Arti Singh is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agronomy at Iowa State University. Her research focuses on plant breeding, soybean diseases, genomics, and phenomics, with a strong emphasis on integrating artificial intelligence and high-throughput technologies into agricultural systems. She leads projects involving AI-driven disease identification, precision agriculture, and crop improvement strategies. Her expertise includes developing machine learning models for real-time weed and insect classification (e.g., WeedNet and InsectNet), deploying drones and ground robots for crop phenotyping, and leveraging genomic data to map traits like flowering time and disease resistance in legumes. Singh collaborates on initiatives like the AIIRA Institute for Resilient Agriculture and the BioTrove biodiversity dataset. Singh’s work spans plant stress phenotyping, digital twin technologies for plant sciences, and multi-sensor phenotyping for early disease detection. Her research bridges computational methods with traditional agronomy, aiming to enhance crop resilience and sustainability in the face of environmental challenges. Her recent projects include optimizing robotic navigation for precision agriculture, improving soybean yield estimation via video analysis, and dissecting genetic architectures of traits in mungbean and soybean using GWAS and genomic tools. She actively contributes to conferences and publishes in high-impact journals, advancing both foundational and applied aspects of agricultural science.
Ian Grettenberger is an Assistant Professor of Cooperative Extension in the Department of Entomology and Nematology at the University of California, Davis. He leads the Grettenberger Lab, focusing on applied entomology in agricultural ecosystems. His work emphasizes pest management strategies, biological control, and sustainable solutions for invasive species threatening California crops. Education: B.S. in Biology, Western Washington University Ph.D. in Entomology, Pennsylvania State University Research Interests: Grettenberger’s expertise spans pest management of field/vegetable crops, invasive species like the Bagrada bug and western striped cucumber beetle, and resistance management in pests such as the alfalfa weevil. He investigates biological control mechanisms, pesticide efficacy, and economic impacts of pest management policies. Key Contributions: Recent work includes studies on insecticide spray optimization, economic implications of pesticide regulations, and biological control of invasive species. His research bridges laboratory and field settings, addressing challenges in California’s agricultural landscapes. Labs/Teams: The Grettenberger Lab collaborates on applied entomology projects, advancing IPM practices and crop protection strategies.
David L Jordan is the William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University. His appointment consists of 50% Extension, 25% Research, and 25% Academic responsibilities. He serves as a Crop Science Extension Specialist with a focus on peanut production and weed management, working closely with the North Carolina Peanut Growers Association, private consultants, industry representatives, and farmers. Dr. Jordan received his educational background from North Carolina State University and the University of Arkansas: PhD in Agronomy, University of Arkansas, 1993 MS in Crop Science, North Carolina State University, 1988 BS in Agronomy, North Carolina State University, 1985 AS, Chowan College, 1983 Dr. Jordan's research focuses primarily on peanut-based cropping systems, integrated pest management in peanut production, and the applied biology and management of weeds. His work addresses critical challenges in sustainable agriculture, including herbicide resistance management, crop rotation strategies, and aflatoxin mitigation in peanut production. He has developed significant expertise in developing risk tools to assist peanut growers and their advisors manage pests. His international work extends to Africa, where he collaborates with colleagues to develop more effective and sustainable pest management strategies for peanut (groundnut) and to improve food safety through aflatoxin mitigation. His recent publications reveal a strong focus on optimizing agricultural practices for peanut, cotton, and soybean production. Key themes include crop rotation effects on weed populations, nematode management in peanut systems, herbicide resistance evolution in agricultural weeds, and international peanut production practices. His research integrates field studies with practical extension applications to address real-world agricultural challenges across multiple continents. Dr. Jordan has received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career: Fellow of multiple professional societies including the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, Weed Science Society of America, and Southern Weed Science Society William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor (2015) Academy of Outstanding Faculty in Extension and Engagement, North Carolina State University (2022) Outstanding Extension and Engagement Award, North Carolina State University (2022) Dow AgroSciences Award for Excellence in Education from the American Peanut Research and Education Society (2010) Dr. Jordan has mentored numerous graduate students, serving as advisor or co-advisor for 3 MCS, 13 MS, and 12 PhD students, and has served on 40 MS, 45 PhD, and 7 MA graduate committees. His grant funding totals over $11.9 million from Louisiana State University Agricultural Center (1993-1996) and North Carolina State University (1996-present). He has led multiple USAID-funded international projects focused on peanut production and aflatoxin mitigation in countries like Ghana, Haiti, and Malawi. Dr. Jordan leads a comprehensive research and extension program focused on peanut production systems. His work involves close collaboration with multiple departments at NC State including Entomology and Plant Pathology and Biological and Agricultural Engineering. Internationally, he works with colleagues across Africa to develop sustainable pest management strategies. His program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration among many individuals, disciplines, and institutions with the common goal of improving the quality of life of people through agricultural improvements, education, and science.
