Marianna Szucs
Assistant Professor
I am an entomologist with a tendency to place things in an evolutionary ecological framework. I have been involved with biological control research for more than 15 years working at CABI Biosciences in Switzerland, completing a Ph.D. at the University of Idaho, and then doing postdoctoral research at Colorado State University. I joined the Department of Entomology at Michigan State University in 2018.
Contact info:
Department of Entomology | Michigan State University
Center for Integrated Plant Systems Room 203
578 Wilson Rd
East Lansing, MI 48824
517-353-7063 | szucsmar@msu.edu
https://www.canr.msu.edu/people/marianna-szucs
Monica Mowery
Post-doctoral Researcher
I am an evolutionary ecologist focused on understanding evolutionary processes underlying biological invasions in a range of arthropod systems, including spiders, ants, butterflies, and parasitoids. At MSU, I am investigating coevolution of host-parasitoid interactions in the context of spotted-wing drosophila biological control in the lab and field. I completed my PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Toronto, then was a Zuckerman STEM Postdoctoral Scholar at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. I enjoy kayaking, learning languages, and making science accessible to everyone.
Joseph Taylor
Post-doctoral Researcher
I am currently studying the complex of parasitoid wasps used in the biological control of emerald ash borer in conjunction with US Forest Service. I’m particularly interested in differences in their performance across their naturally occurring (in the case of natives) or introduced ranges (for the introduced species). I completed my PhD at the University of Georgia where I studied conservation biological control in organic vegetable farming systems, with a focus on the impact of non-native ground beetle, Pterostichus melanarius.
Brianna Foster
Ph.D. Student
I am studying the biological control agent Hypena opulenta against invasive swallow-wort vines. I received my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota in Fisheries and Wildlife. I proceeded to work for several organizations in conservation such as the Conservation Corps, Neon Inc. and Three Rivers Park District. I became immersed in entomology as a technician for the University of Minnesota where I studied the efficacy of management tactics on corn rootworm beetles (Diabrotica spp.) to corn-rootworm-active Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt-RW) traits. I am passionate about sustainable solutions for conservation and science communication techniques. I enjoy engaging students and inspiring women to feel confident and capable among their peers. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, hiking, traveling, and learning Brazilian Portuguese.
Andrew Yoshimoto
M.Sc. Student
My research as a graduate student revolves around the biological control of invasive knotweeds through the release of the psyllid Aphalara itadori. While earning my BS in Biology from the University of Hawaii, I worked as a research assistant at the USDA ARS, and after my graduation I became an entomology technician at the University of California Riverside.
Andrew graduated in spring 2023 and now works as a technician in the lab.
Oscar Istas
M.Sc. Student
My research involves the study and use of multiple parastoid wasp species as biological control agents - especially for the invasive spotted wing drosophila (SWD). Prior to attending MSU, I received my bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Kentucky where I developed a passion for hands-on research. I am interested in promoting the conservation of natural relationships through applied techniques and in making science both available and understandable to the general public. Outside of the lab, I enjoy collecting arthropod pets, playing Dungeons & Dragons with friends, and exploring the outdoors.
Oscar graduated in spring 2023 and now works as a technician in the lab.
Oscar Istas
M.Sc. Student
My research involves the study and use of multiple parastoid wasp species as biological control agents - especially for the invasive spotted wing drosophila (SWD). Prior to attending MSU, I received my bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Kentucky where I developed a passion for hands-on research. I am interested in promoting the conservation of natural relationships through applied techniques and in making science both available and understandable to the general public. Outside of the lab, I enjoy collecting arthropod pets, playing Dungeons & Dragons with friends, and exploring the outdoors.
Oscar graduated in spring 2023 and now works as a technician in the lab.
Past lab members
Julie Michaelson
M.Sc. Student
I am studying landscape effects on the establishment success of the parasitoid wasp, Trissolcus japonicus, a biological control agent used to target brown marmorated stink bug populations. I am interested in the network of interactions within an ecosystem that promote healthy communities and how this applies to developing effective management tactics for ongoing environmental threats. I obtained a BS in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at the University of Connecticut. As an undergraduate, I worked as a research assistant at UConn’s Biodiversity Collection Facility with army ants and their associates. After graduating, I worked as a steward with New York State Parks managing and monitoring an endangered butterfly population and its habitat.
