Applied insect ecology, insecticide resistance management, population structure, and phylogenetic analysis of onion insects pests from different geographic regions under the supervision of Dr. Brian Nault

• Ecology and Management of Field Crops Insects• Conducted and coordinated 6 field research trials, 2 diet incorporation assays in the laboratory, and 4 greenhouse experiments to evaluate larval establishment, oviposition preference, and insect development with research team• Conducted and coordinated 4 field research trials to evaluate the effect of the volume, timing, and efficacy of insecticide applications.• Participated in research site preparation and maintenance: planting, weeding, pesticide mixing and application, and harvesting. • Present research at scientific and commodity group conferences, publish extension and scientific articles• Partnered with USDA personnel to conduct trials evaluating insects’ effect on yield reduction, nutrient influence, and varietal resistance. • Supervised five student workers both on campus and at the sugarcane research station.

• Conducted field, greenhouse, and laboratory research in integrated pest management, plant-insect interactions, and pesticide efficacy in sugarcane and rice agroecosystems.• Examined potential chemical controls for invasive apple snails in rice and crawfish systems.• Collected biological data: insect counts, insect identification, insect damage, yield, insect mortality, insect egg-laying behaviors, behavioral choice.• Assisted in maintaining laboratory insect colonies in the Department of Entomology LSU.