IPM News and Events Roundup 11/15/2024
A weekly collection of IPM news, webinars, employment, funding opportunities, and more from the Northeastern IPM Center
If you have IPM-related research, events, or other IPM news you would like to have included, please email Jerrie Haines at jlh472@cornell.edu. If you would like to subscribe to the weekly Roundup, please email northeastipm@cornell.edu. Past Roundups are archived on our website.
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Northeastern IPM Center News
Bee Breeding and IPM for Better Pollinator Health
November 20, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.
Register at cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YZTukWExRLq9o2-3qgTL2g
The webinar will be recorded for anyone unable to attend the live session.
Description
This presentation will focus on recently published and current research on the genetics and breeding of mite-resistant stocks in honey bees, and a recent study using a sustainable method to manage varroa mites in bee hives.
Dr. Hongmei Li-Byarlay
Associate Professor, Central State University
Dr. Hongmei Li-Byarlay is a Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society and president of the International Branch of the Entomological Society of America (ESA). Her doctoral degree is in entomology from Purdue University (West Lafayette, Indiana) and she studied the genetics and physiology of Drosophila melanogaster. Then she worked at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and North Carolina State University to study functional genomics and social behavior of honey bees. In 2017, she started her research lab on bee genetics, genomics, pollinators, and ecology. She has mentored 40 undergrad students at CSU, and published 49 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters including P.N.A.S., BMC Genomics, Insect Molecular Biology, etc. She has presented 120 talks for research. She’s on the Editorial Board of Current Research in Insect Science, and topic editor for Nature Scientific Reports, Cell Heliyon, and the Journal of Insect Science.
2024 Northeast Integrated Pest Management Research Update Conference
December 10, 2024
This conference hosted by the Northeastern IPM Center (NEIPMC) will feature updates from active projects funded by the NEIPMC’s Partnership Grants Program. In addition, the online conference will have updates from IPM-related projects funded through the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NESARE) Program and USDA-NIFA’s Applied Research and Development Program (ARDP) and Extension Implementation Program (EIP).
The rapid style conference will feature 5-minute pre-recorded presentations in which the speakers will discuss 1 or 2 highlights from their projects followed by a live Q and A. The purpose of the conference is to increase collaboration and awareness about current IPM-related research and extension in the Northeast in a fun way.
Anyone with an internet connection is invited to watch this exciting event hosted by the Northeastern IPM Center. Below is a list of projects that will be discussed during the 90-minute event. The conference will take place via Zoom and will be recorded for later viewing.
To participate in the conference, please register at this link:
cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qMpwTwZnTcmXdmZIwX6raA
NIFA Outlines Progress and Sets New Goals on Advancing Climate Change Science in New Report
In May 2022, USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) outlined an ambitious action agenda for how the agency would address the climate crisis.
More than two years on, a new report outlines the various initiatives NIFA has since undertaken to advance climate-related research, strengthen food supply chains and support communities responding to climate challenges.
Published earlier this month, the NIFA Climate Change Priority Team: Accomplishments and Action Agenda Report highlights the agency’s progress on the 44 unique actions outlined in the NIFA Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan. These concrete, near-term actions, developed through several rounds of staff and external stakeholder input, were identified to reflect a coordinated, collaborative response to the vulnerabilities and impacts caused by a changing climate.
Biden-Harris Administration Makes Unprecedented Progress to Protect Communities from PFAS Pollution
New report highlights key EPA accomplishments under national strategy to confront PFAS “forever chemicals” in communities across the country
Under the leadership of President Biden and Vice President Harris, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has delivered bold and concrete actions to protect people from PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, in their water and everyday lives while dramatically increasing investments in research and solutions. Specific actions and progress are detailed in EPA’s third annual progress report, highlighting the significant achievements the agency has made under its PFAS Strategic Roadmap and the Biden-Harris Administration’s whole-of-government strategy to protect communities from the impacts of forever chemicals.
EPA Resumes Accepting Data for Pesticide Registration from Palamur Laboratory
In May 2024 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it had stopped accepting studies from Palamur Biosciences Pvt. Ltd. (Palamur) in Telangana, India, due to falsification of data discovered in numerous studies. EPA is now announcing it will resume the acceptance of studies initiated on or after October 1, 2024, by Palamur following the Agency’s verification of the lab’s implementation of additional internal controls. These studies are typically submitted by pesticide registrants or applicants as part of the pesticide registration process.
In May 2023, EPA reviewed two suspicious studies conducted at Palamur, which led the Agency to conclude there was likely falsification of data. In response to this concern, EPA’s Good Laboratory Practice Standards Compliance Monitoring Program raised this issue through the mechanism provided by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) GLP workgroup and Mutual Acceptance of Data Program. In turn, EPA requested that the laboratory be inspected and 58 product chemistry and acute toxicity studies be audited. In July 2023, the Indian National Good Laboratory Practice Compliance Monitoring Authority (NGCMA) conducted an inspection of Palamur and confirmed that data were falsified for most of those 58 studies, which were conducted between January 2020 and July 2023. NGCMA issued a ‘Not in Compliance’ status for the studies, which the Agency received in September 2023.
