Logan Minter, Ph.D.

Education

University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY

• Ph.D. Entomology, 2012
  Dissertation: “Integrating sustainable pest management and pollinator conservation efforts in cucurbit production systems”
• Graduate Certificate College Teaching and Learning, 2012
• Graduate Certificate Applied Statistics, 2011
• M.S. Entomology, 2010
  Thesis: “Mesoscale spatial and temporal distribution of Lutzomyia spp. (Diptera: Psychodidae) in deciduous habitats of the eastern United States”

Shawnee State University
Portsmouth, OH

• B.S. Biology, 2007
• B.S. Natural Sciences, Chemistry Concentration, 2007

About

Dr. Logan Minter is an Assistant Professor of Biology for the Department of Natural Sciences at Shawnee State University. His areas of expertise include plant/ landscape ecology, plant-insect interactions, natural resource conservation, sustainable agriculture, public health entomology, and biostatistics.

Dr. Minter serves as chair of the SSU Campus Tree Care Team, which includes maintaining Tree Campus USA recognition status, a member of the Portsmouth City Tree Commission, course coordinator for NTSC 1110, and manager of SSU’s Waller Conservatory. He maintains membership in the Entomological Society of America, the Canadian Organization for Tropical Education and Rainforest Conservation, and the Ohio Biological Survey, where he also severs on the Board of Trustees.

Students interested in academic pathways and careers related to agriculture, natural resources, environmental monitoring, public health, or conservation, including the General Biology major, Botany minor, or Certificate in Sustainable Landscape Management (PDF), should feel free to contact Dr. Minter for more information, questions, or advising.

Primary Teaching Responsibilities

• BIOL 1152, General Biology 2 (spring, yearly)
• BIOL 2200, Applied Biostatistics (fall, yearly)
• BIOL 2201, Field Methods (fall, odd years)
• BIOL 2252, Dendrology (fall, odd years)
• BIOL 2253, Practical Horticulture (spring and summer, yearly)
• BIOL 3250, Spring Floral Taxonomy (spring, odd years)
• BIOL 3251, Summer Floral Taxonomy (summer, even years)
• BIOL 3254, Economic Botany (as needed)
• BIOL 4270, Plant Anatomy and Physiology (fall, even years)
• BIOL 4495, Undergraduate Research (each semester)
• NTSC 1110, Scientific Res. and Methodology (as needed)
• NTSC 4490, Advancement of Science Seminar (yearly)

Dr. Minter has also taught a number of other courses at SSU and other institutions, including: introductory Biology (for majors and non-majors), Human Ecology, Conservation Biology, Ohio’s Natural Heritage, various courses for the Upward Bound Math Science program, Principles of Statistics, Academic Computer Skills, and Senior Seminar.

Research and Scholarship Activity

Dr. Minter’s research interests and scholarly efforts largely focus on:

• Sustainable Agriculture
• Wild Crop Relative Exploration (especially Hops)
• Plant Community Ecology
• Geologic Landscape Interactions with Plants
• Environmental Analysis related to Amphibian Populations
• Urban Forestry and Planning
• Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to connect science with the public
• Natural History Interpretation and Citizen Science

A great deal of Dr. Minter’s research is based in field or natural settings, but often supported by laboratory, greenhouse, and managed plot studies. Undergraduate students are involved throughout the process from literature review and experimental design through communication of findings via conference presentations and journal publications.

He frequently collaborates with Dr. Erik Larson (SSU Geology), Mr. Daniel Chaffin (SSU Biology), and Mr. Brad Bergefurd (OSU Extension), and is open to further cross-disciplinary and inter-institutional projects.

If you have any interest in Dr. Minter’s research or would like a current CV, please do not hesitate to contact him!

