The overarching goal of my research group is to develop and deliver next-generation technologies for sustainable pest control, particularly for honey bees and their parasites. We aim to design control strategies that are highly selective—targeting pest species without harming beneficial arthropods or vertebrates—while also breaking down rapidly in the environment and remaining safe, cost-effective, and effective at low doses.

A key objective is to develop tools that improve pest management and biosecurity outcomes while reducing the risk of resistance when used appropriately. Genetic approaches, particularly via gene silencing using double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) technologies, meet many of these criteria and form a central focus of our research.

Key topics: Pest management; entomology; honey bees; invasive wasps and hornets; pathogens and parasites (including Varroa destructor); biopesticides; and molecular genetic approaches, including gene silencing, dsRNA-based technologies, and antibody-based treatments.