Jason Schmidt is Associate Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences. His research group investigates trophic interactions within agricultural ecosystems with emphasis on biological control. Research integrates molecular ecology, predator-prey dynamics, and conservation strategies across diverse cropping systems including cotton, pecans, blueberries, and coffee. Recent publications demonstrate strong focus on climate-pest interactions, insecticide impacts on beneficial insects, and habitat management for enhancing ecosystem services. Field experiments frequently employ molecular gut-content analysis to trace trophic connections and quantify biological control services. Collaborative projects span multiple continents with applications in sustainable pest management.
Dr. Richard Hellmich is an Emeritus USDA-ARS Research Entomologist and Emeritus Affiliate Professor at Iowa State University's Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology. His work focuses on insect pest management, particularly European corn borer ecology, resistance to genetically engineered crops, and habitat restoration for monarch butterflies. He has contributed to over 135 peer-reviewed publications and received the 2002 USDA Secretary’s Honor Award for research on Bt maize and monarch butterflies. Education : B.A. DePauw University (1977), M.S. and Ph.D. The Ohio State University (1980, 1983). Research Interests : Sustainable pest management, Bt crop impacts, monarch butterfly conservation, and Africanized honey bee studies. His research highlights include evaluating non-target effects of GM crops, managing insect resistance, and restoring milkweed habitats. Dr. Hellmich has collaborated with USDA-ARS labs in Ames and Baton Rouge, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to agricultural challenges. Awards : 2002 USDA Secretary’s Honor Award, 2002 USDA-ARS Midwest Area Scientist of the Year. His work bridges laboratory and field studies, addressing ecological and economic dimensions of pest control. Collaborations with Iowa State University and USDA-ARS underscore his commitment to applied entomology and environmental stewardship.
Albert K. Culbreath is a Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Georgia, affiliated with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. His research focuses on foliar fungal diseases and tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) in peanut crops, emphasizing integrated disease management systems, fungicide resistance, and organic production strategies. Culbreath holds a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from North Carolina State University (1989) and has served at UGA since 1989, advancing from Assistant Professor (1989–1994) to Associate Professor (1994–1999) before becoming a Full Professor (1999–present). His work includes collaborations with peanut breeders to develop resistant cultivars and refine risk assessment indices for diseases. Culbreath leads numerous sponsored projects funded by entities like the Peanut Foundation and National Peanut Board, addressing TSWV resistance, leaf spot management, and genomic resources for disease control. He has been recognized with awards such as the American Phytopathological Society Fellowship and the Peanut Research and Education Award. Education: Ph.D., Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University (1989) M.S., Plant Pathology (Nematology), Auburn University (1985) B.S., Botany, Auburn University (1982) Culbreath’s research has produced over 390 scholarly works, including studies on fungicide efficacy, genetic resistance mapping, and molecular diagnostics for plant viruses. He advises on grants totaling millions of dollars and maintains active roles in professional societies like the American Peanut Research and Education Society.
Russ Groves is a Vegetable Extension Specialist and Applied Insect Ecologist in the Department of Entomology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He leads research and extension programs focused on integrated pest management (IPM) for vegetable crops, particularly addressing insect pests like the Colorado potato beetle and their interactions with plant diseases. His work emphasizes sustainable solutions, combining field research with stakeholder collaboration. Groves holds a PhD in Entomology from North Carolina State University (2001) and has held roles such as Co-State Liaison for the IR-4 Project and Faculty Co-Director of the Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems. Affiliations: Inter-Regional Research Project 4 (IR-4), Wisconsin Eco-Potato Collaboration, Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems Education: PhD Entomology (NCSU, 2001), MS Entomology (University of Arkansas, 1992), BS Forestry (Iowa State, 1989) His research spans crop pest biology, resistance management, and pollinator conservation. Key findings include the impact of crop diversity on pest prevalence and the role of fungicides in driving insecticide resistance. Groves has received multiple awards for his contributions to agricultural research and extension, including the 2016 University of Arkansas Distinguished Alumnus Award and the 2017 Wisconsin Seed Potato Industry Leadership Award. Recent grants and collaborations involve evaluating novel biopesticides, optimizing insecticide application strategies, and studying pest population dynamics across landscapes. His lab works closely with growers, county agents, and industry partners to translate science into actionable practices.
