My research is focused on the development of integrated pest management (IPM) for insect pests in field and horticultural agroecosystems. Specifically, my research strives to provide growers with sustainable pest control strategies that reduces the reliance on insecticides and conserves beneficial species (i.e. natural enemies and pollinators). To this end, I meld basic and applied research incorporating behavioural, chemical, and molecular ecology to understand and exploit the biology of insect pests, their host plants and natural enemies. Currently, I have three major focal areas: 1) chemical ecology – to develop insect monitoring and management tools; 2) population genetics – to track insect invasions and dispersal/migration of insect pests; 3) insect-plant interactions – to identify key interactions that may lead to the development of alternative management strategies.