Dr. Michael Ivie is a Professor in the Department of Plant Sciences & Plant Pathology at Montana State University (MSU), affiliated with the College of Agriculture. His research focuses on insect systematics, faunistics, and taxonomy, with a particular emphasis on beetles and bees. He holds a Ph.D. in Systematic Entomology from The Ohio State University (1985), an M.S. in Entomology (1981), and a B.S. in Entomology from the University of California, Davis (1977). His research contributions include groundbreaking work on beetle phylogenetics, integrative taxonomy of Coleoptera, and biodiversity studies of North American insects. Notable projects include phylogenomic analyses of Phengodidae and revisions of Lycidae genera. He has authored or co-authored numerous articles in journals like the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society and The Coleopterists Bulletin. Grants: Exotic Woodborer traps (MDA), Pollinator Surveys (US Forest Service), Wild Bees of Montana (MDA/BLM), and biodiversity studies funded by BLM. Awards: Nominated for Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society (1991) and Honorary Member of the Coleopterists Society (2009). Service: Editor for Zootaxa and ZooKeys, former President of the Bozeman Creek Neighborhood Association, and President of the Coleopterists Society. Dr. Ivie is the Curator of the Montana Entomology Collection (MTEC), a major repository of North American invertebrates, with strengths in Coleoptera, Diptera, and Apoidea. The collection supports regional and global research, including studies on pollinators and aquatic insects.
Dr. John K VanDyk is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Iowa State University, affiliated with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Department of Entomology. He manages the CALS/LAS Web Team and maintains BugGuide.net, a major online arthropod resource. His research bridges information technology and entomology, focusing on biodiversity databases, web development, and citizen science platforms. Educational background includes a PhD and MS from Iowa State University and BS from Dordt University. Digital Projects: BugGuide.net, ISU Sites service Technical Expertise: Drupal development, data systems architecture
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyUnited States
Elfatih Eltahir is the H. M. King Bhumibol Professor at MIT, affiliated with the Climate and Environment faculty and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. He holds a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering (University of Khartoum, 1985), M.Sc. in Hydrology (National University of Ireland, 1988), and S.M. and Sc.D. in Meteorology/Hydroclimatology (MIT, 1993). His research focuses on climate change impacts on water availability, extreme weather, and vector-borne diseases, with a particular emphasis on developing numerical models like the MIT Regional Climate Model (MRCM) and the Hydrology-Entomology-Malaria Transmission Simulator (HYDREMATS). Key research areas include projecting climate change effects on regions such as the Mediterranean, South Asia, and West Africa, with a focus on adaptation strategies. He has pioneered the concept of 'outdoor days' to quantify climate impacts on human activity. Awards include membership in the National Academy of Engineering (2023), World Academy of Sciences (2023), and American Geophysical Union Fellowship (2008). Teaching: Global Change Science (1.071), Surface Hydrology (1.714), Environmental Data Analysis (1.073) Projects: UM6P-MIT Research Program, Jameel Observatory Climate Resilience Early Warning System Network (CREWSnet) His work has addressed societal challenges like Nile River water management, malaria transmission dynamics, and climate adaptation in vulnerable communities. Field campaigns and collaborations with institutions like the United Arab Emirates reinforce his applied research focus. Awards: 2023: National Academy of Engineering Member 2023: World Academy of Sciences Fellow 2008: AGU Fellow 2017: Hydrologic Science Award Research grants and funding support impactful projects such as climate modeling for the Middle East, Africa, and the U.S., with a focus on interdisciplinary solutions.
