My name is Midhula Gireesh. I am from Kerala, a southwestern coastal state of India, which is known as God's Own Country for its natural beauty and vibrant culture. During high school days, the concept of ‘’hybridization” taught in a biology class grabbed my attention. Moreover, I was curious to learn about plants. This has compelled me to take a double major in Botany and Biotechnology for my Bachelor of Science degree. After my BS degree, I went further to pursue an MSc in Genomic Science, which deals with the advancements in Genomics and Genetics. As part of my master’s thesis, I worked on metagenomic sequencing of gut microbes in neurotypical vs autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affected children. The study focused mainly on understanding the diversity of gut microbes in ASD and neurotypical children. In 2016, I graduated with my MSc from Central University of Kerala, India, under the guidance of Dr. Tony Grace. 

In 2018, I moved to the US to pursue my Doctoral degree in Entomology at the University of Georgia under Dr. Shimat V. Joseph. My doctoral research involved developing IPM strategies for hunting billbugs in the turfgrass production (sod) farms of central Georgia. My initial research goals were to record the major billbug species, their seasonal occurrence, abundance, and movement activity in turfgrass. Later, my research focused on determining the influence of abiotic factors on the movement of hunting billbugs under field, semi-field, lab conditions and the spatial distribution of hunting billbugs. Ultimately, the aim was to improve the sampling plan and develop an IPM strategy for sod farms. From my doctoral research I was able to publish my findings in five peer-reviewed journals and one manuscript is in preparation. In addition, I also wrote a peer-reviewed extension article on hunting billbugs. 

Dr. Midhula Gireesh joined my Strawberry and Small Fruit Crop Entomology lab in Fall 2021. Since then, she has been actively involved with research and extension efforts in my program. Results of her research show that reflective mulch is a valuable cultural control tool in the advancement of integrated pest management of thrips in strawberry. In the short time that she has spent in my program, she has already co-authored a review article and extension reports, further advancing the understanding of strawberry pest management. Additionally, Midhula works in organic strawberry where she is focusing on determination of potential of biopesticides for thrips management. Publications resulting from both these studies will have a high impact on the strawberry and small fruit crop industry. Midhula is already a well published author, having published her PhD dissertation studies on bill bug management in turf grass in high impact journals. Midhula is generous with her time. She organized a member-symposium with me last year, for the southeastern Entomological Society of America branch meeting. This symposium further enabled networking opportunity with colleagues that led to grant proposal submissions. Midhula is a source of positive energy in the lab and mentors her peers very effectively. She comes from the beautiful state of Kerala, in southern India, and loves to cook dishes from her homeland! She is fun loving, open-minded, and loves to experience new things. Her hard-working nature, commitment towards excellence, and unique academic skills of both molecular and field entomology recently helped her land a tenure-track Assistant Professor position to work on turf grass and ornamental entomology in University of Tennessee. Although I am very proud of her achievements and fully expect great accomplishments from her, I am a bit sad to say goodbye to Dr. Gireesh. We will miss her deeply!

Interviewer: Samuel Ipinyomi