Planted my first seeds ever: bean plants for spider mite colonies. Why am I so anxious (watching YouTube tutorials) about this one part of the study??? I’m more comfortable dissecting microhym specimens than growing beans. To growth, and growth!

Also, big thank you to FES for selecting me to receive the Graduate Student Mini-Grant Award, and for the opportunity to present on a subject of great personal interest: the relationship between taxonomy and IPM 😊

Really starting to appreciate doing field work in Florida! Sure, it’s hot, but beautiful too. #florida #blueberry #ipm #phd

It's incredible to look back at the advances toward the 3 SA2000 missions. While impediments & gaps are still significant, I also wonder if the perspectives of Primary Users of Sys. Research evolved as much as intended by now. How do we know if new biodiversity knowledge flowed to those who need it?

A highlight of the week was visiting #UF CALS Field & Fork Farm and Gardens! The food program’s multiple focal areas provide an exemplary intersection of sustainable farming principles and action to address food insecurity in the campus community. These greens feed locals while teaching #IPM 🥬

One of my favorite parts of field work is trying to “think like a bug”…Today that meant checking out these southern highbush blueberry plants from below. Which production system looks more inviting to a cool weather mite? #fieldwork #ipm #blueberry #shb #sustainability