Julie graduated in spring 2023 and now works for the Xerces Society and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service as a Pollinator Conservation Planner and NRCS Partner Biologist.
Shelley Linder
M.Sc. Student
I am researching parasitoid wasp evolution and their potential as biological control agents for spotted wing drosophila and brown marmorated stink bugs. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in biology from Ball State University where I worked in the Wildlife Lab. In my spare time, I enjoy painting, reading, and spending time with my cats, Poppy and Endora, and my leopard gecko, Clementine.
Shelley graduated in spring 2022. She now works for Koppert Biological Systems in Michigan as part of the parasitoid production team.
Brianna Alred
M.Sc. Student
I am working on biological control of an invasive vine, swallow-wort using Hypena opulenta, a defoliating moth introduced from the Ukraine. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee in 2018 where I studied Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and minored in Entomology and Plant Pathology.
Brianna graduated in spring 2021and now works at Y-12 National Security Complex in Tennessee as a laboratory technician.
Olivia Simaz
M.Sc. Student
I study a parasitoid wasp of the brown marmorated stink bug and the factors that may aid in its establishment across Michigan. I did my bachelor's degree at MSU in Fisheries and Wildlife. As an undergraduate student I worked as a research technician in an entomology lab and this experience made me decide to pursue a graduate degree working with insects.
Olivia graduated in fall 2020 and now works for USDA FSIS as the entomologist on staff and microbiologist.
Benjamin Jarrett
Post-doctoral Researcher
I am using experimental evolution to understand the process of adaptation to new environments in biological control agents, focusing on the parasitoid wasps of brown marmorated stink bug and spotted-wing drosophila. I completed my PhD at the University of Cambridge where I experimentally investigated the evolutionary consequences of parental care using a beetle system.
Ben has finished his postdoc in summer 2020 he is now a Lecturer at Bangor University in Wales.
Post-doctoral Researcher
I am using experimental evolution to understand the process of adaptation to new environments in biological control agents, focusing on the parasitoid wasps of brown marmorated stink bug and spotted-wing drosophila. I completed my PhD at the University of Cambridge where I experimentally investigated the evolutionary consequences of parental care using a beetle system.
Ben has finished his postdoc in summer 2020 he is now a Lecturer at Bangor University in Wales.
Anupreksha Jain
Research Technician
As a research technician in the Szucs lab, I work on keeping the lab organized and our experimental organisms alive. I also assist other researchers in their projects, both lab and field-based. With this position, I am excited to learn more about entomology and explore the beautiful state of Michigan.
Before this, I completed my undergraduate education at Cornell University in ecology and evolutionary biology, including working on a research project exploring herbivore-induced plant defenses and their ecological consequences. I continue to be interested in the evolutionary ecology of plant-insect interactions.
Outside of science, I am passionate about vegetarian food, desi culture, and intersectional feminism.
Anupreksha went on to pursue an MS degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Anupreksha Jain
Research Technician
As a research technician in the Szucs lab, I work on keeping the lab organized and our experimental organisms alive. I also assist other researchers in their projects, both lab and field-based. With this position, I am excited to learn more about entomology and explore the beautiful state of Michigan.
Before this, I completed my undergraduate education at Cornell University in ecology and evolutionary biology, including working on a research project exploring herbivore-induced plant defenses and their ecological consequences. I continue to be interested in the evolutionary ecology of plant-insect interactions.
Outside of science, I am passionate about vegetarian food, desi culture, and intersectional feminism.
Anupreksha went on to pursue an MS degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Christian Millan-Hernandez
Lab manager 2018 – 2019
Christian got his M.S. degree in Entomology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He was instrumental for getting many different research projects off the ground as I was starting my lab. I feel fortunate to have found him at the time of great need. He has decided to go back to school and get another Masters, this time in Education. I wish him all the best with his future endeavors.
Christian Millan-Hernandez
Lab manager 2018 – 2019
Christian got his M.S. degree in Entomology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He was instrumental for getting many different research projects off the ground as I was starting my lab. I feel fortunate to have found him at the time of great need. He has decided to go back to school and get another Masters, this time in Education. I wish him all the best with his future endeavors.