Emily Bick is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research focuses on applied agroecology, digital entomology (including modeling and technology), and spatial population biology. She holds a Ph.D. from UC Davis (2019), an M.S. from UC Davis (2017), and a B.S. from Cornell University (2013). Her work emphasizes data-driven precision management practices to address agricultural challenges. She leads the Bick Lab, advancing tools like acoustic monitoring and optical sensors for insect population assessment. Recent research includes pest modeling, economic impact analyses of biological control agents, and CO2-based sampling innovations. Education: Ph.D. in Entomology & Nematology, UC Davis, 2019 M.S. in Entomology & Nematology, UC Davis, 2017 B.S. in Entomology, Cornell University, 2013 Research interests span pest population dynamics, digital entomology tools, and ecological modeling. Her lab develops technologies like audio-based monitoring systems and automated biodiversity metrics. Recent articles highlight advancements in precision agriculture, invasive species management, and entomological data analysis. Her lab’s innovations include CO2-based insect sampling and near-infrared sensors for health detection. Collaborations focus on translating models into actionable strategies for sustainable farming. No scientific awards are listed, but her work has been published in high-impact entomological and agricultural journals.
Professor Keith Christian is a Zoology Professor at the Australian National University's Faculty of Science and Technology, specializing in physiological and behavioral adaptations of animals to environmental challenges. His research spans reptiles, amphibians, ants, and cyanobacteria communities. He holds a PhD from Colorado State University and expanded his tropical ecology work at the University of Puerto Rico before joining ANU in 1985. Notable contributions include using weaver ants for biological pest control in tropical crops and studying hypolithic cyanobacteria in northern Australia's Wave Hill region. He has supervised HDR projects on mangrove snake ecology and black jewfish microbiomes. Awards include the 2006 Tropical Knowledge Research Award. His work addresses climate resilience, invasive species management, and conservation biology. Education: PhD in Zoology (Colorado State University), postdoctoral work at University of Puerto Rico. Research focuses on comparative physiology, thermoregulation, and biological control. Active in projects like 'Skin Microbes and Animal Health' and 'De-risking vibrios for food safety'. Research interests include: physiological ecology of reptiles/amphibians, hypolithic communities, and microbial interactions. Supervised projects explore mangrove ecosystems, fish microbiomes, and crocodile behavior. Collaborations span Australia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Timor Leste.
Subodh Adhikari is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology at the University of Idaho, College of Agricultural & Life Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. from Montana State University (2018) and an M.S. from Wichita State University (2013). His research focuses on agroecology, integrated pest management, invasive species, plant-insect interactions, and climate-smart agricultural systems. He investigates how diversified cropping systems and climate-resilient practices influence pest and beneficial insect dynamics. **Education**: Ph.D., Montana State University, 2018 M.S., Wichita State University, 2013 **Research Interests**: Subodh’s work bridges ecological theory and agricultural practice, emphasizing sustainable solutions to pest management and invasive species. He explores how climate change impacts pest populations and beneficial arthropods, and evaluates diversified farming systems (e.g., cover crops) to enhance ecological resilience. His studies also address the biology and management of invasive weeds like Mayweed chamomile. **Awards**: He has received numerous accolades, including the ESA Grant Challenge First Prize (2019), MSU Three Minute Research Competition Judges' Choice Award (2017), and sustained support from the MSU Newman Family Scholarship (2014–2018). **Grants & Advising**: Subodh has secured grants from institutions like the Montana Institute on Ecosystems and Organic Crop Improvement Association. His research often involves collaborations with global networks addressing invasive species and climate change impacts. **Labs & Teams**: He contributes to the University of Idaho’s Chemical Ecology Research and Nematology Research groups, leveraging interdisciplinary approaches to tackle agricultural challenges.