Research in the News
Will Microplastics Endanger the Food Stream?
It’s no secret that drought-induced water shortages cut into freshwater irrigation practices. Treating and recycling used municipal water to make up for the shortage is not a new concept but, there may be a problem with that.
When the wastewater is used for irrigation or released into the environment the microplastics can accumulate at the root-soil interface. From there, the microplastics can release the pharmaceuticals where they are taken up by crops. Learn how ARS scientists are working to overcome that problem.
News
Masters in Natural Resources Conservation (paulsmiths.edu)
Develop an advanced skillset focused on balancing the essential health and stability of soil, water, and biodiversity with the demands of a rapidly-growing global human population.
Successful professionals in this rapidly-growing field are expected to possess an integrated knowledge of natural sciences, social sciences, policy development, and conservation laws. Increase your workplace competitiveness and growth potential by earning an advanced professional credential that is critical for assuming leadership roles in environmental careers. Focus your work by choosing among three concentrations:
Contact Us for More Information
Students aid Spanish-speaking agriculture communities in NY (cals.cornell.edu)
Spanish-speaking farmers and farm employees play a vital role in New York state agriculture, yet the language barrier presents challenges for keeping up with the latest scientific findings. Cornell Ph.D. students have spent the past year working to better meet the needs of this community.
Through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ Extension and Outreach Assistantship (EOA) program, which helps expand student interest in extension careers, Spanish-speaking Ph.D. students leveraged their native language and scientific expertise to create and translate educational resources, such as videos, fact sheets and presentations, on key topics, including specialty crop pest management and pesticide safety.
CDC calls for expanded testing for bird flu after blood tests reveal more farmworker infections (apnews.com)
Farmworkers in close contact with infected animals should be tested and offered treatment even if they show no symptoms, said Dr. Nirav Shah, principal director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The new guidance comes after blood tests for 115 farmworkers in Michigan and Colorado showed that eight workers — or 7% — had antibodies that indicated previous infection with the virus known as Type A H5N1 influenza.
Responding to the Pest Impacts of an Aggressive Hurricane Season (pctonline.com)
As the Southeast continues its slow recovery process from a series of devastating hurricanes, there have been a number of unique pest control problems that have arisen. In addition to the heavy rains, flooding, and downed trees, the weather has been unseasonably warm. This is combining to create a unique set of problems as we head into the end of fall. We’ve seen an uptick in termite, cockroach, and rodent issues across all of our clients. Here is what we are seeing and why.
Webinars, seminars, meetings, and more
INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT FOR ARBORISTS AND FORESTERS (90-minute webinar)
Trees are an integral part of our ecosystem, but they face many threats from invasive insects and diseases. Keeping trees healthy using integrated pest management (IPM) requires an understanding of the tree species and the pests that can cause harm. This?free?webinar?will provide information on identifying common symptoms of unhealthy trees and IPM-based tactics, including biopesticides, for controlling various tree pests. Experts will focus on IPM approaches to maintenance and pest management for trees in urban, suburban, and park settings.
Tuesday, Nov 19, 2024 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM EST
New Pesticide Mitigations, Labels, and Bulletins (Oh My!)
On Wednesday, November 20, the North Central IPM Center will hold a webinar called, “New Pesticide Mitigations, Labels, and Bulletins (Oh My!)” featuring Dr. Gretchen Paluch, Pesticide Bureau Chief, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. The webinar will be held from 1:30 to 3:00 pm ET (12:30 to 2:00 pm CT) and will outline what options landowners and pesticide applicators have in order to continue using insecticides, fungicides and herbicides for pest management.
Biocontrol School – In-Person Event
Penn State Extension is hosting an in-person Biocontrol School for anyone interested in learning about biological control and sustainable pest management. The event will take place on December 5, 2024, starting at 8:30 a.m. Eastern, at the Farm and Home Center in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Speakers from Penn State Extension, BioWorks, Certis, IPM Labs, and Koppert will introduce attendees to various groups of biological control agents (beneficial insects, fungi, etc.). The workshop features a great lineup of experts who will provide valuable background information and practical advice on implementing biological control measures.
For details about the Biocontrol School, including registration, agenda, continuing education credits (CEUs), and more, please visit the event page.
Registration fee: $85 | Registration deadline: November 30
For more information and to register, visit: https://extension.psu.edu/biocontrol-school
The Entomology Seminar is generally held weekly on Thursdays from 11:05 AM to 12:05 PM. Please check the schedule because some meetings are held on different dates and times*
November 21st, 11:05 AM - 12:05 PM
2123 Comstock/Zoom & A137 Barton Lab (speaker will be in person)
Speaker: Marc Dionne, Imperial College, London
Costs and consequences of peptide-based immunity
Host: CIHMID, Brian Lazzaro
December 5th, 11:05 AM - 12:05 PM
2123 Comstock/Zoom & A137 Barton Lab (speaker will be in person)
Speaker: Brandy St. Laurent, Cornell University
Thermal suitability of Plasmodium falciparum infection in the urban malaria vector Anopheles stephensi under variable humidity
Host: Courtney Murdock
Join New York State Integrated Pest Management at Cornell University for our monthly seminar series designed to increase awareness of new research and techniques that advance Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and its adoption in all types of pest management settings.
