Kyle Koch

Dr. Kyle Koch serves as an Associate Extension Educator in the Department of Entomology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. His 100% Extension appointment focuses on field crops entomology, with expertise in insect ecology, pest management, and plant-insect interactions. Dr. Koch plays a key role in Nebraska Extension's statewide issue teams, developing educational programs and resources for agricultural stakeholders across the state.

Dr. Koch's educational background includes:

• B.S. in Biology from Creighton University, Omaha, NE (2009)
• M.S. in Entomology from University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2013)
• Ph.D. in Entomology from University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2017)

Dr. Koch's research centers on insect-plant interactions, particularly focusing on aphid pests in agricultural systems. His work examines the molecular, biochemical, and behavioral aspects of how insects interact with host plants, with special emphasis on switchgrass, sorghum, and soybean systems. He investigates plant defense mechanisms against aphids, including constitutive and inducible resistance, as well as plant tolerance strategies. His research integrates molecular biology, biochemistry, and behavioral ecology to develop sustainable pest management approaches for agricultural systems.

Analysis of Dr. Koch's publication record reveals a strong focus on aphid-plant interactions across multiple crop systems, with particular expertise in electrical penetration graph (EPG) technology for studying insect feeding behavior. His work spans molecular mechanisms of plant defense, behavioral ecology of insect pests, and applied pest management strategies. A significant portion of his research involves switchgrass as a bioenergy crop and its interactions with cereal aphids, reflecting both fundamental and applied research interests.

Dr. Koch has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career:

• North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Graduate Student Teaching Award of Merit (2016)
• Dean's Fellowship, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2015)
• Milton E. Mohr Research Fellowship, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Center for Biotechnology (2014)
• Milton E. Mohr Teaching Fellowship, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Center for Biotechnology (2014)
• Milton E. Mohr Teaching Fellowship, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Center for Biotechnology (2012)
• North Central Branch Meeting of the Entomological Society of America, Student Competition, Oral 10-minute paper (1st Place) (2012)
• President's Prize Student Competition at the Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America (2011)

As an Extension Educator, Dr. Koch leads and innovates Nebraska's identification, surveillance, and mapping of invasive and threatening arthropod species, particularly those of economic importance. He trains extension personnel, UNL students, faculty, and staff in new insect diagnostic technologies and engages Nebraskans in citizen science projects focused on invasive species. His professional responsibilities include developing rapid and innovative insect diagnostics and providing state-wide leadership in entomology extension programming.

Dr. Koch is an active member of the Entomological Society of America (ESA) and collaborates with researchers across multiple institutions on projects related to insect-plant interactions and pest management. His work often involves interdisciplinary teams combining expertise in entomology, plant science, molecular biology, and agricultural extension.