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

Jingjing Liang
New research determines soil-dwelling fungi affect global tree species

A team co-led by a Purdue University researcher has found that groups of fungi influence global...

Read More
The Purdue Bell Tower behind some green tree branches
2025 Hovde Award nominees sought

Purdue University is accepting nominations for the 2025 Frederick L. Hovde Award of Excellence,...

Read More
Purdue Alumni and John Deere employees stand by a tractor they have had a part in designing.
ABE alumni drive hydraulic innovation at John Deere

The iconic green John Deere tractor is evolving with an exciting new option – a battery...

Read More
Upinder Kaur, assistant professor of agricultural and biological engineering, works on a robot dog that finds ticks and identifies tick activity.
Using artificial intelligence to understand the natural world

Purdue Agriculture researchers are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and...

Read More
Boats sailing near shore, picture from a above
Ag Boilers Abroad: Studying sustainability beyond borders

Planning your next trip abroad? Learn about key strategies and experiences through the adventures...

Read More
Lydia Pultorak works in the Geoinformatics, Ecosystem Management and Soil Sustainability Lab; Lydia holds a small snake; Lydia holds a Northern Saw-whet Owl.
Meet FNR Outstanding Sophomore Lydia Pultorak

Sophomore wildlife major Lydia Pultorak has been selected as FNR’s Outstanding Sophomore...

Read More
To Top