Urban rodents and human health
Speaker
Caroline Bragdon, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Date: December 4, 2024
Time: 11:15 am - 12:15 pm
What’s Bugging You First Friday is a monthly virtual series that explores timely topics to help you use integrated pest management (IPM) to avoid pest problems and promote a healthy environment where you live, work, learn and play. IPM is a wholistic approach that uses different tools and practices to not only reduce pest problems, but to also address the reasons why pests are there in the first place. Each month, our speakers will share practical information about how you can use IPM.
The 2024 What’s Bugging You First Friday schedule is now available on the program’s website, and you can register for multiple events using our registration form. We look forward to seeing you in 2024!
December 6th: Feed the Birds | Repurposing a Holiday Tree
2024 Webinar Series for Greenhouse, Nursery & Garden Center Professionals
Join UNH Cooperative Extension and other experts to sharpen and refresh plant production skills. These monthly webinars on a variety of topics are intended to provide practical training for greenhouse, nursery and garden center professionals, although all are welcome to attend. One New England pesticide applicator recertification credit has been applied for each event.
Register for one, multiple or all of the interactive, Online Classes
2024 Class Dates:
November 26 - Mealybug - Dr. Amber Vinchesi-Vahl
December 17 - Fertilizer Selection Basics/Water Analysis - Jonathan Ebba
If you have questions or would like assistance registering for or accessing the webinars, including language access, please contact Jonathan at Jonathan.Ebba@unh.edu
For more than four decades, the NOFA-NY Winter Conference has convened farmers, food system professionals, educators, advocates, homesteaders, and gardeners who are passionate about building a better food system. Mutual support and the generous exchange of knowledge is a hallmark of the NOFA-NY community as we remain true to our vision of a just and resilient farming system grounded in a diverse community now and for future generations.
Saturday, January 18, 2025 at SUNY Morrisville
2025 30-HOUR PESTICIDE CERTIFICATION COURSE
January 22, 2025; January 24, 2025; January 27, 2025; January 29, 2025; January 31, 2025
This program is designed and approved by the DEC to meet the requirements to become a Commercial Pesticide Technician in category 3a,3b,or 25 after passing the exam. We will cover many topics including how to read a pesticide label, personal protective equipment, integrated pest management, common pests and disease in turf and ornamentals as well as vertebrate pests.
Flyer and registration: 30_hour_course_final_with_25-9-18-24.pdf
CERTIFIED TREE STEWARD TRAINING 2025
April 22, 2025; April 23, 2025; April 25, 2025; April 28, 2025; April 30, 2025; May 2, 2025
The Tree Steward Program is a comprehensive workshop dealing with arboriculture. Through both classroom learning and outdoor exercises, the participants will learn all about tree biology, identification, pruning, planting, rigging and much more. Personal protection as well as tree protection will be emphasized.
Flyer and registration: 2025 Westchester County Tree Steward Training
Registration is now open for the 11th International IPM Symposium!
Register early to take advantage of the lowest rates! Super early bird pricing is available now through November 22nd. After that, prices will increase, so be sure to register soon to secure the best deal.
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- Full Conference or Single-Day Attendance: Whether you plan to join us for the entire symposium or just a day, we have flexible registration options to suit your schedule.
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- Attend over 100 presentations, panels, and workshops: Engage in conversation with top experts on cutting-edge IPM research and innovation covering hot topics including Agriculture, Public Health, Built Environments, Landscape, and Forest/Conservation.
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- Field Trips: Sign up for one of our three excursions and explore the IPM practices of the Port of San Diego, the Midway Naval Museum, or UC San Diego.
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- Professional Development Workshops: Expand your expertise with our Thursday afternoon IPM Evaluation Workshop or Rodent Short Course!
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- Student Discounts: We are pleased to offer discounted registration rates and exclusive activities for students.
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- Visit our website for more detailed information about our program, speakers, webinars, travel.
If you have any questions or you’d like to get involved, contact us at ipmsymposium@ipminstitute.org.
Assistant Professor Field Crops Entomology
Location: Ithaca, NY, USA. The academic home for this position is the Department of Entomology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, housed on the Ithaca campus of Cornell University.
The Department of Entomology at Cornell University is seeking applications for a 9-month, full-time, tenure-track position in the area of Field Crops Entomology. The successful candidate will develop an internationally recognized research and extension program focused on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) of grain and forage crops, including corn (>1 million acres in New York State), alfalfa hay (500,000 acres), soybeans (350,000 acres), wheat (150,000 acres), and other small grains. We seek a highly collaborative scientist who will build trust and communicate effectively with field crop farmers and other stakeholders, and will interact extensively with colleagues at Cornell to achieve its Land Grant mission. In this position, research and extension will focus on novel practices that use biological, chemical, physical, and/or cultural control methods to manage pressing insect pest issues currently affecting field crop growers. Research should combine insights from field trials with other approaches, potentially ranging from lab-based analyses to modeling to landscape-scale observational studies, to devise pest management strategies that enhance productivity while minimizing environmental impacts.
