Jason successfully defended his thesis in December 2016, and moved on to a position as Biocontrol Advisor/Scout with EcoHabitat AgriServices. Congratulations Jason! Jason's thesis is available to read here.

Jason is currently completing his Master’s of Science under the supervision of Dr. Mary Ruth McDonald and Dr. Cynthia Scott-Dupree. Jason’s current research is focused on the integrated pest management of the carrot rust fly (Psila rosae). Part of his research focus is on evaluating different insecticide application methods (i.e. foliar, in-furrow drench, and seed treatments) for their effectiveness to control carrot rust fly. Furthermore, Jason is studying the diversity of carrot rust fly natural enemies within the Holland Marsh (Bradford, Ontario) to determine if the IPM program currently in place influences natural enemy populations. The final component of Jason’s research involves the influence of abiotic stressors on carrot rist fly populations. The determination of a relationship between weather trends and adult fly activity as well as the influence of soil properties on larval mortality are important towards establishing a complete IPM program. Jason completed an undergraduate degree in Environmental Sciences as the University of Guelph before beginning his MSc in 2014. 

Jason has been fascinated with entomology since he was young and developed a passion for pest management while working as an ornamental nursery scout for Landscape Ontario. Studying pest management allows him to combine his passion for entomology along with his passion for the outdoors in an applied manner. He wishes to pursue further research opportunities insect biology or pest management, to continue to explore his passion for insects and the outdoors.

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