Michael Athanas Entomologist Mike works with Dr. Robert Schroder in support of biological control and other alternative control measures to reduce the use of pesticides. Mike is a member of the Entomological Society of America. He has worked with the foreign exploration, introduction and evaluation of potential biocontrol agents of the corn rootworm, Mexican bean beetle, Colorado potato beetle, gypsy moth and alfalfa weevil.
Current work involves the development of a new cucurbitacin based bait for corn rootworm control.
Mike has worked with Dr. Schroder since 1977. Robert Bennett Biological Science Laboratory Technician Bob works with Dr. Kevin Thorpe in support of research on management of Colorado potato beetle and gypsy moth. He received a B.S. degree in Biology in 1974 from Towson State University and an M.S. degree in Integrated Pest Management in 1981 from the University of Maryland, College Park. Bob has 10 years of experience working with the Colorado potato beetle, serves as coordinator for IBLs greenhouses on BARC East, and is a Certified Pesticide Applicator in the state of Maryland. Bob has worked with Dr. Thorpe since 1995.