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Research Team Members

Finding real-world solutions for modern orchard challenges takes more than just looking under a microscope. We are on in the field counting pests, evaluating fruit, conducting trials, and talking to apple and peach growers.

 

Our multi-state initiative brings together top entomologists, tree fruit extension specialists, agricultural economists, and sociologists from across the eastern United States, representing nine premier universities and USDA-ARS.

 

By combining cutting-edge entomology with economic realities and direct grower feedback, we don't just study insects—we build practical, cost-effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. Our entire interdisciplinary team is focused on delivering evidence-based tools that keep your apple and peach orchards both protected and profitable.

Tracy Leskey

Research Leader, Station Director

Entomology, Invasive Species

USDA ARS, Appalachian Fruit Research Station

David Biddinger

Research Professor, 

Entomology

Pennsylvania State University

Grzegorz "Greg" Krawczyk

Research Professor, 

Entomology

Pennsylvania State University

Monique Rivera

Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist, Entomology

Cornell University

James "Jim" Walgenbach

Distinguished Professor, 

Entomology

North Carolina State University

Lisa Tang

Research 

Horticulturist

USDA ARS, NEA

Chin-Ling Lee

Assistant Professor, 

Innovation Adoption

University of Georgia

Oluwafunmilayo Ajiferuke

Doctoral Student, 

Science Communication

University of Georgia

Anne Nielsen

Professor & Extension Specialist, Entomology

Rutgers University

Gigi DiGiacomo

Researcher Level 6, 

Applied Economics

University of Minnesota

Alexa Lamm

Professor,

Science Communication

University of Georgia

David Shapiro-Ilan

Research Entomologist & Research Leader

USDA-ARS, Southeastern Fruit and Tree Nut Research Station

Stephen "Steve" Schoof

Agricultural Research Specialist,

Entomology & Plant Pathology

North Carolina State University

John Cullum

Lab Technician,

Entomology

USDA ARS, Appalachian Fruit Research Station

Allison Byrd

Academic Professional Associate,

Science Communication

University of Georgia

Brett Blaauw

Associate Professor & Extension Specialist, Entomology

University of Georgia

Christelle Guedot

Professor & Extension Specialist, Entomology

University of Wisconsin

Jaime PiƱero

Extension Professor and Associate Director

Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts

Stacy Byrd

Biological Science Tech,

Entomology - Biological Control

USDA-ARS SouthEast Fruit and Tree Nut Division

Julianna Wilson

Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist, Entomology

Michigan State University

Torri Hancock

Biologist and Support Scientist,

Behavioral Entomology

USDA ARS, Appalachian Fruit Research Station

Dennis Baffour-Awuah

Doctoral Student,

Science Communication

University of Georgia

The logo for the project with an illustrated peach and apple, an insect flying away from the fruit, and text reading "Cultivating Tomorrow's Orchards"

The Cultivating Tomorrow's Orchards: Evolving and Enhancing IPM in Eastern Tree Fruit Systems Project is made possible by USDA NIFA SCRI #2024-05413.

Contact Information:

Appalachian Fruit Research Station

2217 Wiltshire Road

Kearneysville, WV 25430

Research Partners:

USDA ARS

​Penn State University

Rutgers University

North Carolina State University

University of Georgia

Michigan State University

University of Massachusetts

University of Wisconsin-Madison

University of Minnesota

Cornell University

© 2026 Cultivating Tomorrow’s Orchard: Evolving and Enhancing IPM in Eastern Tree Fruit Systems. All rights reserved.

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