If you would like to view my CV please click here.

Short Bio

I earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (B.S.A.) degree in Plant Protection and Pest Management from the University of Georgia, Department of Plant Pathology in 1999. After a brief stint working for UGA Cooperative Extension on Cotton and School IPM grants, I then went on to earn my Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Entomology in 2005, also from the University of Georgia. My dissertation research explored the biology and management of arthropod pests of a popular southern woody ornamental, crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia spp.). Of central focus was a relatively recent flea beetle pest of commercially produced Lagerstroemia.


My Extension emphasis as a Public Service Faculty member in the Department of Entomology is on the development and coordination of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs for turf, ornamental and urban pests. Of particular interest is determining decision making guidelines for landscape and nursery pests which incorporate knowledge of the biology, behavior, and damage potential of the pests, as well as associated beneficial arthropods and proper timing of chemical applications. I also develop and conduct educational programs in the areas of pesticide risk reduction and pesticide applicator training in conjunction with the State Pesticide and IPM Coordinator, Dr. Paul Guillebeau. 

 

Extension Work

  • Public speaking on the topics of turf and ornamental pest management and pesticide safety
  • School IPM education and implementation
  • Landscape IPM incorporating host plant resistance and facilitated through an interactive online database
  • Pesticide education delivery via the Georgia public library system
  • Development of an interactive private pesticide applicator licence educational cd
  • Revisions of outdated pesticide applicator manuals for the Georgia Department of Agriculture  
    •  

Personal Interests

I reside in Athens, GA, with my wonderful husband, Steve, and our beautiful son, Calvin. When I have free time I enjoy reading 'how-to' books, playing guitar, singing, gardening, hiking, camping, artisinal bread baking, cooking, observing nature and studying the psychology of happiness.