Meet the Interns
Meet the PestWorld 2024 Interns
The PestWorld education program would not be the success that it is without the energy, dedication, and fresh perspectives of these emerging professionals. Learn more about this year's interns below and hear more about their groundbreaking research on Wednesday and Thursday from 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM at the Intern Showcases.
Hannah Blevins, University of Kentucky
Hannah Blevins received her Bachelor of Science degree in Conservation Biology from Lincoln Memorial University in May of 2024. Hannah is currently a master’s research assistant at the University of Kentucky working under Dr. Zachary DeVries. At the DeVries Urban Entomology lab, Hannah is researching German cockroaches, specifically the mechanisms and magnitude of resistance that German cockroaches have to neonicotinoid active ingredients. Hannah’s research interests include entomology, parasitology, microbiology, and genetics.
Benjamin Grady, University of Kentucky
Benjamin Grady is a Ph.D. candidate in the DeVries Urban Entomology Lab at the University of Kentucky. His research involves elucidating behavioral patterns in several current and emerging urban pests, including bed bugs, German cockroaches, and Turkestan cockroaches.
Charly Hartle, Virginia Tech
Charly Hartle is a PhD student in the Yang Lab at Virginia Tech, where they study invasive and pest ants and their pathogens. For their MS research, they focused on the odorous house ant, a small, widespread native pest ant you may have seen in your own kitchen. They hope to spark interest and appreciation for insects through research and outreach while helping to control pests.
Daniela Jackson, University of Kentucky
Daniela Jackson is originally from Detroit, MI, but spent her adolescence in London, KY. She is a senior at the University of Kentucky and passionately pursues a degree in Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology, with a minor in Entomology. Her academic journey is fueled by a profound interest in the intersection of insects and their impact on human health. As an Undergraduate Research Assistant at the DeVries Urban Entomology Lab, Daniela channels her dedication toward exploring novel strategies to enhance the adaptability and sustainability of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) efforts in affordable housing. Her research focuses primarily on understanding the behavior of cockroaches and bed bugs, aiming to develop innovative solutions to combat infestations effectively.
Olivia Katz, University of Kentucky
Olivia Katz is a Master's student in Zach Devries’ Urban Entomology Lab at the University of Kentucky. She works on German cockroaches and researches pest management solutions and allergen mitigation.
Allison Lopina, University of Kentucky
Allison is from Wisconsin where she completed her undergraduate degree, in entomology, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She then chose to pursue her passion for insects at the University of Kentucky where she is a first-year master's student working in the DeVries Urban Entomology Lab. Her current research interests lie within German cockroaches and understanding their behavior and biology to further improve pest management programs.
Richard Murphy, University of Auburn
Richard is a 4th year PhD Candidate at Auburn University in Entomology working in Dr. Beckmann’s Biotechnology Entomology Laboratory. His research focuses on Fast Screening Plant Growth growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) for insecticidal properties; Microinjection of Wolbachia into Alphitobius diaperinus for the development of Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) for poultry beetles; Utilizing Black Soldier Flies to compost Martian Soil Simulant for future Terraforming Ventures.
Beatrice A. Obungu, Florida A&M University
Beatrice Addah A. Obungu is a second-year Graduate Researcher at Florida A&M University, pursuing a Master’s degree in Entomology. She is currently doing her research on the 'Genomics and proteomics of honey bee health,' aiming to uncover critical insights into how different nutritional diets affect their immune function and health-related genes. Beatrice holds a Bachelor's degree in Entomology and Parasitology from the University of Eldoret. Her academic journey reflects a deep commitment to understanding insect biology and its impact on ecosystems. With a strong foundation in entomology, Beatrice is dedicated to advancing her expertise in the field and contributing to the broader scientific community. She aspires to be an accomplished entomologist, providing cutting-edge research solutions to agricultural issues such as pest invasions, while assisting farmers in producing high-yield crops at low costs and protecting beneficial species.
Simona Principato, University of Kentucky
Simona Principato is a PhD student at the University of Kentucky, working with bed bugs in the Urban Entomology lab under Dr. DeVries. She earned her B.S. in Biotechnology from the Università degli Studi di Perugia (Italy) and her M.S. in Entomology from Harper Adams University (United Kingdom). Her research focuses on various projects related to bed bug-derived histamine, including identifying the sources of environmental histamine from common indoor arthropods, developing mitigation strategies for this potential environmental contaminant, and exploring the clinical relevance of histamine. Additionally, she has been investigating the efficacy of the biopesticide Aprehend® for bed bug control. After graduation, Simona plans to join the pest management industry and continue her research on pests and human health. She hopes to improve management strategies and uncover further connections between indoor pests and health problems to better protect human health.
Amina Twaibu, University of Florida
Amina Twaibu is an international student from Malawi pursuing a Ph.D. in Entomology at the University of Florida. With a passion for understanding and mitigating agricultural challenges, Amina’s research focuses on Insect Resistance Management in Row Crops. Having a master's degree in Entomology from the University of Arkansas, Amina brings the knowledge and experience to her doctoral studies. Her dedication to addressing the complex issues surrounding insect resistance in agricultural systems stems from her desire to contribute meaningfully to global food security.
