Steven Smith Email & Phone Number

Durham, Nc, Us

Durham, North Carolina, United States

Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Area

Fellsmere, Fl

My primary role is to discover potential advancements to watercress, arugula and kale production. Areas of expertise include insecticides, fungicides, fertilizers, and controlled indoor farming. When new treatments are identified, I develop experiments to test the success of each compared to industry standards. Additionally, I work closely with production staff to develop improved pest management practices to reduce our environmental impact and exceed regulatory requirements.

West Lafayette, In

College Park, Md

West Lafayette, In

Thesis Title: Random mating of western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) emerging from Bt and refuge plants in the field. This work is important because random mating is a critical assumption of all current Bt/refuge mating approaches. However, it is untested in the field situation. If random mating occurs, then the current refuge planting strategies have a greater likelihood of accomplishing their purpose by diluting any resistance genes that may be present. If random mating does not occur for any reason, new refuge strategies may need to be implemented to prevent resistance from developing further in this continually adapting pest.

West Lafayette, In

Field work included monitoring and maintaining entomology research plots (primarily industry efficacy trials) and collecting data. Collection/sampling methods used were sweep nets, emergence traps/cages, and sight ID. Lab work consisted of sorting collected samples, weighing and measuring insects collected. Major pests included: western corn rootworm, soybean aphid, black cutworm and western bean cutworm. Additional tasks included planting research plots with a 4-row planter, designing and setting up research plots, spraying pesticides when needed, conducting statistical analysis, writing reports, and managing a small crew of 3-5 undergraduate workers. Additional responsibilities included: various extension talks with consultants and growers (2013 - Purdue Agronomy Center for Research and Education (Diagnostic Training Center): May 21, 22; June 11, 12, 13; July 12).

Master’S Degree, Entomology

Bachelor'S Of Science, Entomology

Activities and Societies: Field Crop IPM lab assistant Aug 2008 - July 2011