Lincoln, Neb. —
What is your background before coming to the University of Nebraska Lincoln?
I joined the Entomology Department at UNL as a Research Associate Professor in September 2020, and led the Stored Product Pest Laboratory. Prior to this, I served as the senior technical advisor and global partnerships manager of the Food Security business at Vestergaard for 12 years. Vestergaard is a global company dedicated to improving the health of vulnerable people, especially in developing countries, www.vestergaard.com. Within that role, I successfully brought four new food security/disease vector products from development to launch and acted as industry lead/liaison for several multi-million dollar international development projects, including the USAID Feed the Future Post Harvest Innovation Lab. I was involved in the drafting of the Food Security Related UN Sustainable Development Goals, attending meetings in Rome, Geneva and New York as a member of the private sector mechanism within the FAO Committee on World Food Security for several years. I have over 20 years of experience working in developing regions, including sub-Saharan Africa, Central America and Asia, and I hold qualifications for project management and good clinical practice.
What is your position at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
I am a Research Associate Professor within the Department of Entomology. My apportionment is 70% Research and 30% Teaching. My research program conducts innovative, transdisciplinary collaborative research using multidisciplinary methodologies to develop new integrated precision technologies, systems interventions and platforms for improved global food and water security and one health in Nebraska and beyond. My multidisciplinary background and international experience affords me the opportunity to address global grand challenges in my research and teaching. The Bingham Lab provides a creative, inclusive, and innovative active learning environment with a focus on professional development opportunities. This is through my research program for undergraduate and graduate students, and experiential learning courses. My teaching philosophies have inclusion, equity, and diversity at their core, this has led me to co-design a standards-based grading system for my largest class. I also introduced the course Insects of Stored Products to UNL, and teach undergraduate and graduate courses, including the online Fundamentals of Life Sciences I and II and Insect Ecology at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
What drew you to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
I was lucky to have had many years of research collaborations with UNL and the USDA folks based in Lincoln. So, I had already a great base here that I was able to build on as an adjunct faculty when I arrived here in 2016. The Entomology Department is not only built on academic and research excellence, with a world-renowned online program, but also has a real family atmosphere that welcomes everyone. When I had the opportunity to join the faculty, I jumped at the chance.
What aspect of working in an educational setting do you enjoy the most?
Having the opportunity to combine research with education; formal, informal and non-formal, is the most satisfying part of my work. In my lab, I focus on retention and enjoy the opportunity of exposure to the fantastic broad spectrum of UNL’s undergraduate students in my life science classes. The chance to introduce them to research, to see the real-life applications of what they are learning and how it can contribute to society and support them in achieving their broader life and career goals is just the best. I am very grateful for these opportunities.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Currently, I get to support students, see them grow and do exciting research as well. Seeing students who are struggling, and supporting them to master those areas academically, and personally, is a day-to-day joy. Designing and developing lifesaving tools with Vestergaard, such as next-generation mosquito nets and ZeroFly Storage bags, in my previous job, was one of the greatest career achievements, so far. Seeing the impact of these tools improving the lives of the most vulnerable in society, rural smallholder families and their communities. Especially female entrepreneurs in Ghana, as part of the Feed the Future Post Harvest Innovation lab, for example, was just a fantastic team effort. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to utilize my own privilege and education to support these global efforts to make a difference.
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
Aside from my work, I am a certified open-water diver and recently my 8-year-old son started diving. It is wonderful seeing him experience this “other world” under the water.
What is your life like outside of work?
I am a mom of an amazing young budding biologist and stepmom to three incredible kiddos. My life outside of work is very focused on work-life harmony. Sharing as much of this world we live in with my endlessly supportive husband and family. We love reading, movies, playing, camping, gardening and doing fun art projects together.
