I am an associate professor in the Entomology Department and I’m also a faculty member in the Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Behavior Program at Michigan State University. My appointment is 50% extension, 40% research and 10% teaching. I have been in my current position since 2009, and my responsibility is to develop a research program focusing on arthropod pests in order to provide solutions to the vegetable industry in Michigan.  I often interact with extension agents and the vegetable grower community to identify arthropod problems they face in their production. I then take these problems to the lab and investigate them using appropriate research tools. Once results are attained, I communicate the outcomes to the growers and I facilitate the adoption of improved or new pest management methods. When I’m not in the lab or office, I spend time visiting growers and extension agents around the state. Collaboration is essential for my work and I actively seek partnerships with people in other disciplines whose experience complements mine. I also teach scientific communication every fall, a 2 credit graduate seminar where students learn written and oral communication skills.

Email: szendrei ‘at’ msu.edu