Jason M. Schmidt, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Entomology
University of Georgia
2360 Rainwater Rd
Tifton, GA 31793
Ph: (229) 386-7251
Email: jschmid2@uga.edu
Research Technician
Melissa D. Thompson
I am a Research Technician III on the UGA Tifton Campus in the Entomology Department. I am interested in the biological control of arthropod pests and insect identification. My time is spent conducting molecular analysis, lab rearing insects, managing pollinator gardens and coordinating field sampling. I also enjoy outreach to share information about beneficial insects in agricultural systems with the public and the grower community.
PhD Students
Pedro F. S. Toledo
2021-
I am an agronomist, MSc. in Entomology and currently a PhD student at the Biocontrol Lab. During my doctoral studies, my focus has been to understand how cultural management, tree strata (canopy levels) and seasonal changes can influence the abundance, richness and overall effectiveness of predatory biological control agents in pecan systems. My research interests are (but not limited to): applied ecology, pesticide (eco)toxicology, insect behavior and sustainability in agriculture.
Joshua Grant
2022-
As an Extension agent – I’m fascinated with the surrounding environment and consistently question how agricultural landscapes affect the arthropod community. The state of Georgia, especially the southern half, is one giant opportunity for original research in agriculture with local and global implications. Through trials in commodities like watermelon, I want to generate impactful information on how human practices affect our arthropods.
Albertha Parkins
2021-
Research Interest: Assessment of plant-insect interaction, Monitoring and management of invasive pests, Development and evaluation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Programs /Strategies, Agronomy.
Sarah Rezende
2021-
My research focuses on understanding the temporal dynamics of biodiversity, specifically among wild bees and ground spiders, within agricultural landscapes and the surrounding natural and semi-natural habitats. I have a passion for insect identification, and my microscope is my go-to-tool for exploring and studying the rich diversity of these fascinating arthropods.
Itohan Aigbedion-Atalor
2023-
My research interests encompass integrated pest management, biological control of invasive species, biodiversity and conservation, and insect predator-prey interactions. My doctoral research aims to provide critical insights into the interactions between potential predators of whitefly, Bemisia tabaci and their role in biocontrol under changing climate scenarios.
Undergraduate Research Assistants
Winston Cornish
I am an undergraduate student of the University of Georgia majoring in Entomology and Forestry on track to graduate in 2024. Interests of mine: insect ecology, aquatic invertebrates, forest ecosystems, field margin habitats, biocontrol, and ecological succession.
Aspen Foster
Macy Morgan
Kayla Brenton
Former Post-Doctoral Research Associates
Arash Kheirodin
PhD 2020-2023
Current position-Assistant Professor Texas A&M University
Anitha Chitturi
PhD 2023-2024
Current position – Assistant Professor – Lincoln University, Missouri
Former Graduate Students
Kylie M. Lennon
MS 2022
Current position- Corteva Agriscience, Indianapolis
Amos Kaldor
MS 2022
Current position- Eurofins Agroscience Services, Maryland
Kyle Slusher
PhD 2021
Current position- Assistant Professor Texas A&M, Stephenville, Tx
LinkedIn: Eddie Kyle Slusher
Carson Bowers
MS 2019
Current position – Biological Technician
Shereen Xavier
MS 2018
Current position – PhD student University of Toronto
Seth Whitehouse
MS 2017
Current position – Extension Director, University of Tennessee
Grace Padgett
I’m majoring in Agriscience and Environmental Systems with an emphasis on plant breeding and genetics. I am interested in plant pathology and entomology.
Selection of Former Undergraduate Research Assistants
Miller Hayes
Olivia Centanni
Emmalee Milner
Rachel Perez
Maddie Frost
Kristen Flinn
Lily Sheffield
Rachel Ibbetson
Bryce Vaughn
Noel and Nina Henderson
Abbie McBrayer
Katherine Russell
Pamela Halliday
Dacee Blawn
Andreas Contreras
Justin Odum
Visiting Scientists
Tea Arabuli
Institute of Entomology; Agricultural University of Georgia, Tibilisi, GA
Elem Martins
2023-2024
I am interested in understanding what the royal role of the predators on coffee pest control, and how the vegetation complexity can shape the trophic interactions. My research interests are: Ecology, Molecular Biology and Conservation Biological Control.
Jéssica Letícia Abreu Martins PhD
2023-2024
I’m an agronomist and master in entomology. My works have an emphasis on Conservation Biological Control and interface in control with Entomopathogens. My research interests are: Insect-microorganism interactions, Molecular Biology, Microbial Control and Biological Control.
Ana Claudia
March 2023-September 2024
I am a biologist with a Master’s degree in Ecology and currently a PhD candidate at the Laboratory of Insect Ecology (LECOI – UnB). My doctoral research focuses on the interplay between biodiversity, ecosystem services, and biological control of crop pests. Specifically, I am investigating the interactions among aphids, their predator coccinellids, and host plants in a tropical agroecosystem.