I have two major research trajectories. The more basic is on the impact of plant protection technologies on nontarget soil arthropod communities. This work focuses on long-residual soil insecticides in home lawns of the Northeast and on Bt-transgenic insecticidal crops in South America The more applied is on the biology, ecology and management of key turfgrass pests. This work focuses on annual bluegrass weevils, invasive crane flies and white grubs. Each area of research is generating information that both strengthens our foundations of soil insect ecology through discovery, and improves our management of turf insect pests through problem-solving. All aspects of this research are integrated into my extension programming.

The goal of my extension program is to reduce the environmental and economic impact of soil insect pests and their control in turfgrass and other horticultural systems. This is done by disseminating the most advanced information, promoting best management practices and strengthening the dialogue necessary to define current problems, anticipate future challenges and develop the most appropriate mitigation strategies.