Michael T. Smith
Research Entomologist and Adjunct Professor
USDA, ARS, NAA, Beneficial Insects Introduction Research Laboratory
Dept. Entomology and Applied Ecology, University of Delaware
501 S. Chapel Street
Newark, DE 19713
(302) 731-7330 ext. 241
E-mail to: Michael T. Smith
- Ph.D. Entomology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, 1985 .
Dissertation: Behavioral Ecology: Identification of the sex pheromone of the Hickory Shuckworm and development of an artificial attractant for detection .
- M.S. Entomology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, 1978.
Thesis: Natural Enemies of the Southern Pine Beetle.
- B.S. Forest Management, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, 1976
CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECTS
- 1998 - Present, Research Entomologist, USDA, ARS, NAA, Beneficial Insects Introduction Research Laboratory
Invasive Species: Behavior, Biology and Ecology of Asian Longhorned Beetle and Other Invasive Species, with an Emphasis on Early Detection and Environmentally Compatible Control Strategies (e.g. native and exotic natural enemies for biological control)
- 1999 - Present, Adjunct Professor, Department of Entomology and Applied Ecology, University of Delaware
- 1991 - 1998, Research Entomologist, USDA, ARS, MSA, Southern Insect Management Research Laboratory
Behavioral Ecology of Insect Pests of Pecan and Agricultural Crop: Dispersal and Host Preference of the southern stink bug complex; Development of Trap Cropping System for stink bugs in pecan; Biological Control of Cotton Aphid; Attractant of Pecan Weevil
- 1988 - 1991, Research Entomologist (Post-Doc), USDA, ARS, SAA, Southeastern Fruit and Tree Nut Research Laboratory
Behavioral Ecology of Insect Pests of Pecan: Mechanisms of Host Preference of Pecan Aphid Complex among North American Hickory Species and Pecan Cultivars; Entomopathogenic Nematodes for Biological Control of Pecan Weevil
- 1987 - 1988, Research Scientist, Entomology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Chemical Ecology of Southern Pine Bark Beetles (Dendroctonus & Ips species)
- 1985 - 1987, Post Doctoral Fellow, Entomology, Texas A&M University
Chemical Ecology and Electrophysiology of Southern Pine Bark Beetles (Dendroctonus & Ips species)
- 1980 - 1982, Research Associate, Entomology, University of Missouri Columbia
Pine Wilt Disease: Identification of Vectors of Pine Wilt Nematode and Host Susceptibility Among Conifers of North America
- 1979 - 1980, Research Assistant, Entomology, Kansas State University
Basic Biology and Behavior of insect sorghum, wheat and barley.
HONORS AND AWARDS
- 1985: National Entomological Society of America "John H. Comstock Graduate Student Award" for outstanding graduate student achievement.
- 1992: USDA-Agricultural Research Service Certificate of Merit "Superior Research Efforts in Expanding our Knowledge of the Relationship of the Cotton Aphid and Entomopathogenic Fungi".
- 1994: Recognition by the Organization for International Cooperative Development (OICD) Collaborative Scientific Exchange Research Program for developing collaborative scientific research with South American scientists, particularly Brazil, to investigate natural enemies of the silverleaf whitefly.
- 1995: USDA-ARS-MSA "Scientist of the Year - Early Career Scientist", for excellence in research on the biological control of major insect pests of pecan and cotton.
- 2006: Ontario Federal Council Leadership in Science and Sustainable Development Award: Collaborative Science Group for Eradication of the Asian Longhorned Beetle.
MEMBERSHIPS IN SOCIETIES/ASSOCIATIONS
- Entomological Society of America (1977-present)
- International Society of Chemical Ecology (1984-present)
- International Organization for Biological Control of Noxious Animals and Plants: Nearctic Regional Section (1992-present)
- International Maple Society (2006-present)
- Sigma Xi (1984-present)