CALS Environmental Health & Safety Associate
While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.
As the OEH Associate for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University, college-wide responsibilities include programs to assure the proper management of chemicals. The OEH Associate is responsible for the management of chemicals utilized and the provision of staff training and guidance related to chemicals in alignment with the University’s Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) office’s policies and procedures. Also, receives chemicals, enters information into the chemical management system, labels appropriately, manages inventory and completes regular audits. Serves as a chemical management resource for research laboratories. Guides and assists with safety and compliance related to storage and disposal of chemicals. Provides training related to chemical management inventory as needed.
Previously featured
Assistant Director-Finance and Business Services
The Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture seeks to fill the Assistant Director of Finance & Administration position. The candidate will work in the Departmental Business Office team to oversee the day-to-day management of Sponsored Awards, in coordination with the Program Management Specialist.
The candidate will administer requests for new hires/positions for contractual positions funded on Sponsored Research projects and Lecturer contracts. The incumbent will also coordinate with the Business Office team to support departmental budget reports, ensuring the department’s financial integrity and maintaining long-term financial planning and projections.
This position will also be a backup reviewer/approver for travel requests and departmental inventory tracking. The Assistant Director will report directly to the Director of Financial Services and will work closely with the Department Chair, staff, and faculty (and necessary Departmental stakeholders), College-level administrative officers, and administrative personnel across campus to successfully execute the duties of this position.
JIFSAN, a joint program of the University of Maryland and the U.S. FDA, is seeking a full-time Post-Doctoral Associate position within the FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN). The incumbent will participate in applied regulatory research studying the potential for marine and freshwater natural toxin contamination in FDA-regulated products. The primary focus will be on freshwater cyanotoxins in products that either include cyanobacteria or extracts of cyanobacteria (e.g., foods and dietary supplements), or are exposed to cyanobacteria or cyanotoxin-contaminated waters during their production (e.g., seafood and produce).
Successful candidates for this research position will be responsible for utilizing biological, chemical, and/or toxicological knowledge and experience to inform scientific and regulatory decisions regarding the safety of FDA-regulated products from contamination with marine and freshwater natural toxins. The primary focus of this research opportunity will be on products containing freshwater cyanobacteria or extracts of cyanobacteria directly or are exposed to cyanobacteria or cyanotoxin-contaminated waters during their production. Additional opportunities to participate in research related to marine natural toxins (i.e. saxitoxin, domoic acid, okadaic acid, etc.) will also be possible. Specific duties will include method development and validation, as well as potential
product screening in a range of FDA-regulated products. Candidates will have the opportunity to interact with a variety of state and Federal agencies within their area of study.
Bioresource Soil Science and Management
The School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University welcomes applications for a 9-month, full-time tenure-track position in Bioresource Soil Science and Management at the assistant professor level. The primary production that sustains human life begins and ends with the soil. Yet, degradation of soil health caused by emerging contaminants and agricultural intensification threaten the sustainability of our production systems. Biomass residual resources, such as food waste, human and animal waste, and other plant and animal materials, are often decoupled from production sites, resulting in degradation of soil health and reliance on chemical fertilizers to maintain fertility. Moreover, this decoupling generates waste streams that promote eutrophication of inland and coastal waters. As we reduce fossil fuel usage and increase the circularity of materials flows, there is a demand for research and education related to the management of bioresources in agricultural systems. Relevant research topics include: the effect of organic residuals on soil health and fertility, assessing and mitigating risks caused by the presence of emerging contaminants in residuals applied to soil, developing strategies for improving organics recycling and reuse. This position will serve as a bridge between bioresource producers and consumers, while safeguarding our land, water, and air from the hazard of legacy contaminants and associated toxicological concerns.
Assistant Professor, Tenure Track
The School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University is seeking a plant-microbe interactions scientist, whose research takes a systems approach to fill key knowledge gaps in plant-microbe interaction biology in the context of a changing climate. The successful candidate’s research will show strong promise of establishing predictive principles and foundational knowledge key to innovating for sustainable plant health. Example areas of inquiry include, but are not limited to: (a) the dynamic effects of changing abiotic stresses (heat, drought, flooding, cold, extreme weather events), agricultural and landscape management practices, and plant genetics on plant-associated microbial communities; (b) effects of the environment (micro- to macro-) on detection, signaling, and responses in plant-microbe and plant-microbe-microbe interactions; (c) structural and functional diversity at the molecular interface between plants and microbes across populations, genotypes, and environments over space and time, to understand specificity and evolution of pathogenic and beneficial associations; (d) impacts of microbes on plant physiology, biochemistry, development, and immunity and in turn on plant and soil microbiomes and how those impacts affect resilience of individual plants, populations, or ecosystems; and (e) mechanisms by which plant-associated microbial communities alter plant productivity, nutrition, metabolite production, and/or tolerance to biotic (pathogen, insect) and/or abiotic (climate, nutrient, pollution) stressors. The successful candidate will integrate cutting-edge approaches, such as metagenomics, multi-OMICs, single cell technologies, genome editing of plants and microbial communities, advanced imaging and other non-destructive sensing, systems modeling, machine learning, and others, at any spatial or temporal scale, ranging from molecules and cells to populations and ecosystems, nanoseconds to decades. They will collaborate broadly, across disciplines, to support translation of findings to pressing challenges in applied plant and agricultural sciences. In addition to their research program, the individual in this position will enhance course offerings by incorporating climate change into plant health- and plant microbiome-centered topics. In that role, the person will be expected both to develop new courses and to collaborate to enrich the content of existing courses.
