I am an entomologist with a background in Ecology and the biological control of insects. My education started with Plant Protection as my Bachelor’s degree and continued in Entomology for my Masters and Ph.D. My expertise includes insect biology and ecology, integrated pest management, biological control, and applied pest management. I also have a background in using molecular techniques such as DNA extraction and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). In the last several years, I worked with beneficial insects (Coccinellidae) in Europe to understand the biology and potential use in pest management programs. In my current project, as an Associate Specialist for IPM with the UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, I have been working on multiple applied IPM projects focusing on tree fruit and nut pests that include Pacific flatheaded borer, Chrysobothris mali (in walnuts) and spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii in cherries.