Bruce H. Alexander, PhD, serves as Professor and Division Head of Environmental Health Sciences at the University of Minnesota's School of Public Health. His educational background includes a PhD in Epidemiology from the University of Washington (1994), an MS in Environmental Health from Colorado State University (1987), and a BS in the same field from Colorado State University (1984). Dr. Alexander is an occupational and environmental epidemiologist whose research spans environmental determinants of cancer and respiratory disease, injury prevention and control, One Health approaches, agricultural population health, and global health initiatives. His work emphasizes multidisciplinary approaches to address complex public health problems and building public health research and practice capacity. His expertise encompasses occupational and environmental epidemiology, environmental exposures, infectious disease, injuries, occupational health, One Health frameworks, global health, and agricultural health. Analysis of his recent publications (2019-2024) reveals a continued focus on occupational exposures, environmental health risks, and injury epidemiology across diverse populations and settings. His research demonstrates methodological diversity including cohort studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses addressing chemical exposures, UV radiation risks, temperature-related injuries, and mineral particle exposures in mining contexts. Scientific Recognition Member, Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health Mayo Professor of Public Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota (2016) Faculty Excellence Award, Division of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Minnesota (2002) Dr. Alexander maintains active professional affiliations with major epidemiological organizations including the Society for Epidemiologic Research, International Society for Environmental Epidemiology, American College of Epidemiology, International Commission on Occupational Health, and Delta Omega. His work through the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH) and Midwest Center for Occupational Health and Safety demonstrates commitment to translating research into practice for worker safety and health.
Michael Z. Levy is a Professor of Epidemiology in the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. He co-directs the University of Pennsylvania/Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia Zoonotic Disease Research Laboratory in Arequipa, Peru, and holds secondary affiliations with the Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Center for Public Health Initiatives, History and Sociology of Science, and Latin American and Latinx Studies. His research spans interdisciplinary domains including vector-borne diseases, computational biology, urban ecology, and social justice. Education: B.A. in Philosophy and Biology from Amherst College (1998), PhD in Population Biology, Ecology, and Evolution from Emory University (2007). Levy's work focuses on urban zoonotic diseases , particularly Chagas disease and canine rabies , integrating ecology, epidemiology, and computational methods. He investigates how insect vectors interact with social systems, housing policies, and climate change, extending to pandemic modeling during the Covid-19 crisis. His research group (28 members) collaborates with Peruvian Ministry of Health to control Chagas and rabies outbreaks in Arequipa. Notable contributions include novel geospatial surveillance models , behavioral economics applications for vector control, and bed bug epidemiology linking infestations to public health challenges. Recent publications highlight 2025-2024 trends in Chagas vector dynamics , zoonotic rabies control , vaccine strategies , and genomic outbreak analysis , emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to urban disease ecology. He has participated in cluster randomized trials and behavioral design studies to improve community engagement in vector control campaigns in Peru, focusing on incentive mechanisms and surveillance equity . The Zoonotic Disease Research Lab in Arequipa employs interdisciplinary methods combining biological research , social science , and computational modeling to address urban disease transmission.
Dr. Gary Brewer is a Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with a 60% research and 40% teaching appointment. He has served as department head at NDSU (1997-2006) and UNL (2006-2018). His research focuses on field crops entomology, IPM of pasture cattle flies, salt creek tiger beetle conservation, and pollinator health. He has pioneered a push-pull strategy using coconut oil-derived repellents and led curriculum design for Rwanda’s Conservation Agriculture program. Education: B.S. in Zoology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1974) M.S. in Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1978) Ph.D. in Entomology, Kansas State University (1984) Research Interests: Brewer’s work spans insect ecology, pest management, and conservation. Key areas include stable fly and horn fly control, pollinator protection, and endangered species recovery (e.g., Salt Creek tiger beetle). His lab develops natural product-based pest repellents and evaluates biopesticides for sustainable agriculture. Grants & Contributions: $362,150 USDA grant for undergraduate research in beneficial insect protection (2018) $325,000 USDA grant for multi-tactic stable fly control (2017) NE Game and Parks funded salt creek tiger beetle reintroduction programs Labs & Teams: Brewer’s team collaborates with industry (e.g., Vestergaard Frandsen) and international partners to advance IPM strategies. His work bridges field research with applied solutions for farmers and conservationists.