John E. Banks is a Professor and Director of the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center (UROC) at California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB). Previously, he served as a Professor of Environmental Science and academic administrator at the University of Washington Tacoma (1999–2015). He holds affiliate faculty roles at UW Tacoma, Washington State University (Entomology), and North Carolina State University (Mathematics). Dr. Banks' research integrates quantitative ecology, ecotoxicology, and agroecology, with a focus on pesticide impacts, biological control, and ecosystem services. His work spans field studies in Costa Rica, Kenya, and Sweden, addressing biodiversity conservation in agricultural landscapes. Notable contributions include developing pesticide compatibility frameworks and ecological restoration strategies in tropical ecosystems. His educational leadership includes directing the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program and CSU LSAMP initiative, advancing STEM equity. Scholarly output includes over 99 publications across ecological modeling, conservation biology, and undergraduate research program design. Key awards include the Entomological Society of America Science Policy Fellowship (2018–2022). Recent research trends emphasize mathematical models predicting pest suppression dynamics, decolonizing international study programs, and assessing pesticide risks through novel metrics like Delay in Population Growth Index. Grants and collaborations focus on expanding inclusive research opportunities for underrepresented students.
Dr. Jonathan Hulvey is an Associate Professor in the Biology Department at Eastern Connecticut State University. He holds a Ph.D. in Genome Science and Technology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Prior to Eastern, he served as a Research Assistant Professor at UMASS Amherst and an Adjunct Professor at Holyoke Community College, where he focused on fungal genomics, plant pathology, and fungicide resistance. His research integrates mycology and microbiology, addressing topics like antibiotic screening in fungi, fungal resistance genes, and viral infections of insects. He emphasizes collaborative work with local businesses and schools, enriching classroom experiences. Teaching focuses on Microbiology and Mycology, with a philosophy prioritizing engagement and relevance. He employs diverse methods to accommodate varied learning styles, including literature review, data analysis, and lab experiments. Over six years at Eastern, he has mentored 3 Honors students and nearly 20 Independent Study students, fostering their research skills and curiosity. Publications highlight fungicide resistance mechanisms in pathogens like Sclerotinia homoeocarpa and Phytophthora capsici, often leveraging genomic and transcriptomic approaches. His work bridges fundamental research with practical applications in agriculture and environmental science. Collaborations with USDA and multiple universities underscore his commitment to interdisciplinary science. Dr. Hulvey values student mentorship, noting rewarding moments when students deepen their inquiry and experimental approaches. His lab provides unique research opportunities, blending mycology and microbiology to explore natural systems.
Dr. Brenna Levine is an Assistant Professor in Biological Sciences at Kean University, where she directs the Levine Lab. She holds a PhD in Biology from the University of Arkansas. Her research examines ecological and evolutionary responses to human-caused environmental change, focusing on invasive species dynamics and reproductive ecology. Uses interdisciplinary approaches combining field biology, molecular genetics, bioinformatics and evolutionary theory with model systems including spotted lanternflies, snakes, and bed bugs. Current investigations include urban adaptation in invasive insects, facultative parthenogenesis in reptiles, and insecticide resistance evolution. Teaches courses in biology and maintains active research programs involving undergraduate students.
Valentin Pando Fernandez is a Professor at the University of Valladolid, affiliated with the Department of Statistics and Operations Research under the Institute for Research in Sustainable Forest Management. His research integrates statistical modeling and operations research methodologies to address challenges in forest management and ecological systems. Specializes in sustainable forest management Expertise in inventory optimization models Focus on deterministic and stochastic systems Contributions to ecological modeling and biological control His recent publications demonstrate a multidisciplinary focus spanning forest ecology, healthcare process optimization, and inventory management. Key themes include climate change adaptation in Mediterranean forests, clinical protocol formalization, and mathematical modeling of biological systems. Scientific awards and recognitions are not explicitly mentioned in available records. His work involves collaboration with institutions in Spain, Uruguay, and Argentina, addressing both theoretical and applied research problems.
Iban Vazquez Gonzalez is a Professor in the Department of Applied Economics at the Higher Polytechnic School of Engineering, University of Santiago de Compostela. He is affiliated with the Institute of Studies and Development of Galicia (IDEGA) and the research group ECOAGRASOC (Agri-food and Environmental Economics, Rural Development and Social Economy). His research focuses on agricultural economics, rural development, and environmental sustainability, with particular emphasis on dairy farming systems, beekeeping economics, and invasive species impacts. His work employs multidisciplinary approaches including statistical modeling, sustainability indices, and socio-economic analysis. Recent studies examine the economic costs of Vespa velutina in Galician beekeeping, sustainability metrics for Cantabrian dairy farms, and comparative analyses of organic versus conventional agricultural systems.
