotheses and predictions or discuss the methods necessary to address a given case study. It is Evan's hope that students leave the classroom with improved critical thinking skills, an appreciation for a simple model, and an understanding of the complex reality inherent in biological systems.
Outside the classroom, Evan lives and breathe ecology. Whether gardening, hiking, camping, or mushroom hunting, he loves to get outside and observe the multitudes of interactions that are constantly occurring around us. Evan also organizes and engages in outreach events designed to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to take interest in biology, ecology, and the natural world that we all share.
- Community ecology
- Plant-insect interactions
- Pollination biology
- Volatile (scent) production
- Trait evolution
- Chemical ecology
Hilpman, E. T., & Busch, J. W. (2021). Floral traits differentiate pollination syndromes and species but fail to predict the identity of floral visitors to Castilleja. American Journal of Botany, 108, 2150–2161.
Skogen, K. A., Jogesh, T., Hilpman, E. T., Todd, S. L., & Raguso, R. A. (2022). Extensive population-level sampling reveals clinal variation in (R)-(−)-linalool produced by the flowers of an endemic evening primrose, Oenothera harringtonii. Phytochemistry, 200, 113185.
Skogen, K. A., Overson, R. P., Hilpman, E. T., & Fant, J. B. (2019). Hawkmoth Pollination Facilitates Long-Distance Pollen Dispersal and Reduces Isolation Across a Gradient of Land-Use Change. Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden, 104, 495–511.
Skogen, K. A., Jogesh, T., Hilpman, E. T., Todd, S. L., Rhodes, M. K., Still, S. M., & Fant, J. B. (2016). Land-use change has no detectable effect on reproduction of a disturbance-adapted, hawkmoth-pollinated plant species. American Journal of Botany, 103, 1950–1963.