Meet the lab
Dr. Ricardo Ramirez
Associate Professor and Entomologist
Dr. Ramirez began his entomological career by evaluating the effects of arid environments and decapitating flies on competition between native and imported fire ants in New Mexico. He then examined the effect of predator and entomopathogen diversity on the suppression of Colorado potato beetle in potato crops. This was followed by examining the indirect effects of aphid herbivory on caterpillar herbivory through predator recruitment and elevated plant defenses in cotton. See the current work from his team below.
Associate Professor and Entomologist
- Post-Doc: Texas A&M University, Entomology
- PhD: Washington State University, Entomology
- BS & MS: New Mexico State University, Entomology, Plant Path, and Weed Science
Dr. Ramirez began his entomological career by evaluating the effects of arid environments and decapitating flies on competition between native and imported fire ants in New Mexico. He then examined the effect of predator and entomopathogen diversity on the suppression of Colorado potato beetle in potato crops. This was followed by examining the indirect effects of aphid herbivory on caterpillar herbivory through predator recruitment and elevated plant defenses in cotton. See the current work from his team below.
Dr. Lori Spears
Professional Practice Assistant Professor-Invasive Species Survey Coordinator
Dr. Spears conducts invasive species surveys throughout Utah. She focuses her research on invasive species dynamics including the spread and host use of brown marmorated stink bug (Haylomorpha halys), factors affecting spotted wing drosophila abundance in the Intermountain West, and evaluating arthropod communities in an agricultural landscape using by-catch.
Professional Practice Assistant Professor-Invasive Species Survey Coordinator
- PhD: Utah State University, Ecology
- BS: Weber State University, Anthropology
Dr. Spears conducts invasive species surveys throughout Utah. She focuses her research on invasive species dynamics including the spread and host use of brown marmorated stink bug (Haylomorpha halys), factors affecting spotted wing drosophila abundance in the Intermountain West, and evaluating arthropod communities in an agricultural landscape using by-catch.
Dr. Julian Golec
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Dr. Golec is investigating the effects of water-efficient irrigation systems and drought-tolerant crop technologies on Banks grass mite (Oligonychus pratensis) and two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) in corn. He is also interested in the link between weed hosts and crop infestations of spider mites.
Postdoctoral Research Associate
- Postdoc: North Carolina State Univ., Entomology and Plant Pathology
- PhD: University of Delaware, Entomology
- MS: Auburn University, Entomology
- BS: University of Rhode Island, Biology/Plant Science
Dr. Golec is investigating the effects of water-efficient irrigation systems and drought-tolerant crop technologies on Banks grass mite (Oligonychus pratensis) and two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) in corn. He is also interested in the link between weed hosts and crop infestations of spider mites.
Gunbharpur (Gunn) Gill
PhD Student
Gunn is studying the effects of drought on spider mites and their host plants, barley and maize. He is interested in the unique responses of the generalist two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) and the specialist Banks grass mite (Oligonychus pratensis) to drought conditions and host plant resistance.
PhD Student
- MS: Black Hills State University, Integrative Genomics (2016)
- BS: Punjab Agricultural University, Crop Protection (2014)
Gunn is studying the effects of drought on spider mites and their host plants, barley and maize. He is interested in the unique responses of the generalist two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) and the specialist Banks grass mite (Oligonychus pratensis) to drought conditions and host plant resistance.
Morgan (Mo) Christman
PhD Student
Morgan is studying how pollinator and predator communities are affected by agricultural landscapes. Her work focuses on landscape structure surrounding alfalfa and corn production fields throughout Utah highlighting effects on various bee species, including Bombus, and lady beetles.
PhD Student
- BS & BA: Denison University, Biology & Environmental Studies (2017)
Morgan is studying how pollinator and predator communities are affected by agricultural landscapes. Her work focuses on landscape structure surrounding alfalfa and corn production fields throughout Utah highlighting effects on various bee species, including Bombus, and lady beetles.
Kaitlin Rim
MS Student
Kaitlin is investigating both curative and preventive management approaches for the suppression of clover root curculio, a soil dwelling pest of alfalfa. She is specifically interested in using entomopathogens targeted toward the damaging larval stages. In addition, she is screening alfalfa varieties in search of resistant varieties.
MS Student
- BS: University of Delaware, Biological Sciences & Wildlife Ecology and Conservation (2016)
Kaitlin is investigating both curative and preventive management approaches for the suppression of clover root curculio, a soil dwelling pest of alfalfa. She is specifically interested in using entomopathogens targeted toward the damaging larval stages. In addition, she is screening alfalfa varieties in search of resistant varieties.
Desireè Wickwar
MS Student
Desireè is investigating billbugs (Sphenophorus spp.), a major pest of turfgrass, and their management in the Intermountain West. Currently, she is evaluating predator-prey interactions and conservation biocontrol.
MS Student
- BS: Westminster College, Biology (2017)
Desireè is investigating billbugs (Sphenophorus spp.), a major pest of turfgrass, and their management in the Intermountain West. Currently, she is evaluating predator-prey interactions and conservation biocontrol.
Undergraduate Students
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Lab Alum
Dr. Madeleine Dupuy
PhD Biology/Ecology, Utah State University (2013-2018)
Current Position: Columbia Basin College, Assistant Professor of Biology
PhD Biology/Ecology, Utah State University (2013-2018)
Current Position: Columbia Basin College, Assistant Professor of Biology
Dr. Alice Ruckert
PhD Biology/Ecology, Utah State University (2012-2017)
Current Position: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, Research Entomologist
PhD Biology/Ecology, Utah State University (2012-2017)
Current Position: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, Research Entomologist
Steve Price
MS Biology, Utah State University (2014-2017)
Current Position: Utah State University Extension, Extension Assistant Professor (Carbon County)
MS Biology, Utah State University (2014-2017)
Current Position: Utah State University Extension, Extension Assistant Professor (Carbon County)
Houston Judd
MS Biology, Utah State University (2014-2017; co-advised with Dr. Jamie Strange, USDA-ARS)
MS Biology, Utah State University (2014-2017; co-advised with Dr. Jamie Strange, USDA-ARS)
Andi Kopit
MS Student (2014-2017; co-advised with Dr. Theresa Pitts-Singer, USDA-ARS)
MS Student (2014-2017; co-advised with Dr. Theresa Pitts-Singer, USDA-ARS)
Dr. Cory Stanley-Stahr
USU CAPS coordinator (2010-2013)
Current Position: Wildlife International, Senior Biologist
USU CAPS coordinator (2010-2013)
Current Position: Wildlife International, Senior Biologist
Erica Stephens
MS Student (2011-2015)
MS Student (2011-2015)
