Pin-Chu Lai

Pin-Chu Lai is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with a dual appointment split equally between Extension and Research. Her work bridges applied ecology and integrated pest management (IPM) in agricultural systems.

• Education: Ph.D. (2021) and M.S. (2015) in Entomology from the University of Georgia; B.S. (2013) in Entomology from National Taiwan University.

Research Interests: Dr. Lai focuses on biological control, insect ecology, and sustainable pest management strategies. Key areas include insect resistance to pesticides, plant-insect interactions, and integration of water and pest management in field crops like onions, potatoes, and peanuts. Her work often addresses challenges in organic agriculture.

Publication Trends: Recent articles emphasize managing invasive pests (e.g., allium leafminer) through reflective mulch, trap cropping, and entomopathogenic nematodes. Earlier studies explore thrips-virus-plant interactions and decision-making thresholds for pest control.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Eastern Branch Excellence in Early Career Research Award (2024)
  • Herbert H. Ross Memorial Scholarship (2020)
  • Entomological Society of America President’s Prize (2020)
  • National Peanut Board Graduate Student Poster Contest (2020)
  • Georgia Entomological Society C. M. Beckman Award (2016, 2018)
• Outreach & Presentations:
  • Developed pest management fact sheets and presented at national/international conferences.
  • Active in extension seminars and workshops for organic vegetable production.