I am fascinated by applied entomology, especially biological control, which harnesses insect biology and physiology to develop innovative pest management solutions. As a Laboratory Technician with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to several biological control projects targeting invasive pests. My primary focus has been on rearing and releasing colonies of the Japanese knotweed psyllid, Alphalara itadori, biological control agent for Japanese knotweed, an invasive plant.
In addition to this work, I’ve supported projects involving Spotted Wing Drosophila, Hemlock Wooly Adelgid, and Spotted Lanternfly, assisting with colony care, field surveys, species identification, and data collection. These experiences have strengthened my interest in integrated pest management and deepened my understanding of the collaborative, field-to-lab nature of applied entomological research.