I am currently finishing up my master’s degree in the Entomology department at Purdue University under Dr. Rick Foster. My project focuses on vegetable IPM, specifically insect pests in high tunnel vegetable production. The ultimate goal is to improve and expand the information available to farmers using this production system, likely through the publication of a Midwest High Tunnel Production Manual. I will be graduating in May of 2012 with the hope of finding a suitable position of employment.

I have a strong background in the life sciences, beginning with a bachelor’s degree in Biology, concurrently concentrating on the biological and psychological understanding of Animal Behavior. I also have experience working in an Animal Behavior research laboratory in the Psychology department, focusing on testing equivalence relations in pigeons using Skinner box experiments.

My career in Entomology began with a Research Assistant position under Dr. Foster in the Entomology department at Purdue University following my bachelor’s degree—that summer job developed into a passion. Soon after I accepted a master’s position in the department and began my research project. In the years since, I have acquired numerous entomological skills, including field collection, crop scouting, insect identification, pesticide mixing and application, insect preservation, and propagation of insect colonies. I have given several presentations over my research both at regional and national entomological meetings and received academic scholarships based on outstanding performance. I have also remained heavily active within the Purdue Entomology department by contributing to various educational outreach opportunities and holding positions such as Linnaean Team Captain and Intramural Sports Team Captain.

For more information on my research and experience please download my CV and contact me.