People

Dr. Kelly Hamby

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

Ph.D. Students

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 (C.V.)
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.

Postdoctoral Researchers

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

Research Assistant
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.

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.

Sophia Heitzig

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

Research Interests: I am pursuing a degree in Physiology and Neurobiology with a minor in Spanish and plan to go to dental school. My research interests include agricultural pest management, specifically studying the effects of fungal microbes on spotted wing drosophila behavior.

Sophia Barringer

Student Researcher
Email: sbarring@terpmail.umd.edu
Major: Psychology with a focus on biology

Research Interests: I have a strong interest in biology and psychology. I am currently exploring the behavior of spotted wing drosophila with exposure to various fungal strains. After receiving my Bachelors of Science I plan on doing a Masters and PhD. combination program in biological sciences. My hope is to be able to be a primary investigator.

Eric Crandell

Student Researcher
Email: stw10.95@gmail.com
Major: General Biology

Research Interests: I am working toward a degree in General Biology with the goal of earning a PhD. I'm interested in entomology & herpetology and in particular, animal behavior, life history, and distribution.