Tenure-Track: Assistant Professor in Acarology
The Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University invites applications for an Assistant Professor of Entomology in Acarology. This is a nine-month, full-time, tenure-track appointment specialization in Acarology, located on the Texas A&M campus in College Station, TX. This position has duties in Research, Teaching, and Service with approximately a 60%, 30%, and 10% distribution of effort, respectively. However, the appointment may change in accordance with Departmental needs. The anticipated start date is August 1, 2025.
This position is located within the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Northeast Area (NEA), at the Food Systems Research Unit in Burlington, VT.
In this position, you will help to improve the environmental, economic, and social sustainability of Northeast food systems while enhancing human nutrition.
Instructional Assistant Professor/Lecturer
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF .
This is a 12-month, non-tenure-accruing, Instructional Assistant Professor/Lecturer track faculty position that will be 100% teaching housed in the Entomology and Nematology Department within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida. A successful candidate with a Ph.D. degree would be eligible to use the ‘Instructional Assistant Professor’ working title.
Faculty Specialist (Risk Analysis Program Director)
The successful candidate will serve as the Risk Analysis Program Director for the Joint Institute for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (JIFSAN). This position is primarily responsible for overseeing and advancing the JIFSAN Risk Analysis Program, which offers a wide array of educational, outreach, and research opportunities tailored to food safety professionals, students, and faculty across diverse disciplines. The JIFSAN Risk Analysis Program integrates several interrelated initiatives, including the Summer Integrated Program in Food Safety Risk Analysis, Professional Development Training via Distance Learning, and Customized Training in Food Safety Risk Analysis. Key responsibilities for this role include providing strategic direction, managing day-to-day operations, and ensuring the successful implementation of all program activities. Additionally, the Director will be expected to teach at least one Food Safety Risk Analysis Professional Development course, contributing directly to the professional growth of participants in the field.
Assistant Professor - Agroecology
The Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applications for a tenure-track position in Agroecology at the rank of Assistant Professor. This position is a full-time, 9-month appointment with a distribution of responsibilities including 40% research, 40% teaching, and 20% service. The successful candidate will be a full member of the University’s faculty and will contribute to advancing sustainable agricultural systems and addressing global food and environmental challenges through their research and teaching in agroecology.
We seek a dynamic candidate with strong commitment to research, teaching, and service in agroecology, working to achieve resilient, just, and sustainable food systems. The candidate will be expected to develop a vigorous, externally funded research program in areas including but not limited to sustainable farming practices, agronomy, agroecosystem management, soil health, chemical ecology, plant-microbe interactions, ecological pest management emphasizing biological controls, climate adaptation of agricultural systems, resilience in food systems, social equity in food production, and the interaction of economic, social and biological principles in agriculture.
For more details on qualifications and application instructions, click HERE.
Assistant Professor - Urban and Managed Landscapes
The Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is seeking talented candidates for a 9-month, full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position. This role will have a distribution of effort comprising 40% Research, 40% Teaching, and 20% Service, focusing on urban managed landscapes. Under exceptional circumstances, highly qualified candidates at other ranks may receive consideration. Massachusetts is the third most densely populated state in the US, and there is increasing demand for accessible greenspaces and recreational areas in urban areas. Turfgrasses are an important component of urban greenspaces, with the turf and related urban landscape industry representing a prominent economic engine for Massachusetts.
The faculty member is expected to develop an interdisciplinary, nationally recognized, integrated program focused on sustainable urban landscape management. Areas of emphasis may include emerging technologies that enable precise water and nutrient management, incorporating resilient turfgrass and ornamental plants in urban green spaces, turfgrass-soil interactions, and weed biology and management.
For more details on qualifications and application instructions, click HERE.
PhD Positions in Environmental Data Science and Invasion Ecology
The Integrative Ecology Lab at Temple University has multiple PhD student positions available for Fall 2025. These positions offer students an exciting chance to work at the epicenter of a recent high-impact invasion, utilizing a combination of field research, data science, and ecological modeling.
