Associate Professor, University of Georgia, Department of Entomology
Postdoctoral Research Scientist at Cornell University, 2013
Postdoctoral Research Scientist at the University of California, Berkeley, 2010 – 2013
Ph.D. in Entomology from Washington State University, 2010
M.S. from the University of Greenwich
ashsial@uga.edu
(706) 542-1320
My research focuses on understanding the biology and ecology of economically important arthropod pests of perennial fruit crops and utilizing that information to develop sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) programs. I am particularly interested in insecticide toxicology and resistance evolution. We employ biochemical, molecular, and quantitative genetic approaches to assess the risk of resistance evolution and determine resistance mechanisms in order to develop scientifically based resistance management programs. Much of our current research is focused on the invasive species, Drosophila suzukii – the spotted wing drosophila. We also evaluate insect monitoring techniques, biological control, host plant resistance, and integrate multiple management tactics to provide a systems-level approach to pest management.