Research Presentations by Mentored Students at SSU
(since 2018, student authors in bold)

• McDowell, S., E. Morrison, D. Chaffin, and L. Minter. Back to the wild: a comparative study of the antimicrobial properties of Humulus lupulus.
  • 2020 Ohio Biological Survey, Natural History Conference, Toledo, OH.
  • American Society of Plant Biologists- Midwest, Urbana, IL (Anticipated 2020)
  • SSU Celebration of Scholarship, Portsmouth, OH (Anticipated 2020)
  • 2019 SSU Undergraduate Research Symposium
• Lawson, K., E. Sheets, D. Vaughn, E.B. Larson, and L. Minter. Baseline monitoring of amphibians utilizing newly created pond habitats in southern Ohio.
  • 2020 Ohio Biological Survey, Natural History Conference, Toledo, OH.
  • Beta Beta Beta Regional Conference, Notre Dame, IN (Anticipated 2020)
  • SSU Celebration of Scholarship, Portsmouth, OH (Anticipated 2020)
  • 2019 SSU Undergraduate Research Symposium.
• Potter, R. Establishment of experimental hops yard and preliminary growth evaluation of wild strains.
  • 2019 SSU Undergraduate Research Symposium.
• Jackson, J. Algal surveys of Cano Palma, Tortuguero, Costa Rica and detention ponds along a new highway in southern Ohio.
• Proffitt, E. and L. Minter. Influence of prior conspecific parasitism in host selection by dodder, Cuscuta gronovii.
  • 2018 SSU Undergraduate Research Symposium, Portsmouth, OH.
  • 2019 SSU Celebration of Scholarship, Portsmouth, OH
  • 2019 Midwest Ecology and Evolution Conference, Terre Haute, IN
• Rentaria, M., L. Minter, and D. Chaffin. Investigation of the role of bacterium, Rhodococcus fascians in fasciation of common dandelion, Taraxacum officinale.
  • 2018 SSU Undergraduate Research Symposium, Portsmouth, OH.
  • 2019 SSU Celebration of Scholarship, Portsmouth, OH
  • 2019 Midwest Ecology and Evolution Conference, Terre Haute, IN
• Bigham, H., B. Bergefurd, D. Chaffin, and L. Minter. Morphological phenotypic comparison of wild strains and standard cultivars of hops, Humulus lupulus in southern Ohio.
  • 2018 SSU Undergraduate Research Symposium, Portsmouth, OH.
  • 2019 Ohio Biological Survey, Natural History Conference
  • 2019 SSU Celebration of Scholarship, Portsmouth, OH- Dean’s Research Award
  • 2019 Midwest Ecology and Evolution Conference, Terre Haute, IN 
• Sherwood, T., L. Minter, and E. Larson. A GIS database of native and exotic trees/woody-shrubs using historical and modern data at Shawnee State University, Ohio.
  • 2018 Geological Society of America, Annual Meeting, topical session, Indianapolis, IN.
  • 2018 SSU Undergraduate Research Symposium, Portsmouth, OH.
• Scowden, G. Novel propagation methods of Humulus lupulus in southeastern Ohio.
  • 2017 SSU Undergraduate Research Symposium, Portsmouth, OH.
  • 2018 Celebration of Scholarship, Portsmouth, OH.
• Scowden, G. Integrating sustainable pest management in the Waller Conservatory at Shawnee State University.
  • 2018. SSU Celebration of Scholarship, Portsmouth, OH

Grants and Competitive Funding
(since 2017: $1,445,815 total)

Obtained from internal and external sources to support research and other university activities: (*mentored student)

