University of Maryland, Entomology, 2009, Ph D

University of Maryland, Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, 2003, BS

I hold a PhD in Entomology from University of Maryland and have worked as an applied entomologist at South Dakota State University and Texas A&M AgriLife Research before joining CSU in 2021. I have always been fascinated by pest outbreaks and understanding how interactions between arthropod herbivores and plants can lead to eruptive pest dynamics. I am an applied entomologist and use Integrated Pest Management approaches to formulate recommendations for pest suppression. I also integrate molecular approaches with field and greenhouse research to promote deeper understanding of mechanisms that lower resistance of plants in managed landscapes. The goal of my work is to make meaningful contributions to extend this knowledge to plant protection and improve long-term sustainability of pest management. I direct Colorado Center for Sustainable Pest Management, and teach AB 420, Horticultural Entomology every fall semester.