Ben Grady 

University of Kentucky

Ben Grady is a Ph.D. candidate in the DeVries Urban Entomology Lab at the University of Kentucky. He got his undergraduate degrees in entomology and biology from the University of Georgia. At UK, he does research on a multitude of different urban pests, including bed bugs, German cockroaches, and Turkestan cockroaches. His research is mostly focused on the behavior of these pests and how we can elucidate patterns in this behavior that allow us to most effectively control them.

Brynn Johnson

University of Florida

Brynn Johnson is a PhD student at the University of Florida in Entomology and Nematology with a Geography minor. Her research focuses on managing the corn silk fly to improve crop yields. She holds a Master’s in Entomology and Nematology, specializing in honeybee health, and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. Brynn is an adjunct instructor at Palm Beach State College and Indian River State College, teaching Pest Management, Environmental Science, and Biology. She is an active member of several professional organizations, with a passion for teaching, research, and agricultural outreach.

Jin-Jia Yu

Rutgers University

Jin-Jia Yu is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Entomology at Rutgers University. He received B.S. (2017) and M.S. (2020) degrees in Entomology from National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan. Jin-Jia brings a solid academic background to his current research. Since working with Dr. Changlu Wang in 2021, he collaborated closely with local housing authorities focusing on the management of urban pests in apartment buildings. He is currently investigating the mechanisms of insecticide resistance in bed bugs and the prevalence of ectoparasites on rodents. He has published five peer-reviewed journal articles in entomology.

Morgan Wilson

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Morgan Wilson is a final year Ph.D. candidate from Virginia Tech’s Department of Entomology. She earned her B.S. in Wildlife Science at Virginia Tech, and her M.S. in Plant and Soil Science from Texas Tech. Prior to her Ph.D, Morgan had a career in wildlife management, including nuisance wildlife and rodent control. It was while working for Critter Control as a field technician that Morgan stepped her foot into insect pest management. She is currently studying the efficacy of different methodologies to control bed bug eggs. In addition to her research, Morgan provides extension expertise in urban pest management.

Tabeth Mwema

Auburn University

I am Tabeth Mwema, a Ph.D. candidate in Wildlife Science at Auburn University, specializing in mosquito ecology and vector control strategies. Originally from Zambia, I study how landscapes shape mosquito movements and genetic diversity to predict disease spread. With a master's in Medical Entomology from the University of Namibia, I have led interdisciplinary projects supporting malaria elimination efforts in Namibia. These experiences have deepened my commitment to collaboration and leadership, which I continue to build upon as the Vice President of the Graduate Student Association for my college and as my laboratory’s intern manager. My published work, recognized for its potential impact on public health and the pest management industry, reflects my dedication to understanding mosquito behavior and ecology to develop sustainable solutions for combating mosquito-borne diseases through genetics and innovative modeling tools.

Samantha Dilday

Washington State University

Sam Dilday, a PhD student at Washington State University, specializes in studying the odorous house ant (OHA), a common urban pest. With a biology degree from George Mason University and a Master’s in Environmental Science from Memorial University of Newfoundland, Sam brings a solid academic background to her research. Since relocating to Washington, she collaborates closely with pest management operators in the Pacific Northwest, focusing on understanding OHA resilience in urban environments. Her current research focuses on OHA colonies' starvation resistance and queens' reproductive systems. Beyond academia, Sam is an avid scientific illustrator, having published numerous works. Her goal is to inform the pest management community and contribute to the development of effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies against the OHA.

Kiara Ivy

Florida A&M University

Kiara Ivy is a 2nd year Master’s student of Entomology at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. She is from Gainesville, FL. Her current research is “Assessing the Establishment and Spread of Natural Enemies of The Red Imported Fire Ant [Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)] in Northwest Florida.” These natural enemies include parasitoids, microsporidia, and insect-killing fungi. With this research she helps local organic farmers deal with their fire ant mounds. Kiara currently serves as FAMU Entomology Club of Excellence President for the 2023-2024 academic year. She is also heavily involved in her local community helping educate and mentoring the youth in entomology, biology, and other STEM-related fields. Outside of research, she is pursuing athletic endeavors for Trinidad and Tobago as a pole vaulter. Her future career goals include going into urban pest management focusing on biological control and developing novel pesticides and biopesticides.

Isabelle Lucer

University of Kentucky

Isabelle Lucero is a recent graduate from the University of Kentucky with a Master of Science degree in entomology. She completed her B.S. in environment and natural resources with a minor in entomology at Clemson University. While at the University of Kentucky, Isabelle studied cockroaches in the DeVries urban entomology lab and investigated how cockroach gel baits perform over time and in different environments. Her ongoing work with the DeVries lab investigates how cockroach bait placement affects bait detection. Isabelle has always been interested in insects and takes pride in the fact that her research will not only help PMPs perform more sustainable cockroach control but will also improve human health through the management of indoor cockroaches.

Simona Principato

University of Kentucky

Simona Principato is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Entomology at the University of Kentucky. She obtained her B.S. in Biotechnology at the Università degli Studi di Perugia (Italy) and her M.S. in Entomology at Harper Adams University (United Kingdom). She is currently working with bed bugs in the Urban Entomology lab with Dr. DeVries, focusing on the possible health impact of bed bug-derived histamine, mitigation strategies, and bed bug control. In the pursuit of her academic endeavors, she is dedicated to broadening her knowledge and research expertise with the goal of positively contributing to the pest management industry.

Sangwoo Seok

University of Florida

I am a third-year PhD student at Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida. I received my bachelor's and master’s degrees from Korea University, South Korea in 2016 and 2018, respectively. I studied aquatic insects at Korea University and entered the University of Florida to study mosquitoes advised by Dr. Yoosook Lee. Presently, my research is focused on understanding Aedes mosquitoes, which are vectors of various arboviruses, using population genomic approaches in the Pacific region to inform stakeholders involved in novel mosquito control strategies. I’m also studying invasive mosquitoes spreading to other countries from South Korea.