Positions: PhD Graduate Students
Department: Biology Department, Temple University
Start Date: Fall 2025
Location: Philadelphia, PA, USA
Funding: Fully funded, Competitive Salary and Benefits
Interviews: Virtual interviews are conducted on a rolling basis,
Application Deadline: October 15th (introductory email), December 15 (graduate school application)
Penn State Extension Associate Director of Programs (University Park, PA)
Penn State Extension is seeking an Associate Director of Programs to coordinate programming efforts and ensure Penn State Extension develops and delivers high-quality, relevant, and impactful extension educational programs, products, and services. This senior-level leadership position will provide daily oversight in the development and implementation of a customer-centric, innovative business strategy that meets the mission of the land-grant university and will be an integral part of Extension’s Senior Administrative Team. Review of applications will begin in late October.
Postdoctoral Research Associate - EAB
Dr. John J. Daigle, Professor in the School of Forest Resources at the University of Maine is seeking applicants for a postdoctoral position research scholar with a strong social science and forest management background. This is a full-time position that will provide an individual who has recently been awarded a doctorate to undertake the responsibilities of community engagement and research. The position will include outreach and communications for collaboration in sustaining brown ash as a component of forest environments.
Assistant Professor in Global Change Ecology
The Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation in the College of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia Tech invites applicants for the position of assistant professor in global change ecology as part of a campus-wide hiring initiative focusing on the grand challenge of invasive species. We seek a candidate with interest and experience in invasion science through the lens of invasion ecology, ecosystem disturbance, and/or novelty in terrestrial ecosystems. This is a full-time, tenure-track, 9-month appointment with primary responsibilities in research and teaching. The Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation is committed to building an inclusive community through programs and activities that are integrated into our research, education, and outreach efforts. We welcome applications from persons identifying with groups underrepresented within the discipline, including but not limited to, Black, Indigenous, people of color, first-generation, and underrepresented genders.
As part of a campus-wide cluster hire on invasive species, the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation in the College of Natural Resources and the Environment at Virginia Tech seeks applicants for a 9-month, tenure-track, research (60%), teaching (30%), and service (10%) position at the Assistant or Associate Professor rank. The successful candidate will study fish or wildlife populations using cutting-edge genetic/genomic tools to improve detection, identification, rapid response, management, and/or eradication of invasive species. Possible areas of research could include the use of environmental DNA, metabarcoding, genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, gene editing, or related approaches for studying invasive species that affect fish or wildlife populations.
The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses in their area of expertise in the department. Advising and mentoring both graduate and undergraduate students is required. Participation in departmental, college, and university affairs and collaboration with faculty both within the department and across the university is expected.
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and the College of Science (COS) at Virginia Tech are inviting applications for a 9-month (academic year) tenure-track research and teaching position at the Associate or Full Professor level in applied economics with a focus on invasive and other harmful species. This broadly encompasses any species that pose threats to terrestrial and / or aquatic ecosystems, impact markets, economic decision-making and outcomes. The academic home for this position will be either the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics (in CALS), the Department of Economics (in COS), or a joint appointment in both. The position also carries expectations for funding summer activities through external grants, teaching, or other mechanisms. The successful candidate will have proficiency in theoretical, analytical, and quantitative tools and methods to tackle complex problems as part of a campus-wide invasive species cluster hire.
The Specialist will be part of College of Agriculture & Natural Resources (AGNR) and University of Maryland Extension (UME) and work closely with the Environment and Natural Resource team, to provide leadership for natural resource and environmental management related programs. It is the responsibility of the Specialist to be self-motivated and work intentionally and collaboratively with partners to increase the visibility and reach of Extension programs that are specifically designed to meet the needs of diverse audiences. The Specialist will use a variety of delivery and communication strategies appropriate for the intended target audience, including but not limited to conferences, workshops, classes, demonstration projects, websites, webinars, social media, publications, and mass media. The faculty member will be on track for tenure and promotion to a higher rank in accordance with UMD policy and UME tenure guidelines within the timeframe defined and will perform teaching, scholarship, and service requirements of a University of Maryland faculty member. In carrying out these duties, the individual reports to the Program Leader & Assistant Director, Environmental, Natural Resources, and Sea Grant Program.
The Specialist will report to the Assistant Director and Program Leader of the Environmental and Natural Resource Program.
SARE Seeks Web Services Developer
Through the activities described below, the Web Services Developer will help develop, manage and maintain the IT systems for national SARE programs.
The Web Services Developer will assist the national SARE program to maintain web-based IT systems that support online content management and the creation of modern educational resources for SARE grantees, grant managers, communication specialists and outside stakeholders by enhancing the functionality and usability of online content and maintaining system security. The position will be employed through UMD’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, at College Park, Md. They will report to the SARE Associate Director and work under the guidance of SARE’s IT Director to collaboratively support all NRCCO colleagues and SARE’s national partners. The Web Services Developer will also be responsible for providing IT support to SARE’s Food Loss and Waste National Grant and Training and Technical Assistance (FLW) program. This is a new, temporary program that requires similar IT support and focus to all SARE grant and outreach programs, but with specific needs required by the USDA NIFA to uphold its FLW program priorities.
