Allen Gibbs

Professor of Life Sciences
Expertise: Insects, Physiology, Evolution

Biography

Allen Gibbs is an evolutionary physiologist whose research focuses on insect physiology, experimental evolution, and evolutionary physiology. He is often called upon by local and national media to explain phenomena regarding insects.

His research also includes how organisms interact with their environments, along with how physiological systems function and evolve under stress. Most recently, he and his students have studied the life of the fruit fly, specifically the effects of obesity on the tiny creatures.

His work has been featured in numerous publications, including the Journal of Comparative Physiology, American Zoologist, and the Journal of Experimental Biology.

Education

  • Ph.D., Marine Biology, University of California, San Diego
  • B.A., Chemistry, University of Chicago

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Allen Gibbs In The News

K.L.A.S. T.V. 8 News Now
Spring has come and while temperatures are rising, the Las Vegas valley is seeing more pesky insects crawling and flying around.
K.V.V.U. T.V. Fox 5
Who can forget the 2019 grasshopper invasion? Grasshoppers were covering gas stations, overcoming the skies, and fast forward to today, the question that everyone may have is, “Will this be a repeat of 2019?”
K.L.A.S. T.V. 8 News Now
Many Las Vegas locals have already reported seeing swarms of grasshoppers. The pallid-winged grasshopper is the most common type of grasshopper seen here in the desert according to Professor Allen Gibbs at UNLV. While they can be pesky, grasshoppers are harmless except for some plants and gardens.
Las Vegas Review Journal
Tourists aren’t the only ones attracted to the bright lights of the Strip. Grasshoppers have flown into the Las Vegas Valley — not to gamble, but to nosh on vegetation brought by the summer’s late monsoon season.

Articles Featuring Allen Gibbs

U.N.L.V.'s first conference tournament championship—and automatic bid to the NCAA Championship—since winning the Big West in 1994. It will be the Lady Rebels first NCAA tournament appearance since 2002. March 9, 2022 (Josh Hawkins/UNLV)
Campus News | April 1, 2022

A collection of news stories highlighting the experts and student changemakers at UNLV.

Woman wearing a U.N.L.V. mask
Campus News | December 10, 2020

A collection of news stories highlighting the election, COVID-19, and scientific discovery at UNLV.

Political Science Major Su-Hanah Andrews studies on the 2nd floor of Hospitality Hall
Campus News | September 15, 2020

UNLV takes on another school semester with precaution and discovery.

A U.N.L.V. banner on campus.
Campus News | July 2, 2020

A collection of news stories featuring the people and programs of UNLV.