Associate Professor
Director of the Environmental Science Program
Ph.D. Ecology, Evolution and Behavior. University of Buffalo.
M.S. Behavior, Ecology, Evolution and Systematics. Illinois State University.
B.S. Zoology. SUNY Oswego
Dr. Costanzo is an ecologist and entomologist (studies insects) who is interested in the interactions between insects and the environment. Much of her research investigates how rising temperatures associated with climate change affects mosquito populations that transmit disease. She is also interested in how human activities and landscape practices affect the diversity and populations of insects including pollinators. Her teaching interests include ecology, field ecology and entomology.
Dr. Costanzo is the Director of the Environmental Science Program at Canisius and is active with sustainability practices (Laudato Si) around campus including the East West Community Garden and the Native Plants Project. Externally, Dr. Costanzo serves on the Board of Directors of the Western NY Land Conservancy, whose mission is to permanently protect natural land and farmland in the Western NY region. When she is not working, Dr. Costanzo enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, biking, native plant gardening, and training in the martial arts.
Publications
Costanzo, K. and D. Occhino. 2023. The effect of temperature on blood feeding behavior and activity levels in the tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus. Insects. 14(9), 752; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14090752.
Westby, K., L. Beckermann, A. White, K. Medley and K.S. Costanzo. 2022. The role of priority effects in limiting the success of the invasive Tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus. Biological Invasions. 24, pages 3033–3047. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-022-02826-2.
Costanzo, K.S., K.M Westby and K. Medley. 2018. Genetic and Environmental Influences on the Size-Fecundity Relationship in the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus. Plos ONE,13(8): e0201465 https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0201465
Costanzo, K.S., S. Schelble, K. Jerz, and M. Keenan. 2015. The effects of photoperiod on life history and behavior in Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). Journal of Vector Ecology 40: 164-171. DOI: 10.1111/jvec.12146.
Costanzo, K.S., E.J. Muturi, A. Montgomery, and B.W. Alto. 2013. Effect of oral infection of La Crosse virus on longevity and fecundity of native Aedes triseriatus and invasive Aedes albopictus. Journal of Medical and Veterinary Entomology 28: 77-84.DOI: 10.1111/mve.12018.