Entomology and Nematology Lab
Three lab members, Tennyson Nkhoma, Laura Bautista Romero, and Amir Avila Zapata joined the lab in 2024.
Tennyson Nkhoma (M.S. Student) - Tennyson Bilinkhinyu Nkhoma is originally from Malawi, Africa. He is a master’s student pursuing studies in Entomology. Tennyson obtained his bachelor’s degree in agricultural science from EARTH University in Costa Rica, with a thesis on the use of bio-inputs for controlling phytopathogens (bacteria, fungi, and nematodes). Currently, he is engaged in a research project focusing on the integrated management of thrips as vectors of orthotospovirus in lettuce under the supervision of Dr. De-fen Mou.
Laura Bautista (J-1 Visiting Scholar) - Originally from Colombia, she received her bachelor's degree in Agronomic Engineering from the National University of Colombia. She completed her undergraduate internship in an agribusiness sugar mill in Colombia working with sugarcane production. Laura also had the opportunity to be a part of Glades Crop Care Inc. as trainee where she worked with citrus and vegetables diseases and pest monitoring. In February, she joined EREC as an intern with Dr. De-Fen Mou in Entomology and Nematology Faculty to assist her with projects related to Lettuce and Pepper thrips. She is highly motivated to continue with her master’s studies.
Amir A. Avila Zapata (OPS) - Originally from Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, he has been living in The Glades for over 20 years. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor's in Business Administration with a concentration in Supervision and Management. Amir has been working at the IFAS/EREC since 2018 as an OPS. Most of his time at the EREC was spent in the Entomology Department: six years under Dr. Julien Beuzelin, one year under Dr. Calvin Odero in the Weed Science department, and now under both Dr. Julien Beuzelin and Dr. De-Fan Mou in the Vector Entomology department. Amir plans to pursue a Master's degree once he finishes his Bachelor's in Fall 2025. He hopes to implement his agricultural experience and business degree in his future career.