Keith Edmisten is a Professor in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at NC State University, serving as Extension Cotton Specialist and Director of Undergraduate Programs. He holds a BS, MS from NC State University, and a PhD in Crop Physiology from Virginia Tech (1987). His career includes faculty roles at Mississippi State University and Auburn University before joining NCSU in 1992. His research focuses on cotton and industrial hemp agronomy, germplasm evaluation, and regulatory science in agriculture. Notable awards include Extension Cotton Specialist of the Year (1997) and Cotton Physiologist of the Year (2015). He teaches courses on biotechnology, seed science, and regulatory frameworks, and advises students in the Plant and Soil Science biotechnology concentration. Edmisten's program integrates applied research with extension efforts, emphasizing sustainable input management, variety trials, and on-farm experimentation. Collaborations span departments like Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Agricultural Economics. Publications highlight fertilizer management, weed science, and crop modeling in cotton and hemp systems.
Jenny Kao-Kniffin is a Professor in the Horticulture Section of the School of Integrative Plant Science at Cornell University. Her research focuses on the belowground ecology of horticultural landscapes, particularly the ecology and management of invasive plants and weeds in horticultural landscapes, wetlands, and urban ecosystems. She applies concepts from microbial ecology to understand how soil microorganisms impact plant populations both beneficially (aiding in plant growth and fitness) and negatively (keeping populations in check). Dr. Kao-Kniffin's research interests include: Weed science and ecological management of weeds Urban ecology and urban agriculture Rhizosphere biology and plant-microbe interactions Soil microbiome selection and manipulation Ecological approaches to sustainable agriculture Her work centers on three main research areas: selection of rhizosphere microbiomes that modulate plant traits, identifying functional roles of microbiomes that mediate plant growth, and assembly of plant-microbial communities that enhance ecosystem services. She has demonstrated that microbiomes can be manipulated to alter flowering time in plants and has developed ecological approaches for weed management through soil carbon amendments. Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on urban soil microbiomes, nitrogen cycling in agroecosystems, and the application of microbial ecology to sustainable agriculture. The research spans from fundamental plant-microbe interaction studies to practical applications in urban agriculture and weed management, with particular emphasis on how soil amendments and microbial communities can be leveraged for ecological management of plant systems. Notable scientific achievements include: The White House Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), 2019 Weihenstephan Science Award, International Collaboration for Early Career Scientists 2017 Cornell University CALS Award for Excellence in Mentoring Undergraduate Students in Independent Research 2013 Dr. Kao-Kniffin actively mentors graduate students and has developed extension programs focused on assisting public and private audiences with methods to manage weedy and invasive plants in horticultural landscapes. Her lab has developed a web-based software program that allows users to select weed management methods based on conventional or organic preferences. She teaches PLSCI 4900: Reflection on Plant Sciences Experiential Learning and maintains an active research program with several ongoing projects in urban agriculture, particularly working with New York City farmers to construct clean soil from local materials.
Nick Haddad is a Professor of Integrative Biology at Michigan State University and serves as the Director of the Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) site at Kellogg Biological Station. His research focuses on ecological experimentation, particularly examining how habitat loss and fragmentation impact biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. He specializes in reversing these negative effects through landscape connectivity strategies and diversified working landscapes, with a strong emphasis on insect conservation, including critically endangered butterfly species. Role: Professor, Integrative Biology Directorship: KBS LTER Site Location: 322 Kellogg Biological Station Email: haddadn3@msu.edu Haddad's research spans habitat fragmentation, biodiversity conservation, climate change impacts, and agricultural sustainability. His lab conducts large-scale experiments like the Corridor Project and studies rare butterflies (e.g., St. Francis’ satyr, Miami blue) to understand extinction risks and recovery strategies. Recent work explores pesticide effects, prairie restoration, and long-term ecological trends. The 15 most recent publications highlight habitat fragmentation's ecological impacts, climate-driven phenological shifts, and innovative conservation approaches. Key themes include biodiversity monitoring, pesticide-driven declines, prairie restoration for pollinators, and climate adaptation strategies. His work leverages long-term datasets (e.g., 40-year LTER) and integrates theory with applied conservation. Lab activities include mentoring undergraduate and graduate students at KBS, leading the Haddad Lab, and collaborating on projects like the KBS-LTER and SRS Corridor initiatives. Research spans both terrestrial and agroecosystems, emphasizing actionable solutions for conservation and sustainable land use.
