Personnel

Dr. Richard Casagrande: Professor of Entomology

Dr. Casagrande teaches graduate level courses in biological control and in integrated pest management, and coordinates an undergraduate course in home landscape ecology. He serves as IPM coordinator for Rhode Island, overseeing several programs, including ornamentals, fruits, and biological control. His present research concentrates on classical biological control involving in the full spectrum of activities from initial foreign exploration though final evaluation of newly released agents. He is presently working with colleagues throughout the world on biological control of insect and weed problems that are important in Southern New England including the lily leaf beetle, hemlock woolly adelgid, birch leafminer, Cypress spurge, purple loosestrife, and common reed.

Lisa Tewksbury: Bio Control Lab Manager

Lisa Tewksbury coordinates research that is conducted in the bio-control lab, and is responsible for maintaining the quarantine facility. Current research projects include biological control of lily leaf beetle, common reed, and purple loosestrife.

Heather Faubert: Assistant Bio Control Lab Manager

Heather Faubert coordinates research that is conducted in the bio-control lab. Current projects include biological control of cypress spurge, lily leaf beetle, and common reed. She also coordinates an integrated pest management program for Rhode Island’s apple growers.

Aaron Weed: Phd. Graduate Student

Evaluating European natural enemies of Vincetoxicum species for potential release in North America.