Roxanne Burrus, PhD Student
House Flies, Dairy Cattle, and Escherichia coli O157:H7 - Human Health Disease Potential
I am an active-duty Naval Officer, and am pursuing a PhD in Medical Entomology, under the direction of Co-Chairs Dr. Jerome A. Hogsette and Dr. Phillip E. Kaufman. I am studying house fly, Musca domestica L., dispersal and transmission of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 bacteria, from dairy-farms into towns in North-Central Florida. This pathogen causes enteric disease outbreaks in humans, with symptoms that include diarrhea, dysentary, and sometimes death. Cattle are the primary reservoir of E. coli O157:H7. Decreased distances between dairy farms and human populations may present an increased human disease potential, due to the house fly's breeding and dispersal habits. My project is four-fold. First, determine if the pathogen is present at the farms and in town. Second, determine if there is any correlation between house fly and bacterium population trends. Third, confirm presumptive microbiological identification of bacteria samples, and identify strain differences by PCR and DNA typing. Finally, determine the capability of house flies to  contaminate other house flies via contact with resting surfaces, such as barn walls. The goal of this research is to help prevent enteric disease outbreaks in the United States, as well as abroad, where we have deployed military personnel.

Ameya Gondhalekar

Gaurav Goyal, PhD candidate
Morphology, biology and distribution of corn infesting Ulidiidae
My research is on understanding of immature morphology and various aspects of biology and ecology of a complex of corn infesting flies, Euxesta eluta Loew, E. stigmatias Loew and Chaetopsis massyla (Walker) (Diptera: Ulidiidae). I am also working on geographic distribution of these flies in Florida and adjoining states as well as spatial and temporal distribution inside a corn field for developing better sampling plans and economic thresholds.

Harsimran K. Gill, PhD student
Management of soil surface insect community with mulching and soil solarization
My research focuses on management of lesser corn stalk borer, Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller) (Lep: Pyralidae) using sunhemp mulch as well as comparison of different synthetic and organic mulches to manage soil arthropods and weeds. Currently, I am serving as historian of Entomology Nematology Student Organization, Social chair and department representative for Graduate Student Council, coordinator of departmental seminar series and Secretary of Gator Citrus Club.

Heidi HansPetersen

Vivek Kumar, PhD Student
Molecular characterization, biology and management of Chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis (Hood).
My area of research is developing a best management practice (BMP) for control of an invasive thrips species, Scirtothrips dorsalis using chemicals and biological agents. I am carrying out molecular characterization and life table study to determine weak point in their life cycle which will help in better management of this pest.

Teresia Nyoike

Will Sanders

Corraine Scott, PhD student
Development of Semiochemical strategies for pepper weevil
I am a student from Jamaica. I recently graduated with my Masters in Entomology in organic pest management under the supervision of Dr. Oscar Liburd. Presently, I am working with Dr. Heather McAuslane to identify, synthesize and field test host plant attractants to improve pepper weevil pheromone -baited traps, so that these traps can be used in an effective push-pull strategy to reduce pepper weevil damage on peppers.