Bryan Brown is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the School of Integrative Plant Science , Horticulture Section , and an Integrated Weed Management Specialist with Cornell Integrated Pest Management . His work focuses on minimizing agricultural and environmental risks through innovative weed control strategies. Ph.D., University of Maine, 2017 B.A., Colby College, 2009 Dr. Brown’s research emphasizes integrated weed management informed by weed species biology, including weed seedbank dynamics and culturally appropriate extension . His projects explore ecologically-based solutions like stacked cultivation, electrical weed control, and cover cropping to address herbicide resistance and labor shortages. He also investigates the interplay between weed management and soil health or economic viability in organic and conventional systems. Dr. Brown’s extension efforts prioritize farmer collaboration through on-farm demonstrations , educational media , and slow-motion analysis of cultivation tools. His outreach includes addressing glyphosate-resistant waterhemp in New York State and clarifying public health risks through the Into the Weeds podcast.
Ross Meentemeyer is a Professor and Director of the Center for Geospatial Analytics at North Carolina State University, affiliated with the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources in the College of Natural Resources. He holds a Ph.D. in Geography from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (2000) and a B.S. in Geography from the University of Georgia (1993). His research focuses on geospatial analytics, ecological forecasting, biological invasions, and forest health, with a strong emphasis on integrating geospatial data and modeling to address environmental challenges. Dr. Meentemeyer's work includes developing decision-support tools for pest management, climate adaptation, and land-use planning. Notable projects involve forecasting invasive species spread via international trade, creating open-source geospatial platforms, and modeling floodplain development risks. He collaborates extensively with federal agencies like USDA, DOI, and NPS to translate research into practical solutions. His grants include multi-million dollar NSF and USDA-funded initiatives addressing plant disease pandemics, agricultural pest threats, and geospatial infrastructure development. Key outcomes include the PAdb system for pandemic prediction and the FUTURES model for urbanization forecasting. He also leads efforts to enhance stakeholder engagement through participatory modeling tools like Tangible Landscape. Research contributions span 20+ years, with over 100 peer-reviewed articles on topics like viewscape modeling, river water dynamics, and wildfire-epidemic interactions. His work bridges ecological and social sciences, emphasizing actionable solutions for sustainable land management and climate resilience.
Stephanie Rogers is an Assistant Professor of Geosciences at Auburn University's College of Sciences and Mathematics, specializing in geospatial technologies and environmental applications. She leads the GeoIDEA Lab, focusing on GIScience, water quality modeling, and environmental impacts on honey bee colonies. Her research integrates emerging technologies like drones for ecological monitoring and addresses interdisciplinary challenges such as groundwater management and pollution tracking. Education: PhD in Geosciences from the University of Fribourg, Switzerland. Research Interests: Rogers' work bridges geospatial innovation with real-world problem-solving. Key areas include: GIS-driven environmental monitoring and modeling Drone-based assessment of water quality and algal blooms Groundwater contamination dynamics and public health implications Honey bee colony health through spatial analysis Advising & Grants: Currently mentors two trainees (Bethany Foust and Mallory Jordan) and collaborates on projects funded by environmental agencies. Her grants focus on geospatial data integration for ecological decision-making. Labs/Teams: GeoIDEA Lab coordinates multidisciplinary efforts in environmental geoscience, with active projects in Alabama's Black Belt region and international glacial archaeology initiatives.
