Amanda Blazek, a West Tennessee native, has always been passionate about biology. After earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin, she joined the Department of Entomology…
Nematode Management in Soybean Systems and Graduate Life: Amanda Blazek
Fire Ant Genetics and Graduate Life: Allyson Dekovich
Born and raised in Michigan, Allyson Dekovich moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, in 2020 to join the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology as a master’s student. Now a PhD student…
Behind the Code: Ryan Kuster
Entomology and Plant Pathology alumnus and bioinformatics consultant Ryan Kuster uses custom code to unlock insights in genomics, metagenomics, and phylogenomics. After completing his master’s degree at UNC Greensboro, Kuster moved to…
Developing Molecular Tools for Forest Protection: Meher Ony
Meher Ony, a doctoral student from Bangladesh, is dedicated to advancing our understanding of forest resources. Ony pursued a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences before joining the University of Tennessee…
Advancing Genomic Studies in Dogwood Health through Graduate Research: Shade Niece
After earning a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Shade Niece joined the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology (EPP) as a research assistant. After…
Bridging Continents Through Bioinformatics Research: Michelle Odoi
At a young age, Michelle Odoi developed a passion for agriculture, which has taken her across the globe. Odoi began her academic journey at the University of Ghana, where she…
Turning a Love for Insects into a Doctorate: Matthew Longmire
Growing up in Clinton, Tennessee, Matthew Longmire has been a lifelong Volunteer, following in the footsteps of his family. In 2018, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences…
Navigating Graduate Research on Callery Pear: Alina Pokhrel
Originally from Nepal, Alina Pohkrel is pursuing a master’s degree in plant pathology. Under the mentorship of Marcin Nowicki, a research assistant professor within the department, Pokhrel focuses on invasive…
Protecting Forests, One Beetle at a Time: Rafael Ferreira Dos Santos
With a biology and agricultural entomology background, Rafael Ferreira Dos Santos plays a pivotal role at the Lindsay Young Beneficial Insects Laboratory (Lybil). Collaborating with fellow researchers and professionals, Ferreira…
Three Decades of Service and Inspiration: Jerri Arlene King
Jerri Arlene King has been an integral part of the University of Tennessee community for over three decades. From her beginnings in Undergraduate Student Services, which is now known as…