• Minter, L. Travel funding (transportation for 15 students) to Ohio Natural History Conference, Toledo, OH. Schirrman SSU Dean’s Travel Fund. Awarded ($600) 2020.
• Larson, E., L. Minter. Community partnering at Greenlawn Cemetery: Tree trails for education, health, recreation, and tourism. Scioto Foundation. Awarded ($10,100) 2020.
• McDowell, S.* and E. Morrison.* Comparative Study on the Antimicrobial properties of Humulus lupulus (hops). Shawnee State Research Experience Grant. Awarded ($979.18) 2019.
• Minter, L., E. Larson. Colonization of recently created ephemeral ponds by amphibians along a newly constructed freeway. Ohio Biological Survey, Small Grants Program. Awarded ($500) 2019. Research and access permits granted from Ohio Department of Transportation, Portsmouth Gateway Group, and Ohio Division of Wildlife.
• Minter, L. Identification, development, and marketing of local hops varieties to enhance economic development and community partnerships. SSU Development Foundation. Awarded ($2000) 2019.
• Larson, E., and L. Minter. Encouraging student communities in the Natural Sciences Department through comradery and research. SSU Development Foundation. Awarded ($1750) 2019.
• Minter, L. Travel funding (transportation for 3 students) to Midwest Evolution and Ecology Conference, Indiana State Univ., Terre Haute, IN. Schirrman SSU Dean’s Travel Fund. Awarded ($125) 2019
• Larson, E., L. Minter, J. Napper, B. Dahr. Partners in Science: The Natural Sciences in Local Schools. SSU Development Foundation. Awarded ($2500) 2018
• Minter, L. Shawnee local hops variety identification, development, and marketing. SSU Development Foundation. Submitted 2018
• Proffitt, E.* Influence of prior conspecific parasitism in host selection by dodder, Cuscuta gronovii. Shawnee State Research Experience Grant. Awarded ($419.50) 2018.
• Rentaria, M.* Investigation of the role of bacterium, Rhodococcus fascians in fasciation of common dandelion, Taraxacum officinale. Shawnee State Research Experience Grant. Awarded ($710.40) 2018.
• Bigham, H.* Morphological phenotypic comparison of wild strains and standard cultivars of hops, Humulus lupulus in southern Ohio. Shawnee State Research Experience Grant. Awarded ($461.50) 2018.
• Minter, L. Proposal for one-time supplementary award to increase STEM programming for Upward Bound Math Science Project (P047M170303) at Shawnee State University for FY 2018. U.S. Dept. of Education. Awarded ($40,000) 2018.
• Minter, L. Shawnee State University Upward Bound Math and Science Center. U.S. Dept. of Education. Awarded ($1,385,670- over 5 years). 2017.

Academic and Public Service Presentations (over 50 total, select listed)

• Minter, L., and E. Larson. 2020. Beyond facilities management: utilizing campus tree inventories for students learning exercises and public outreach education through digital access. submitted poster, American Society of Plant Biology- midwest meeting, Urbana, IL.
• Larson, E. and L. Minter. 2019. Developing regional arboretums: Tree trails as a way to connect to Appalachia. (Re)covering Appalachia Symposium, Portsmouth, OH.
• Minter, L., and E. Larson. 2018. Integrating undergraduate student projects with campus tree planning and management. Southern Ohio Tree City/Campus USA recognition meeting, Invited speaker. Portsmouth, OH.
• Minter, L. 2018. Insect friends to the Farm: Pollinators. OSU New and Small Farm College, Invited speaker. Portsmouth, OH.
• Minter, L. 2016. Insects, the little things that run the earth: a celebration of life on earth in conjunction with International Darwin Day. Ashland Community and Technical College, Celebration of Arts and Sciences Seminar Series. Ashland, KY.
• Minter, L. 2014. Things that go bump in the night: arthropod vectors and the public. Ohio State Parks Naturalist Conference, Invited speaker. Pike Lake State Park, OH.
• Minter, L. 2014. Native bee conservation and wildflower plantings. Shawnee Nature Club, Invited speaker. Portsmouth, OH.
• Bessin, R. and L. Minter. 2013. Extended season row covers and new OMRI insecticides. Kentucky Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Organic farming and gardening. (30 min. oral). Lexington, KY.
• Minter, L. M., M. H. Goodman, and J. Gordon. 2012. Thinking globally and acting locally: Educating the world with sound science on tough issues. Entomological Society of America, Annual Meeting, P-IE section symposium. Knoxville, TN.
• Minter, L. M. 2012. In search of sand flies, a spatial and temporal journey. West-Central Mosquito and Vector Control Association Annual Meeting, invited Hollandsworth speaker. Grand Junction, CO.

