I am a third year PhD student in the Entomology Department at North Carolina State University under the advisorship of Dr. Mark R. Abney.  My current research includes important, initial studies that will be incorporated into an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program for the invasive white grub, Plectris aliena (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), which is a severe economic threat to growers of major agricultural crops in North Carolina. I have conducted experiments in the areas of insect ecology, insect behavior, insecticide efficacy trials, and biological control, and have collaborated with other scientists in the area of chemical ecology to better understand the biology and potential management of this pest.

My work experiences in the past have been in the fields of ecology and agriculture.  After graduating from Rutgers in 2000 with a B.S. in Natural Resource Management, I conducted research for a waterfowl biologist with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife.  Prior to obtaining my Masters Degree I worked full time at a local farm market in New Jersey, influencing my life to the extent that I wrote a story about it, published in Newsweek magazine in 2007. 

Later on, I decided to combine my passion for agriculture with my interest in entomology and pursue a PhD in Entomology at North Carolina State University.   Prior to going back to school again as a graduate student, I worked as a Researcher IV (i.e. technician) in vegetable plant pathology for Dr. Andrew Wyenandt at the Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center for several years.           

In addition to my academic and research success, I am a mother of two young children.  Despite challenges of being a graduate student-mom, I have become a positive influence to women who are balancing the responsibilities of full-time work and parenting.  One of the most rewarding aspects during my time as a graduate student has been to advocate the roles of career women (and moms) in science. 

To date, I have completed the data collection for my experiments related to my PhD program and have begun writing my dissertation.  I have also begun writing three manuscripts for publication in peer reviewed scientific journals, all of which I will be held accountable for by my non-tenured advisor for the success of both of our careers.     

Because my positions as Researcher IV at Rutgers and as a PhD student at NC State have both been under supervision of faculty in pursuit of tenure, I have been exposed to fully rigorous scientific programs at reputable universities.  I am passionate about contributing my research and leadership skills to generate solutions for global pest problems.