Overall, the Web Services Developer will improve SARE’s ability to advance our digital outreach capacity, efficiency and effectiveness to SARE regional partners, national stakeholders and the public.
Agent, Regional Watershed Restoration Specialist
University of Maryland
The University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) is a leading Land-Grant institution providing teaching, research, and Extension programs through University of Maryland Extension (UME) to a diverse clientele in the State of Maryland and beyond. UME seeks to fill a 12-month, tenure-track faculty position in watershed-based education with a particular focus on green infrastructure and nature-based solutions at individual and community landscape levels. The Regional Watershed Specialist for the Capital Cluster will work in the Anne Arundel, Charles, and Prince George’s counties of Maryland as well as statewide to provide non-formal education and technical assistance to stakeholders, including local and county governments, watershed groups, communities, and individuals. Education programming will focus on practices that improve water quality and quantity at the local level that lead to quantifiable reductions in non-point sources of pollution as well as improvement of water quantity/quality issues in the face of changing climate, increasing catastrophic weather events and intensities in a rapidly urbanizing region and state. The educator will be a member of the University of Maryland Extension’s Watershed Protection and Restoration Program (WPRP), consisting of faculty members with similar education responsibilities in other regions of the state. The educator will work closely with the Maryland Sea Grant Program (MDSG) to assist with implementing strategic Sea Grant initiatives that emphasize environmental justice and climate resiliency.
Funding Opportunities
Nationwide Equity and Accessibility Funding Opportunities
Nationwide Equity and Accessibility
The four Regional Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Centers champion the development and adoption of integrated pest management, the science of managing pests, while protecting people, the environment and economy. To help increase equity and accessibility within the IPM community, the Regional IPM Centers are providing two funding opportunities: Equity and Accessibility Grants and Equity and Accessibility Mini-Grants.
These Equity and Accessibility funding opportunities will be awarded to projects that allow recipients to make progress towards IPM goals, while prioritizing equity and access to IPM tools and resources.
Examples of equity and accessibility projects that have been funded are available. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your ideas for this grant prior to applying, please contact Dr. Katie Hartmann: hartm783@crk.umn.edu.
Equity and Accessibility Grants
The Equity and Accessibility Grant program actively supports equity and accessibility initiatives by offering assistance to organizations and communities led by individuals from diverse backgrounds, including, but not limited to: Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQ+, immigrants, migrants, neurodiverse individuals, Veterans, beginning and women farmers, and members of the disability community, as well as faculty, staff, and students. This grant program also welcomes proposals related to training, education, and collaborations promoting equity and inclusion. Proposals should:
- · Focus on IPM
- · Deliver benefits to communities and stakeholders
- · Enhance the cultural competency of staff
- · Identify gaps in IPM resources and propose ways to improve access
- · Conduct needs assessments for the communities being served.
Funding Available: $80,000 with awards of up to $20,000 each
Period of Performance: End date no later than 9/17/25
Application deadline: Open until funds are depleted
Download the Equity and Accessibility Grant RFA
Equity and Accessibility Mini-Grants
The Equity and Accessibility Mini-Grants program is a smaller-scale funding opportunity for individuals or groups who have innovative ideas but require a smaller budget to execute their projects.
Funding Available: Awards of up to $5,000 each
Period of Performance: End date no later than 9/17/25
Application deadline: Open until funds are depleted
Download the Equity and Accessibility Mini-Grants RFA
Previously Newly featured this issue
Title: Finger Lakes Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM)
Agency: Environmental Conservation, NYS Department of
Division: Division of Fiscal Management
Contract Number: C013469
CR Number: 2115606
Contract Term: January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2028
Date of Issue: 11/08/2024
Due Date/Time: 12/03/2024 11:00 AM
County(ies): Broome, Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Livingston, Madison,
Monroe, Onondaga, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins,
Wayne, Yates
Classification(s): Environmental - Consulting & Other Services
Opportunity Type: General
Description: The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is seeking
proposals for the administration of the Finger Lakes Partnership for Regional
Invasive Species Management (PRISM).
This RFP is for administration of the Finger Lakes Partnership for Regional
Invasive Species Management (PRISM) which is one of eight (8) PRISMs across
New York State. The geographic area within the PRISM boundaries includes
Broome, Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Tompkins, Tioga, Steuben, Wayne,
Yates, Cortland, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Onondaga, Ontario, Schuyler and
Seneca Counties, although work across PRISM boundaries may be required
from time to time. The mission of the Finger Lakes PRISM is as follows: “The
Finger Lakes PRISM mission is to reduce the introduction, spread, and impact of
invasive species within the Finger Lakes PRISM region through coordinated
education, detection, prevention, and control measures. ”
Pursuant to the State Finance Law Sections 139-j and 139-k, this RFP includes
and imposes certain restrictions on communications between a Governmental
Entity and a Proposer during the procurement process. Further information
about these requirements, including a copy of the new lobbying law, can be
found at: http://www.ogs.ny.gov/acpl/.
All correspondence and/or questions relating to this RFP should be directed to
the Department’s designated contact person.
