News
8/6/23
We will be hiring a postdoctoral researcher sometime in Winter 2024 to advance scientific understanding of the biology of a newly approved and promising biological control agent for yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis), the rosette weevil (Ceratapion basicorne). This knowledge will be applied through the development of improved rearing methods to increase populations for use in releases, and through the development of models that will help identify optimal locations for insect establishment and spread. Click here for more details!
6/1/22
Our publication in Biology presents models of the potential invasive distribution of Calonectria pseudonaviculata, the most widespread and damaging pathogen of boxwood, a major evergreen shrub crop and keystone forest species. The models can assist with identifying areas to watch for the plant pathogen both regionally and globally, which is important for protecting native Buxus species and the horticulture industry.
1/31/22
A chapter that I collaborated on in the book "Tactical Sciences for Biosecurity in Animal and Plant Systems" has been published! The content focuses on reviewing how to design and implement an effective surveillance system for early detection, identification, and containment of invasive species that threaten agricultural resources.
12/30/20
My new publication in PLoS ONE introduces DDRP (Degree-Days, Risk mapping, and Phenological event mapping), which is a population modeling platform that integrates mapping of phenology and climatic suitability in real-time to provide guidance on both where and when invasive insect species could potentially invade the 48-state conterminous United States. The platform serves as an open-source and relatively easy-to-parameterize decision support tool to help detect new invasive threats, schedule monitoring and management actions, optimize biological control, and predict potential impacts on agricultural production. Currently we are using DDRP to model 15 high-priority invasive insects as specified by stakeholders at APHIS PPQ, and we are developing models for IPM insect pest species.
1/1/20
A book chapter that I co-authored in "Integrated management (IPM) of insect pests" was just published. The book volume focuses on advances in understanding insect species and landscape ecology, which provide the foundations for effective IPM.
In our chapter, we describe general concepts and methods of the systems approach using applied phenology (seasonal activities) modeling of insect pests. In other words, we describe how to break down the complex attributes of an insect's life cycle to better understand and model its activities and development. This knowledge is needed for sustainable, productive agriculture.
Here's the link to the book:
https://shop.bdspublishing.com/store/bds/detail/workgroup/3-190-82952