Laura Jesse Iles

Dr. Laura Jesse Iles serves as Director of the North Central Integrated Pest Management Center at Iowa State University, affiliated with the Department of Entomology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Her role bridges academic research and practical extension services across 12 Midwestern states.

She holds a Ph.D. (co-major in Entomology and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 2006), M.S. in Entomology (2001), and B.S. in Animal Ecology (1998), all from Iowa State University. Her educational trajectory demonstrates deep specialization in insect ecology and pest management systems.

Dr. Iles' research focuses on urban and residential pest management with emphasis on sustainable solutions. Her work integrates biological control methodologies with habitat conservation strategies, particularly for pollinators and butterflies. She actively develops diagnostic protocols for home garden pests and urban forest ecosystems, translating entomological research into actionable guidance for non-agricultural settings. Her approach prioritizes reducing chemical pesticide dependence while maintaining ecological balance in human-dominated landscapes.

Through the North Central IPM Center, she coordinates regional efforts to advance integrated pest management adoption, emphasizing community engagement and evidence-based decision making for urban stakeholders.