I am a master’s student in Dr. Gonthier’s lab at the University of Kentucky (UK) in the Entomology Department. I obtained a bachelor’s degree in Sustainable Agriculture from UK in 2014. I have been a member of the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) staff at the university for the last seven years. I have gained comprehensive farming experience that ranges from greenhouse seeding, transplanting, cultivation, harvesting, post-harvest handling, equipment operation, and customer interaction.

My research focuses on the disease, insect, and weed management of cucurbit crops within the mesotunnel system. Understanding how mesotunnels can minimize the need to spray and how to optimize weed control with the use of living mulch in between raised plastic beds will aid in sustainable cucurbit production and the potential for increased yields.