Skip to Main Content

John Couture named University Faculty Scholar for multifaceted research in plant and insect ecology

John Couture has been chosen as a 2024 University Faculty Scholar for his exceptional research spanning plant and insect ecology, marking a significant milestone in his tenure as an associate professor of entomology and forestry and natural resources.

Couture’s research involves elevating the understanding of ecosystem functioning, analyzing plant chemical and metabolic profiles, refining precision agriculture techniques and developing solutions for effective natural and agricultural resources management.

Driven by pressing challenges facing our society, Couture is committed to discovering solutions.

One of the main drivers of why we do this research is that as a whole, we face societal grand challenges, including environmental change, food security, sustainability in agriculture and a number of other factors. We’re hoping that we can develop solutions to try and address some of these grand challenges." -John Couture

Couture’s research achievements are a testament to the collaborative efforts of the Couture Lab of Plant-Insect Chemical Ecology team. Graduate students, postdoctoral researchers and research technicians combine fundamental plant biology principles with innovative technology, such as hyperspectral and remote sensing, to unravel the complexities of natural systems.

Acknowledging the invaluable contributions of his students and collaborators, Couture emphasizes, “Without all of them none of this would be possible. I have students working on questions about individual organism responses to stress all the way up to ecosystem-level questions, addressing key topics like physiochemical mechanisms for agricultural plant tolerance of variable environments to carbon storage and sustainability in forests.”

Having earned his Ph.D. in entomology from the University of Wisconsin, Couture’s research journey has been shaped by a focus on plant-insect chemical ecology and tree physiological ecology.

“By training, I am a plant chemical and physiological ecologist who is interested in understanding how plants responds to stress, including insect pests, pathogens, drought and other aspects of environmental change,” noted Couture.

John Couture in Martell Greenhouse at the Wright Center examining a tree.

Since joining Purdue in 2016, Couture has bridged the gap between basic plant biology and technological innovation. He has cultivated a comprehensive research program geared towards enhancing plant health and management across diverse spatial scales. He also holds a key role within the Institute for Digital Forestry.

“I’ve had very positive interactions with deans and my department heads, especially and importantly while I was getting established,” stated Couture.
The resources and support the college invests in the faculty – from seed funding to professional development and instructional support – has helped me develop a holistic program focused on trying to achieve world class research, instruction and mentoring, and engagement.” -John Couture

Featured Stories

Alexus Arvin takes a water sample at the Agronomy Center for Research and Education.
Farm Research Prepares Students for Their Future

The Agronomy Center for Research and Education has offered students hands-on experience for 75...

Read More
Dr. Nicole Widmar & Dr. Tomas Höök
Purdue Agriculture announces new department leaders

Bernie Engel, Purdue University’s Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture, has appointed new...

Read More
Thaisa Cantu-Jungles, lead author of the study, shown here extracting DNA from gut bacteria treated with fibers
Mixing fibers for gut health

Scientists have long known that fiber feeds beneficial bacteria in the human gut. Now, Purdue...

Read More
Emma Johnson in an airplane, holding a pronghorn and standing next to a drone.
Meet FNR Outstanding Transfer Student Emma Johnson

Emma Johnson transferred to Purdue after earning her associate’s degree and graduating with...

Read More
corn planter in field
Corn Plant Populations and the Potential for Reducing Seed Costs

Seed represents one of the largest variable input costs for Indiana corn growers—second...

Read More
Ben Elzey and Elizabeth Tran go over a gel in Tran’s lab.
Breast cancer drug Supinoxin shows potential for small-cell lung cancer in new tests

Purdue University scientists have identified the Supinoxin molecule as a possible new therapy for...

Read More
To Top