Educational Programs @ Cultivate'22

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    Dr. Christopher M. Ranger, Ph.D

    Research Entomologist Horticultural Insects Research Lab USDA-Agricultural Research Service 

    Dr. Ranger’s research addresses broad and complex research problems to identify and exploit biological weaknesses of horticultural insect pests, especially exotic ambrosia beetles. The overall objective is to discover new concepts and develop or optimize existing methodologies to establish integrated pest management strategies for exceptionally difficult insect pests, especially ambrosia beetles. Dr. Ranger conducts research to: (1) collect, bioassay, isolate, and identify plant chemical defenses, (2) elucidate mechanisms of host-insect-microbe interactions, including the impact of abiotic stressors, (3) identify and implement attractant and repellent semiochemicals, and (4) develop botanically-based, user-friendly insecticides. Dr. Ranger reports via peer-reviewed publications on hypothesis-driven research, leads research proposals and extramural grants, supervises visiting scholars and postdoctoral research associates, and ensures proper interpretation and reporting of scientific results. This research directly supports the goals of ARS National Program 305-Crop Production.

    Recognition in Popular Press

    • https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2018/04/beetles-alcohol-trees-insects-animals/
    • https://www.nurserymag.com/article/ambrosia-beetle-research-2017/
    • https://science.sciencemag.org/content/331/6015/twil/tab-pdf

    Educational Background

    2000−2004 University of Missouri-Columbia; major: Entomology; Ph.D.
    1997−1999 The Pennsylvania State University; major: Entomology; M.S.
    1992−1997 The Ohio State University; major: Entomology; B.S.

    Research Experience

    2006−present  Research Entomologist (GS-15, 2019), USDA-ARS, Application Technology Research Unit, Wooster, OH
    2004−2006 Postdoctoral Research Associate, Philip E. Marucci Center for Blueberry and Cranberry Research and Extension, Rutgers University, Chatsworth, NJ
    2000−2004  Life Sciences Predoctoral Fellow, Department of Entomology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
    1997−1999 Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA

    Academic Affiliation

    1/2007−Present  Adjunct Professor, Department of Entomology, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH

    Supervisory Responsibilities

    Dr. Ranger currently supervises a full-time ARS technician (Jenny Barnett) and two postdoctoral scholars (Dr. Ruchika Geedi and Dr. Nisha Patwa), and co-supervises a postdoctoral scholar (Dr. Carlos Esquivel)

    Offices and Committee Assignments

    • Editorial Board for Environmental Entomology (2019−present)
    • Subject Editor for the Plant-Insect Interactions section of Environmental Entomology (2018−2022)
    • Publication Council of the Entomological Society of America, Plant-Insect Ecosystem Section Representative (2017−2021, Chair 2018−2019)
    • National Awards Committee, Entomological Society of America, Plant-Insect Ecosystems Section (2013−2016, Chair 2015−2016)
    • Associate Editor for the Plant-Insect Interactions of Environmental Entomology (2009−2013, 2014−2018)
    • Editorial Board of Agricultural and Forest Entomology (2016−present)
    • Awards Committee, Entomological Society of America-North Central Branch (2007−2008)

    Recent Awards

    • Innovator of the Year Award; Team Award with Collaborators; College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences; The Ohio State University; Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, 2018.

    ARS vision: lead America towards better future through agricultural research & information
    The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency. Our job is finding solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table.



    ARS delivers scientific solutions to national and global agricultural challenges. Our Vision -- Global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence. Core Values -- Scientific excellence, creativity, innovation, integrity, leadership, collaboration, accountability, transparency, diversity, respect, inclusiveness, and public service. These values underpin ARS’ commitment to delivering cutting-edge, scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support the nourishment and well-being of all people; sustain our nation’s agroecosystems and natural resources; and ensure the economic competitiveness and excellence of our agriculture.

    Address:     5601 Sunnyside Ave. Beltsville, MD 20705
    Email:  james.altland@usda.gov     Contact:   James Altland
    Phone:    (330) 263-3870   FAX:  (330) 263-3953


                 


    Household Insects
    Bug expert Dr. Tracy Leskey with the ARS Appalachian Fruit Research Station answers questions about household insects.

    ARS Scientific Discoveries 2020 Overview
    Welcome to ARS’s Scientific Discoveries, a compilation of major scientific achievements from USDA’s chief scientific research agency.


               

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