About Me

I began my training as an aquatic ecologist under Dr. Vincent Resh and Dr. Kevin Lunde studying amphibian limb malformations caused by the trematode Ribieroia ondatrae. The trematode would cause tadpoles to develop upwards of twelve hind limbs because the resting stage would interfere with development. It was interesting work but I wanted to move into a field where I could have a strong impact on society. I decided in career in agriculture would be my best bet.

I decided to study agricultural entomology and therefore I ended up at UC Davis with Dr. Larry Godfrey. As a graduate student, I worked on improving integrated pest management for rice water weevil (Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus) in California rice. I found that Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. galleriae could work as a biopesticide. I also found that winter flooding rice fields still functioned to reduce weevil numbers, although it was not clear why.

Current Work

As a postdoctoral researcher, I am developing a plant bioassay for detecting resistance by cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa zea) to Bt cotton. This NIFA funded project is necessary to improve insecticide resistant management strategies. I secured funding last year for further work on this pest through a NIFA Postdoctoral Fellowship

In addition to my focus on bollworm, I am comparing efficacies of various neonicotinoid insecticides, reexamining treatment thresholds and spray timings for tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris, which have become a greater threat to Carolina cotton over the last five years. This project is funded by Cotton Inc. and has been expanded to include Dr. Sally Taylor at Virginia Tech. Together we have expanded the scope of the project to include the effect of planting date on top of spray timing in both states.

Finally, in collaboration with other scientists as part of an SCRI grant on H. halys led by Jim Walgenbach, I am investigating why the stink bug has been absent from the coastal plains of North Carolina. These projects are necessary and important lessons for advancing my skills as an independent researcher.

Outreach and Extension

My outreach and extension experiences have included collaboration with agents and farm advisors on my rice water weevil and stink bug projects in both California and North Carolina. As a graduate student, I worked with Dr. Luis Espino, Rice Farm Advisor in Colusa County, California, to examine the effect of two varieties on the rice water weevil.

As a postdoc, I worked with Der Colomb, Extension Specialist in Alexander County, NC, to disseminate information on best management practices to help Hmong rice growers in Catawba County in North Carolina. There are no registered insecticides or herbicides for use on rice in North Carolina, therefore small growers may resort to household or garden products on relatively large scales.

In addition, in order to improve my presentation and interpersonal skills for future positions in academia or industry I have participated in extension meetings and presented results and recommendation to growers.