Glen Rains

Glen Rains is a Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences (CAES). With a PhD in Agricultural Engineering from Virginia Tech (1992), he combines engineering principles with entomological research to develop advanced sensor technologies for agricultural applications.

• Co-Director of the USDA-funded Agrability in Georgia project
• Developed handheld chemical detection instruments (U.S. Patent 7,607,338)
• Licensed technology for biological sensing using invertebrate learning (U.S. Patent 6,919,202)

His research focuses on precision agriculture, insect behavior monitoring, and plant pathogen detection. Recent work includes autonomous robotic systems for cotton harvesting, deep learning-based weed detection, and bioengineered plant volatile emissions for pest management. He also contributes to agricultural safety through extension programs targeting farm injury prevention and youth education.

Key publication trends show concentration on machine learning applications in cotton phenotyping, autonomous navigation systems for agricultural robotics, and advanced spray technologies for pest control. His 2025 work includes predictive modeling for cotton development and innovative pest monitoring approaches.

• 2009 - 7,607,338: Handheld Chemical Monitoring Instrument
• 2005 - 6,919,202: Biological Sensing via Invertebrate Learning

As educator, he developed the course CRSS 4010 - Principles of Sustainable Management and contributes to K-12 outreach through programs like G.I.F.T. and Student Shadowing. His laboratory in Tifton, GA, collaborates with engineers and entomologists on cutting-edge agricultural technology solutions.