What do you do in your current role with the University of Missouri?
I am the new extension urban entomologist with the University of Missouri and Lincoln University. I answer questions from the public about insect identification and provide options for management. I also work closely with journalists and media producers to bring the stories of Missouri insects, both beneficial and pests, to the public. Our lab focuses on sustainable pest and pollinator management in urban ecosystems. At present, we are focusing on the role of herbicide drift on arboreal herbivores, the effects of invasive plant management strategies on bioindicator species, screening native species for potential disruptions due to competition from invasive species, and collaborating with the Highway 13 Butterfly Trail to bring information about our native pollinators to a broader audience.
How long have you worked in this position?
I have been in this role for one year.
What is your favorite part about the work you do?
My favorite thing about this work is seeing the lightbulb moments from our clients. Whether it is a 5th grader at summer camp realizing insects aren’t so scary after all or an urban gardener learning about a sustainable management practice that works in their plot, those moments showcase that what we do makes a difference.
How are you helping MU A&E Extension reach our #2xAg2030 goal?
I am working with partners all over the state to help identify needs within the state. One such need is working towards more effective monitoring and management of the spotted lanternfly accompanied with clear public messaging about the insect. Additionally, our lab’s work on herbicide drift in forested systems could help us identify alternative application timing to reduce damage to our natural resources. Finally, through developing the Highway 13 Butterfly Trail, we are able to provide education, improve our environment, and bolster the economy in western MO.
What is something your CAFNR and MU Extension teammates may not know about you?
They might not know that I used to be a DJ in college. I had the opportunity to work with an on-campus radio station at the University of Illinois. This opportunity really helped me build confidence in public speaking and practice my “podcast voice.”
What is your hometown, place of high school graduation, and degrees/universities?
I am from Belleville, Illinois and graduated from O’Fallon Township High School. From there, I went on to receive my B.S. in Integrative Biology and Anthropology from the University of Illinois while spending a summer interning at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. I went on to earn my M.S. in Plant, Insect, and Microbial Sciences from the University of Missouri. During my program, I focused on the effects of sustainable management practices and plant breeding on the susceptibility of soybean to insect herbivores. From there, I was able to complete my dream Ph.D. thesis at the University of Minnesota elucidating the chemical ecology of the eastern larch beetle, isolating pheromones, host volatiles, and identifying potential monitoring practices for forest health practitioners. After graduating in July 2024, I began as faculty at MU and LU in August of 2024.