معرفی
Marion (Mair) Murray serves as an IPM Specialist and Professional Practice Extension Associate Professor in the Biology Department at Utah State University. Her work focuses on integrated pest management, plant pathology, and sustainable agricultural practices throughout Utah. She is actively involved in extension services, providing critical pest management information to agricultural professionals, homeowners, and community members across the state.
Educational Background:
- MS in Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, 1992
Dr. Murray's research interests span integrated pest management (IPM), plant pathology, entomology, and sustainable agriculture. She specializes in vegetable and fruit production systems, with particular expertise in managing pests of tree fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. Her work emphasizes environmentally sustainable approaches to pest control, including biological control methods, habitat management for beneficial insects, and reduced pesticide use strategies. She has developed numerous educational resources for both agricultural professionals and home gardeners.
Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on practical pest management solutions for Utah's unique agricultural environment. Murray has produced comprehensive guides for vegetable and tree fruit production, fact sheets on specific pests and diseases, and educational materials for the Master Gardener program. Her work increasingly addresses emerging challenges such as climate impacts on pest populations, alternative pest control methods beyond traditional antibiotics, and the integration of pollinator conservation with pest management.
Scientific Awards:
- Communication Award - Fact Sheet National Finalist (one of 3), 2022, National Association of County Agricultural Agents
- Communication Award - Book, National Finalist (one of 3), 2021, National Association of County Agricultural Agents
- Communication Award - Newsletter, National Finalist (one of 3), 2021, National Association of County Agricultural Agents
- Distinguished Service Award, 2016, Utah Community Forest Council and Utah Chapter of ISA
- Innovative Program Award, 2012, USU Specialists Association
- Early Career Award, 2011, Epsilon Sigma Phi IOTA Chapter
- Extension New Specialist Award, 2010, USU Extension Specialists Association
- WEDA Honorable Mention Utah Pests Program, 2009
- Vice President's Award of Excellence - Team Award, 2007
Dr. Murray actively advises agricultural professionals and homeowners through Utah State University Extension services. She has administered the IPM/Sustainable Agriculture Mini-Grant Program from 2007-2016, facilitating research and demonstration projects across the state. Her extension activities include conducting field trials and demonstrations, delivering timely pest management information, and increasing the use of IPM practices throughout Utah. She has worked as a team member of the Utah Pests Group since 2007, collaborating with colleagues to address emerging pest challenges.
Dr. Murray is a key member of the Utah Pests team and works closely with the Utah Climate Center on the Utah TRAPs (Temperature Resource and Alerts for Pests) program, which provides degree-day calculations and insect phenology information to help time pest management activities. She contributes to the Master Gardener program and has developed extensive educational resources for both agricultural professionals and home gardeners throughout Utah.