Publications (peer-reviewed and public service/ extension)

• Minter, L. M., C. T. Clark, R. Deal, and R. T. Bessin. Cucurbit pest reduction with an attract and kill strategy employing lethal seedling trays. J. Insect Science, to be submitted
• Minter, L. M., and R. T. Bessin. 2014. Evaluation of native bees for use as cucurbit crop pollinators under floating row covers. Environmental Entomology 43: 1354-63
  doi: 10.1603/EN13076
• Minter, L., R. Bessin, and A. Stromberg 2013. Considerations, consequences, and perils of utilizing alternative statistical methods in explaining and interpreting research. American Entomologist 59:70-71. doi: 10.1093/ae/59.2.70
• Minter, L. M., T. Yu, D. A. Florin, N. Nukmal, G. C. Brown, and X. Zhou. 2013. Molecular identification of sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in eastern North America using PCR-RFLP. Journal of Medical Entomology 50: 920-924 doi: 10.1603/ME12014
• Minter, L. and R. Bessin. 2012. “Preliminary results of utilizing squash bees for cucurbit pollination under row covers.” In T. Coolong, J. Snyder, and C. Smigell (Eds.) 2011 Fruit and Vegetable Crops Research Report. (PDF) Univ. of KY Lexington, KY.
• Minter, L. M., G. C. Brown, and D. W. Johnson. 2011. Investigation of habitat effects on the spatial distribution of sand flies with note of respective mosquito species composition. Journal of Medical Entomology 48: 1103-1111. doi: 10.1603/ME11012
• Minter, L. and R. Bessin. 10 May 2011. “Planning for cucumber beetle management should start early.” Kentucky Pest News. Univ. of KY Ag. Extension, Issue 1267.
• Minter, L. and R. Bessin. 2011. Understanding Cucurbit Pest Phenology in Central Kentucky. In T. Coolong, J. Snyder, and C. Smigell (Eds.) 2010 Fruit and Vegetable Crops Research Report (PDF). Univ. of KY, Lexington, KY.
• Minter, L. and R. Bessin. 13 July 2010. “Plant It, and They Will Come: Cucurbit Pests Emerge in the Central Bluegrass Region.” Kentucky Pest News. Univ. of KY Ag. Extension, Issue 1238.
• Minter, L. M., and G. C. Brown. 2010. Observed circadian activity of Lutzomyia shannoni (Diptera: Psychodidae) during late season population peaks. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association 26: 441-444. doi: 10.2987/10-6012.1
• Minter, L. 11 May 2009. “What’s the Buzz? Mosquitoes Return to the Bluegrass State.” Kentucky Pest News. University of Kentucky Ag. Extension, Issue 1195.
• Minter, L. 2009. Culex nigripalpus in Kentucky. Pp.214.-215. In J.L. Hubbard and G.C. Brown (eds.), Mosquitoes of Kentucky Identification Manual. Univ. of KY, Lexington, KY.
• Minter, L., B. Kovacic, D. M. Claborn, P. Lawyer, D. Florin, G. C. Brown. 2009. New State Records for Lutzomyia shannoni (Dyar) and Lutzomyia vexator (Coquillett). Journal of Medical Entomology 46: 965-968. doi: 10.1603/033.046.0432.
• Minter, L. 2008. (rev. 2009). Phlebotomine sand flies in Kentucky: Lutzomyia shannoni and Lutzomyia vexator. Pp.212.-213. In J.L. Hubbard and G.C. Brown (eds.), Mosquitoes of Kentucky Identification Manual. Univ. of KY, Lexington, KY.

Additional Information

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Minter enjoys cycling, climbing trees, working on classic vehicles (Jeeps, tractors, etc.), playing 6 and 12-string acoustic guitar, and growing fruits & vegetables.