Noted neurobiologist John Hildebrand of the University of Arizona, Tucson, will discuss "Lessons from the Insect Model" when the UC Davis Department of Entomology launches its Distinguished Seminar Series on Wednesday, May 16.

The lecture begins at 7 p.m. in the University Club clubroom, announced Walter Leal, professor and chair of the Department of Entomology. "Dr. Hildebrand will be the first speaker in our series," he said.

Hildebrand, a newly elected member of the National Academy of Sciences for distinguished and continuing achievements in original research, focuses his research on the insect's sense of smell, particularly the olfactory system of the giant sphinx moth, Manduca sexta.

The insect, commonly known as the tobacco hornworm in its caterpillar stage and as the hawkmoth or sphinx moth in its adult stage, is considered an excellent research model.

Hildebrand seeks to understand the olfactory mechanisms "that underlie beneficial and harmful behaviors of insects that impact human health and welfare." His multidisciplinary work combines anatomical, behavioral, chemical-ecological, developmental, molecular and neurophysiology approaches.

"Dr. Hildebrand discovered a structure in the male moth brain specific for the detection of pheromones," Leal said. "This opened an entire field of research into insect neurobiology."

Hildebrand serves as Regents Professor and professor of neurobiology, biochemistry and molecular biophysics, entomology, and molecular and cellular biology at the University of Arizona. He directs the Arizona Research Laboratories Division of Neurobiology.

Hildebrand received his undergraduate degree from Harvard University in biology and his doctorate in biochemistry from Rockefeller University. Last year he received a lifetime achievement award from the American Psychological Association Diversity Program in Neuroscience, and the Silver Medal from the International Society for Chemical Ecology.

He also will deliver a noon-hour seminar on "Explorations of a Simple Olfactory System" on Wednesday, May 16 in 122 Briggs Hall. Leal will host the seminar.