Prof. Quirine ten Bosch is a Full Professor in Infectious Disease Epidemiology at the Wageningen Institute for Animal Sciences (WIAS), Wageningen University. Her research focuses on vector-borne diseases, zoonotic pathogens, and disease modeling, with a particular emphasis on Rift Valley Fever, West Nile Virus, and tick-borne infections. She leads projects addressing transmission dynamics, biological control methods, and early warning systems for emerging diseases. Her work integrates ecological, veterinary, and public health perspectives to inform disease control strategies globally. Key research interests include understanding silent transmission mechanisms, larval dispersal modeling for marine species, and indoor transmission risks of respiratory pathogens like SARS-CoV-2. She co-authored a CEPI workshop report on Rift Valley Fever vaccine development and contributed to studies on entomopathogenic fungi as tick control agents in cattle. Her recent publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches, such as agent-based modeling for vector-borne diseases and data-driven surveillance systems leveraging media analytics. Projects under her supervision address topics like Usutu virus emergence, multi-scale West Nile Virus transmission, and Caribbean sea urchin reintroduction strategies. Projects: Includes the ERRAZE zoonotic framework, indoor transmission risk analysis, and larval dispersal modeling for Diadema antillarum. Advising: Supervises PhD candidates in areas like vector-host interactions, disease resilience indicators, and ecological modeling. Collaborations: Engages with global networks on Rift Valley Fever, CEPI initiatives, and tick-borne pathogen control in Kenya. Labs/Teams: Active in WIAS research groups focused on epidemiological modeling and One Health approaches, collaborating with institutions like the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE).
Alberto Ruiz Garcia is an Associate Professor at the University of Murcia , affiliated with the Faculty of Informatics and the Department of Computer Science and Systems Engineering . His research focuses on Computer Vision , Artificial Intelligence , and Multisensory Integration , with notable contributions to sensor systems, IoT-based agriculture, and electronic tongue technologies. He completed his doctoral thesis at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid in 1991, titled Mecanismos de integración multisensorial en un sistema de percepción artificial . Education: PhD in Computer Science from Universidad Complutense de Madrid (1991) Research Interests: His work spans mobile computing , computer vision applications , smart farming systems , and electrochemical sensing . He leads projects like FARMIT for crop quality monitoring and has developed frameworks such as QVision for real-time computer vision. Recent Work Trends: Recent publications emphasize few-shot learning for industrial safety, AI-driven agricultural monitoring, and innovative sensor technologies for quality control in irrigation and food analysis. His work bridges computer science with practical engineering challenges in robotics, environmental monitoring, and healthcare diagnostics. Labs & Teams: Member of research groups including Mobile Computing and Computer Vision and Computación Móvil y Visión Artificial , focusing on applied engineering and parallel programming for perception systems.
Dr. Sukhbir Singh is an Associate Professor at the Texas Tech University in the Davis College , Department of Plant and Soil Science . His research and teaching focus on sustainable vegetable production and alternative crops in water-scarce environments. Education : B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Agronomy from Punjab Agricultural University , and M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Plant and Environmental Sciences from New Mexico State University Research Interests include: Sensor-based irrigation management Nutrient and soil fertility optimization Crop stress physiology (biotic/abiotic) Alternative crops like Industrial Hemp Soil amendments (biochar, compost) Organic and conventional vegetable systems Publication Trends show a focus on biochar-soil-water interactions , vitamin C biofortification , and hemp cultivation in the Southern High Plains. His work bridges agronomic practices with climate adaptation strategies . Current lab members include Ph.D. candidates Arjun Kafle , Azeezahmed Shaik , and Manpreet Singh , along with Master's students Preetaman Bajwa and Sujatha Venkataramani . His lab alumni include Ved Parkash and Bishwoyog Bhattarai . Facilities used by his team include the Horticulture Gardens and Greenhouse Complex , high tunnels for season extension, and collaborations with the Texas Alliance for Water Conservation and Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute .
