Dr. Gideon Alake
Research Assistant Scientist
(Entomology, Nematology, Data Analytics)
Dr. Gideon Alake is a Research Assistant Scientist at the Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida. He manages several grant-funded projects in the Biosecurity Research & Extension (BRE) lab, focusing on insect pest management, regulatory plant health, nematode diagnostics, and data analytics. Dr. Alake is instrumental in designing experiments, collecting, and analyzing data, and ensuring the success of various projects in the lab. He also prepares grant proposals and manuscripts, and coordinates and/or assists in extension and outreach activities. As a mentor, he offers statistical and professional development support to graduate students.
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Research
Advancing species sensitivity distributions for setting generic phytosanitary irradiation doses: We aim to create a Species Sensitivity Distribution (SSD) framework for evaluating generic doses for phytosanitary treatments. Our research will use phytosanitary irradiation data to create SSDs for Curculionidae and Tephritidae, estimating taxonomic coverage and margin of error. This project includes developing a user-friendly interface for the SSD analysis, refining a generic dose for all insects except pupal Lepidoptera, and addressing taxonomic evenness in the source data.
Modeling-based trapping strategies for high-risk, invasive fruit fly pest species: This project aims to improve fruit fly detection and mitigation. We analyze historical trapping data and human population dynamics data to determine the best strategies for efficient trapping and monitoring. Objectives include modeling trap placement relative to ports of entry and correlating changes in human population density with fruit fly capture data.
Tomato stink bug surveillance in Florida: Manage invasive stink bug surveillance operations in commercial tomato farms.
Helicoverpa armigera research in Florida: Conducted year-round monitoring efforts for H. armigera in two FL locations. Also, I collect, process, analyze, and present moth trapping data.
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Teaching
Principles of Nematology (NEM3002/5004C) in Spring 2024 semester.
Contact
Steinmetz Hall
1881 Natural Area Dr.
Room#: 2209
Gainesville, FL 32611
(352) 745-7707
agideon@ufl.edu
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Education
- Ph.D. - Nematology, University of Florida, 2019
- M.S. - Nematology Ghent University, 2011
- B.S. - Crop, Soil and Pest Management, Federal University of Technology Akure, 2006
- Publications