Please note, telegraphic or other electronically transferred bids are not
acceptable.
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Set Aside: No
Total MWBE Participation Goals: 0%
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Contracting Goal: 0%
Disadvantaged Owned Sub-Contracting Goal: 0%
Business entities awarded an identical or substantially similar
procurement contract within the past five years: Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Primary contact: Environmental Conservation, NYS Department of
Division of Lands & Forests
Dave Adams
Biologist 2 (Ecology)
625 Broadway, 5th Floor
Albany, NY 12233-4253
United States
Ph: 518-402-9149
Submit to
contact:
Environmental Conservation, NYS Department of
Division of Fiscal Management
Justin Lennox
Associate Accountant
625 Broadway
10th Floor
Albany, NY 12233-5027
United States
Ph: 518-402-0633
The 2025 Northeastern IPM Center's IPM Partnership Grants RFA
The revised RFA is soliciting proposals only for 6-month projects starting 3/1/25 and ending by 8/31/25. The deadline for proposal submissions is November 14, 2024.
The Northeastern Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Center has opened its annual request for applications (RFA) for projects seeking funding through the IPM Partnership Grants Program in 2025, with an application deadline of November 14, 2024.
IPM Partnership Grants Program
The IPM Partnership Grants Program supports three project types: IPM Applied Research, IPM Working Groups, and IPM Communications.
Up to $160,000 in total will be available for 2025, generally with a maximum of $40,000 per award, although projects that meet the criteria for a diversity-focused competitive preference priority may apply for up to an additional $10,000.
Funded projects are expected to contribute significantly to the adoption and/or development of IPM in one or more of the Center’s Signature Programs while addressing one or more of the Center’s cross-cutting issues (https://www.northeastipm.org/about-us/signature-programs/).
There is a 6-month time limit on funded projects.
Informational webinar
Visit https://neipmc.org/go/partnership for more information.
Learn more or apply
• IPM Partnership Grants Program: https://neipmc.org/go/partnership
• Northeastern IPM Center Signature Programs and cross-cutting issues: https://www.northeastipm.org/about-us/signature-programs/
The recording and slides from October 9th’s informational webinar can be found at the following link:
https://neipmc.org/go/rfawebinar2024
The Center’s grants programs are supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA-NIFA).
2025 Funds Available from the North Central IPM Center
You are invited to apply for funding from the North Central Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Center. Funding is available for Community Initiative projects, Critical Issue research projects, and Working Group projects focused on integrated pest management. Funding for selected projects will be awarded in March of 2025.
Funding of these projects supports the North Central IPM Center’s mission to improve the health, environment and economic conditions in the North Central region while using IPM to address pest-related challenges. This mission directly accomplishes the goals of the National IPM Roadmap.
Funding Categories
- Community
- Working Groups
- Critical Issues
The Community Initiative request for applications (RFA) is new this year to help underserved communities. Activities may include developing and delivering educational outreach programs to youth or adults; increasing access to effective IPM practices and resources; or conducting research that addresses specific IPM challenges faced by a community in the North Central region.
The Critical Issue and Working Group projects share the same RFA. Critical Issue projects can fulfill research or resource needs focused on disease, weed, or insect issues impacting crops, human health, or safety. Working Group projects should focus on increasing collaboration in the North Central region to address an IPM challenge.
Funding Amounts
The Center has approximately $360,000 to award and expects to fund about 13 projects. Each project may receive up to $30,000 for a 12-month period.
Deadline
Friday, November 22, 2024, at 6 pm ET (5 pm CT).
Getting Started
Applicants are encouraged to use Center priorities for inspiration during planning efforts. A Q&A webinar will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 10:00 ET (9:00 AM CT). Be sure to register in advance. Questions may also be sent to northcentral@ncipmc.org.
The Southern Integrated Pest Management Center is pleased to announce the release of the 2025 Southern IPM Grants Request for Applications (RFA). Deadline for proposals is Friday, November 22, 2024 at 5 PM Eastern Time.
Our annual competitive grants program, Southern IPM Grants, regionally address Global Food Security challenges including invasive species, endangered species, pest resistance, and impacts resulting from regulatory actions. We use a competitive process each year to solicit and select projects for funding.
We recommend reading through the entire RFA before beginning your planning and to give yourself ample time to enter your information into our online grant management system. Any changes to the RFA from last year are in red font. Notable changes for the 2025 RFA include new application requirement questions, edited and new proposal evaluation measures, and small changes to forms (cover and assurances, budget narrative, and budget justification).
Funding Categories
- Seed Projects
- Capstone Projects
- Working Groups (New or Continuing)
Funding Amounts
Targeted total funding for all Seed, Capstone, and Working Group projects is $250,000. Most projects are limited to $30,000 although in special circumstances IPM Working Group proposals may qualify for up to $40,000 per proposal.
Timeline
The review panel for Southern IPM Grants sits in mid-January to make decisions regarding the funding of proposals. Applicants will be notified in a timely manner so projects can begin on March 1.