People

Dr. Kelly Hamby

Assistant Professor/Extension Specialist
Email: kahamby@umd.edu
Phone: (301)-314-1068
Office: 3124 Plant Sciences Building
Lab: 3182 Plant Sciences Building
Major: Entomology Ph.D. and M.S., Environmental Toxicology B.S.

Research Interests: invasive species, insect-microbe interactions, insect and host seasonal phenology, insecticide resistance, and non-target impacts of insecticides on beneficials and surface waters

PhD Sudents

Aditi Dubey

Graduate Student
Email: aditid26@gmail.com
Major: Integrative Biology B.A.

Research Interests: My background is in general ecology and evolution, but I have worked on multiple entomology projects, specifically on the effect of biodiversity on pest levels in vineyards, as well as the relationship between a microsporidian and the Light Brown Apple Moth. My primary research interest is Integrated Pest Management in agricultural systems. I am focused on biological control of invasive species and the relationship between insects, their parasites and pathogens, and plants. I am also interested in creating sustainable agricultural ecosystems through increased biodiversity.

Maggie Lewis

Graduate Student
Email: mtlewis@umd.edu
Major: Entomology M.S., Molecular Environmental Biology B.S.

Research Interests: I am broadly interested in agricultural pest management. My current work focuses on spotted wing drosophila and its interactions with yeast and fungal microbes, as well as more broadly on improving integrated pest management programs for SWD. I previously completed my masters degree at Penn State University; my thesis considered sustainable management options for the striped cucumber beetle, including biocontrol and the use of microbial metabolites in organic cropping systems.

Post Docs

Edwin Afful

Postdoctoral Researcher
Email: eddafful@umd.edu
Major: Entomology

Research Interests: My previous work focused on assessing the levels of phosphine resistance in the North American lesser grain borer Rhyzopertha dominica. Currently, I will be assessing the impact of pyrethroid treatments applied at planting, tank mixed with herbicides, and during tasseling on field corn. Other aspects of my work will include measuring the seasonal pest pressure associated with corn in multiple MD growing regions. I will also be assisting in developing a management program for the Dectes stem borer (Dectes texanus) by finding and targeting its weak link.

Torsten Schöneberg

Postdoctoral Researcher
Email: torschon@umd.edu
Major: Agricultural Sciences - Plant Pathology

Research Interests: My previous work was based on optimizing farm systems to avoid Fusarium infections in cereals. Currently, I want to broaden my entomological knowledge by investigating the relationship between yeasts and D. suzukii as well as examining sustainable control measures.

Research Technicians

Joshua Yeroshefsky

Research Assistant/Lab Manager
Email: jyeroshefsky@gmail.com
Major: Environmental Science & Technology B.S.

Research Interests: Through understanding how various organisms operate, I am interested in finding connections between different species and using this knowledge to develop innovative approaches in creating a more sustainable world. I have previously worked with Cape vultures and honey bees, as well as on IPM projects with Emerald Ash Borer and Corn Earworm, and am currently involved in research with Culex mosquitoes and spotted wing drosopohila.

Logan Miller

Student Researcher
Email: lmille15@terpmail.umd.edu
Major: Biology:Ecology and Evolution

Research Interests: I am pursuing a degree in Biology with a concentration in Ecology and Evolution. I am passionate about the environment and wildlife conservation efforts. I am also interested in sustainability and using knowledge from human interactions with ecosystems to protect the environment.

Maria Cramer

Research Assistant
Email: mec@umd.edu
Major: Horticulture M.S., Horticulture B.S.

Research Interests: During my M.S. I worked on IPM techniques for Japanese beetle and spotted wing drosophila in high tunnel raspberry growing systems. I'm excited to begin working in new systems, including grain crops. I'm interested in investigating the impacts of preventatively-applied pesticides on the insect communities in grain crops, with a focus on conserving natural enemies and other beneficials.

Undergraduate Student Researchers

Robert Starkenburg

Student Researcher
Email: rob.starkenburg@gmail.com
Major: Psychology

Research Interests: I am interested in studying animal behavior in graduate school. I am also interested in how parts of an ecosystem interact with one another.

Gabriel Aborisade

Student Researcher
Email: gabrielmesole@gmail.com
Major: Environmental Science & Technology

Research Interests: I am interested in the study of environmental contaminants, pathogenic and parasitic diseases; how it impacts human health, the ecosystem, and factors that contribute to the spread of contamination and environmental diseases.

Nurani Illahi

Student Researcher
Email: ni.smirkles@gmail.com
Major: Horticulture

Research Interests: I am interested in plant pathogens and their relationship(s) with insect vectors and how these interactions affect crop productivity. I am also interested in extension work and communicating with farms, applying scientific research to real-world environments.

Gi Kim

Student Researcher
Email: gijeffman6@yahoo.com
Major: Biological Sciences - Cell Biology & Molecular Genetics

Research Interests: I am interested in plant genetics and its application to agricultural and nutritional aspects of crops. I want to learn more about unique plant chemical mechanisms that can be altered via molecular techniques including CRISPR systems.

Rachel Sanford

Student Researcher
Email: rysanford97@gmail.com
Major: Biology

Research Interests: I am working towards a degree in Biology and a minor in History. I have always been interested in wildlife and their environmental interactions. I am also interested in invasive species and how they impact the environment. I hope to go onto medical school and become a doctor.

Madison Tewey

Student Researcher
Email: teweyma17@gmail.com
Major: Biological Sciences - Physiology and Neurobiology

Research Interests: I am interested in exploring symbiotic relationships between microorganisms and macroorganisms, and how these relationships affect the behavior and physiology of macroorganisms. By understanding these interactions, I hope to help find solutions to problems such as pest management and disease control. I plan to continue investigating these questions through a career in dentistry and hope to pursue a dual DDS/PhD to allow me to continue biological research in my professional life.