People

Dr. Kelly Hamby

Associate Professor/Extension Specialist (C.V.)
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: I work to improve agricultural sustainability and productivity while protecting human health and the environment, using the integrated pest management paradigm. In particular, I am focused on understanding insect interactions with free-living microorganisms, evaluating and optimizing pest management programs, and developing alternative management tactics in small fruit and grain crops.

Ph.D. Students

Maria Cramer

Graduate Student
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 raspberries. I'm excited to be working on grain crops now, where I’m investigating the impacts of preventatively-applied pesticides on insect communities. I focus on pest species and natural enemies to understand what practices can enhance naturally occurring biocontrol and support sustainable farming.

Lasair ní Chochlain

Graduate Student
Email: lasair@umd.edu
Major: Biology B.S.

Research Interests: My research interests lie in plant-insect interactions, insect ecology, and how these relate to agricultural systems. I am particularly interested in integrated pest management. As an undergraduate at Penn State, I investigated the role of root-mediated plant kin recognition on aphid behavior and performance in genotypically diverse wheat mixtures. I plan to focus on understanding the ecological interactions that structure insect communities and developing sustainable IPM techniques for grain and small fruit crops.

Undergraduate Student Researchers

Kyree Day

Student Researcher
Email: kday1234@terpmail.umd.edu
Major: Psychology

Research Interests: I am interested in learning more about the interactions between insects and agriculture. This lab will give me insight into conducting research and aiding my future medical endeavors.

Sankara Ganesh

Student Researcher
Email: sankaraganesh7@gmail.com
Major: Biological Sciences - Ecology and Evolution

Research Interests: I am primarily interested in how ecology research can be applied to agriculture and public health, two important areas of global sustainable development. My goal is to develop research skills and someday work to promote sustainable agriculture and improve public health in developing countries.

Shea Ill

Student Researcher
Email: sill@terpmail.umd.edu
Major: Plant Science

Research Interests: I am interested in plant-insect interactions and relationships and protecting both agricultural and ornamental plants to promote and protect biodiversity.

Arthur Young

Student Researcher
Email: ayoungsm@terpmail.umd.edu
Major: General Biology Minor: Entomology

Research Interests: I am interested in entomology. Particularly with regards to ecology and sustainability in agricultural and forest ecosystems.