Andrew Polaszek
Papers
4
Total Citations
186
H-Index
4
About
Andrew Polaszek is a prominent entomologist and taxonomist whose research spans systematic biology, biodiversity informatics, and the molecular phylogenetics of parasitoid wasps. Best known for his work on chalcid wasps — minute insects widely deployed in biological control programs — Polaszek has made significant methodological contributions to the field, most notably through his development of optimized DNA extraction and target enrichment protocols tailored for tiny arthropod specimens. This landmark work, cited over 91 times, has become an essential reference for researchers seeking cost-effective, high-resolution genomic approaches in insect systematics. Beyond molecular methods, Polaszek has been an influential voice in reshaping how scientific communities access and share biodiversity knowledge. His 2013 call for a virtual global natural history "metacollection," with nearly 60 citations, challenged the field to break down institutional silos and democratize species data for researchers, students, and policymakers alike. His work on nomenclatural benchmarking further underscores his commitment to taxonomic accuracy and stability, advocating for digital typification and telemicroscopy as practical tools for species name validation. Across these contributions, Polaszek has helped modernize taxonomy for the genomic age while remaining deeply invested in its foundational rigor.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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