Richard Turcotte

Richard (Rick) Turcotte is an Adjunct Assistant Professor affiliated with West Virginia University. He currently serves as Forest Health Group Leader with the USDA Forest Service, focusing on forest health protection, detection, monitoring, and management of forest insects and diseases.

• B.S. Environmental Science, Central Connecticut State University (1990)
• M.S. Agricultural Biology, New Mexico State University (1993)
• Ph.D. Plant and Soil Science, West Virginia University (2016)

Research interests include: Forest health protection, insect and disease management, invasive species monitoring, and climate impacts on forest ecosystems. His work spans Beech Bark Disease, Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, pesticide distribution in forest settings, and emerging pests like Drosophila suzukii affecting black cherry.

Recent publications highlight his expertise in forest entomology, invasive species dynamics, and climate effects on pest populations. Key topics include spatial pesticide analysis, phenology studies, and disease resistance strategies in Northern Hardwood stands.

Professional background: Turcotte worked as an entomologist with the USDA Agricultural Research Service (1993-2002) and transitioned to the USDA Forest Service in 2002, where he leads forest health initiatives.