Alan Leslie

Dr. Alan Leslie is the Center Director of the Central Maryland Research and Education Center and concurrently oversees the Western Maryland and Lower Eastern Shore Research and Extension Centers, all part of the University of Maryland’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Since 2023 he has led integrated extension and research initiatives aimed at advancing sustainable agricultural practices across Maryland.

Education

• Ph.D. in Entomology, University of Maryland
• B.S. in Marine Biology, University of Maryland

Research & Extension Focus

Dr. Leslie’s extension programming is dedicated to promoting the adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies for insect, weed, and disease control in vegetable and agronomic cropping systems. His research portfolio spans nutrient transport and fate in agricultural drainage ditches, the biology and ecology of invasive insect pests, enhancement of biological control through floral resource provisioning, and the influence of cover crops on soil food webs.

Current projects include leveraging cover crops to suppress weeds under reduced-tillage vegetable production and developing IPM tactics specifically targeting stem-boring insect pests.

Laboratories & Teams

As Center Director, Dr. Leslie leads multidisciplinary teams across three regional research and extension centers, coordinating faculty, extension specialists, graduate students, and stakeholders to deliver science-based solutions to Maryland growers.