As a professor of entomology my goal is to advance the integrated pest management (IPM) strategy through mission-oriented research and extension. My research program is directed at improving our understanding of pest biology and ecology in vegetable crop systems and applying that information to develop practical, cost-effective, and environmentally sensitive pest management tactics. The goal of my extension program is to ensure that new knowledge is delivered to the end-user and adapted to their needs. As Director of the CUAES, I oversee the allocation of Federal Formula Fund funding, respond to the needs of applied research and extension, and act as liaison to several agencies and the colleges of Human Ecology and Veterinary Medicine. As Associate Dean, serve as a member of the leadership team of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, contribute to strategic planning; help to determine the allocation of resources for college programs; provide advice on diverse college initiatives including invasive species, renewable energy, climate change; facilitate leadership development, and oversee coordination of farm and greenhouse/growth chamber facilities and personnel.