I am interested in biorational pest management and insect agriculture. I have conducted studies on plant immunity elicitors in potatoes, volatile attractants of predatory insects in nursery production of red maple, and the effects of overwintering on the prey preference of predatory insects. My current research is focused on mating disruption of grape mealybugs and the improvement of entomopathogenic nematodes using byproducts from insect agriculture. I am also the president and founder of the Bug Club at Oregon State University which one club of the year in 2024. The club is focused on creating educational and research opportunities for students interested in aspects of entomology which current course offerings do not address. We have conducted over 100 service hours and engaged over 1,060 people with a variety of insect related material in the last year. We have also recently re-established the Bug Zoo on campus in partnership with the Oregon State Arthropod Collection.
At OSU
Biography
Major Advisor, Vaughn Walton
I am a PhD student majoring in horticulture with an option in entomology and a minor in organizational leadership as well as a certification in supply chain logistics and management. My research focus is on biorational control options for mealybugs in Oregon vineyards. I am conducting trials on mating disruption for the grape mealybug across all major wine regions in Oregon. I am also conducting lab and field trials to improve the use of entomopathogenic nematodes. I am a member of the Entomological Society of America and the North American Coalition for Insect Agriculture as well as the president of the Bug Club at Oregon State University. I am passionate about education and outreach and have a deep interest in promoting and expanding insect agriculture in Oregon. In my free time I help my wife with her home baking business and backpack around the Pacific Northwest.