Ashley, the scientist

I am a graduate student in applied entomology with 5+ years of research experience in greenhouse integrated pest management.

As a natural problem-solver, I am most drawn to applied science. I got my first research job when I was in my undergrad in a plant ecology lab studying the impact of no-till agriculture on weed emergence. I’ve been hooked on applied science ever since!

What I’m best at

Distilling ideas into their essential components which allows me to create experiments that efficiently deliver goal-oriented results.
Methodically planning and executing tasks which ensures that I meet targets in a timely and scientifically sound manner
Quickly assessing unforeseen complications and creating solutions which enables me to take action to preserve the integrity of experiments or maximize utility of data

Career Highlights

Currently enrolled as a Masters student at the University of Guelph.
- Read more about my thesis here
Senior research technician in the biocontrol lab at Vineland Research & Innovation Centre for over 5 years
- Read more about the projects I’ve worked on below
Interned as a resource conservation technician at Thousand Islands National park where I was involved in grey rat snake monitoring and developed a management strategy for invasive plant species
Honours B.Sc. Zoology from the University of Western Ontario

Check out my full CV

Go to my LinkedIn profile

Projects at Vineland

Projects I have been involved in as a research technician at Vineland Research & Innovation Centre

Cuttings dips to reduce pest load on imported plant materials
- Moving forward with preventative strategies, Greenhouse Canada, Jun 2019
- Start clean by dipping unrooted cuttings , GrowerTalks, Feb 2019
- Stop thrips from hiding in your greenhouse, Greenhouse Grower, Jun 2018
Improving biocontrol strategies for foxglove aphid
- How to outfox foxglove aphids in the greenhouse, Greenhouse Grower, May 2018
- Understanding Ervi: tips for successful foxglove aphid control, Greenhouse Canada, Sep 2018
Surveys on biocontrol adoption in Canadian greenhouses
- Biocontrol thriving in Canadian floriculture greenhouses, Greenhouse Canada, Mar 2019
- Now putting the bios in charge, Greenhouse Canada, Sep 2016
Developing new generalist predators for greenhouse biocontrol
- Help wanted! The case for new biocontrol agents, Greenhouse Canada, Jan 2019
Using biopesticides & biostimulants for disease management and induction of plant-mediated hebivore resistance
- Not just for bugs, GrowerTalks, Aug 2017
Using pheremone lures to enhance efficacy of mass trapping strategies for thrips
- Using mass trapping in a thrips IPM program, workshop presentation, 2015