Kelly Hamby

Dr. Kelly Hamby is an Associate Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Maryland's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Her research focuses on improving agricultural sustainability through Integrated Pest Management (IPM), with emphasis on insect-fungal interactions, invasive pest management, and optimizing control strategies for Drosophila suzukii (Spotted Wing Drosophila) and corn earworm in small fruit, sweet corn, and grain crops.

Dr. Hamby's lab investigates insecticide resistance mechanisms, cultural control tactics (e.g., pruning, mulching), and microbial-based management approaches. Her work integrates field research with ecological modeling to inform science-based pest control paradigms that protect both crop yields and environmental health.

Recent publications highlight her leadership in SWD monitoring systems, Bt crop resistance dynamics, and fungal-microbial interactions affecting pest behavior. The Hamby Lab prioritizes mentorship, offering graduate students opportunities for peer-reviewed publications, grant writing, and professional development. Lab alumni include Dr. Maria Cramer (recipient of ESA's John Henry Comstock Award) and Dr. Margaret Lewis (NSF Postdoctoral Fellow).

Notable achievements include:

• 2025: Co-authored IPM infrastructure status report across U.S.
• 2021: Published genomic response to Bt crops in PNAS
• 2019: Honoree, University of Maryland Research Excellence Celebration