Courses Currently Instructed:

• ENT 105

Career and Concentration Guidance:

• Sustainability Science
• Emerging Environmental Challenges

Career Interests:

• Sustainable Agriculture
• Pest Management
• Applied Ecology/Conservation
• Academic Careers
• Industry Careers Related to Agriculture
• USDA and Related Careers

Research Interests:

My research focuses on sustainable food production with an emphasis on insects. This includes pest management, conservation of beneficial insects, and using insects to upcycle organic wastes—diverting them from landfills and transforming them into valuable resources. As an applied research and extension specialist, I am passionate about increasing food access in equitable and sustainable ways. My work involves translating research into practical applications for food producers.

Research Opportunities:

I typically hire students as hourly employees. Students in my projects are involved in maintaining various invertebrate colonies, including aphids, spider mites, and black soldier flies. They also engage in sample processing, data analysis from invertebrate inventories, and participate in laboratory and field experiments evaluating insect pests, natural enemies, and pollinators in food crop production.

Extension and Outreach Experience:

I have an Extension appointment and work with food producers across our region, including home gardeners, market farmers, and large-scale conventional farmers. My lab is actively engaged in on-farm research throughout the state and participates in various learning events, such as on-farm field days, grower meetings, and webinars. Students are involved in these events through poster presentations, demonstrations, and oral presentations.

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