My research spans the breadth of entomology, from the taxonomy and curation of specimens to agroecology and soil ecology. The common thread is rigorous evidence applied to questions that matter for biodiversity, agriculture, and environmental health.
Taxonomy and Collections
Identification, curation, and collection management of insects and spiders, including work alongside national reference collections. I have a particular interest in better methods for specimen preservation, including the revival of micro glassware production and gum chloral mounting mediums.
Agroecology and Integrated Pest Management
Field research on cover crops, termination practices, and their effects on arthropod communities, soil health, and yield in no-till systems, with an emphasis on reducing chemical inputs while protecting productivity. I worked directly with farmers to turn this research into practices they could put to use on their own land.
Soil Ecology and Environmental Safety
Current doctoral work at Swansea University on soil invertebrate communities and the environmental fate of veterinary medicines, combining field sampling with chemical residue analysis. The work is carried out with collaborators including Dr Sarah Beynon and the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology.
Research Interests
- Taxonomic identification and curation of insect and spider specimens.
- Sustainable agriculture and integrated pest management.
- Soil invertebrate ecology and environmental risk assessment.
- Microscopy methods in entomology, including electron and DIC microscopy.
Publications
- The potential of Chloridea virescens to become established outside its native range. Southwestern Entomologist, 50(4):1637 to 1658, 2025.
- Survivorship of Chloridea virescens under Storage and Transportation. Southwestern Entomologist, 49(4):1494 to 1506, 2024.
- A Compelling Case for the Rediscovery of C V Riley's Insect Collection Boxes. American Entomologist, 68(3), 2022.
- Can Winter Cover Crop Termination Practices Impact Weed Suppression, Soil Moisture, and Yield in No-Till Soybean. Crop Protection, 116, 2019.
- Improving Risk Assessment of Noctuid Pests at North American Ports and Farms. Annals of the Entomological Society of America, 2019.
- The Effect of Barley Cover Crop Residue and Herbicide Management on the Foliar Arthropod Community in No-Till Soybeans. Agronomy, 8(6):87, 2018.
- Can Row Spacing Influence Arthropod Communities in Soybean? Implications for Early and Late Planting. Environmental Entomology, 44(3):557 to 561, 2015.
Selected Presentations
- The Invasive Threat of Imported Invertebrate Pets. Entomological Society of Washington, 2024.
- Amateur Ant Hobbyists and Their Contributions to Science. Entomological Society of America, 2020.
- Impact of Chemical and Mechanical Cover Crop Termination Practices on Soybean Arthropods. Harford County Midwinter Agronomy Meeting, 2016.
Skills and Methods
- Advanced microscopy for specimen analysis and slide preparation.
- Statistical modelling and data analysis in R and JMP, including phylogenetics.
- Public engagement and education on agriculture, pest management, and biodiversity.
Languages
- English, fluent
- Spanish, native
- French, working familiarity
- Hindi, familiar