Can you tell us about the areas of research you are passionate about and what brought you to being the Christmas Tree Extension Specialist at the COF?
I have a passion for understanding the biological mechanisms underlying the interactions between two living organisms that exist in symbiosis, such as insects and plants. The interplay between insect pests and plants is a perfect example of the evolution of these interactions. Understanding pest biology on a host plant is essential to developing sustainable pest management strategies. The impact of applied entomology on agriculture and forestry has inspired me to continue my career in entomology. I studied various insect pests in forest and agriculture ecosystems to develop cultivars exhibiting pest-resilient traits. This skill set and passion for applied science brought me to being the Christmas tree extension specialist. As an extension specialist, I have opportunities to constantly learn and explore new challenges created by the emerging threats to the Christmas tree industry and develop solutions that have a direct impact on the stakeholders.

What are you currently researching? And, what is one research project that you’re proud of or that you feel had a significant impact?
Currently, I am learning different management strategies for Christmas Tree production. The vision of my program is to develop an interdisciplinary research program to address the emerging challenges in Christmas tree production in the Pacific Northwest to develop applied solutions. If I had to pick a past project that made a significant impact, it is when I developed a protein database of oral secretions of Western Flower thrips, a notorious agriculture and greenhouse pest. It was also one of the most challenging projects that I have ever worked with as I had to dissect thousands of insects to extract their salivary glands. This database has opened opportunities for other researchers to understand the fundamental biology of the pest to develop sustainable tools to manage it.

What is something you want every student to know about you?
I have a very broad knowledge of various subjects such as biochemistry, molecular biology, entomology and ecology. I also bring technical knowledge in insect rearing, both basic and advanced molecular biology. Most importantly, I love mentoring students and providing career guidance!

What do you like to do in your free time?
I like baking in cool season and gardening in warm season!

What’s your favorite book/movie genre or your all-time favorite title?
I like to read mystery books and watch comedy movies.