I am a masters student currently looking at the development of novel monitoring and control tools for citrus psyllids. My project focuses on testing various semiochemical (odour-based) attractants as a means of improving yellow sticky trap efficacy as a monitoring tool. In addition, I am helping to develop an artificial intelligence driven, vision-based identification system to aid in the timely identification of psyllid pests caught on yellow sticky traps. I have an interest in integrated pest management of insects and I have experience with the identification of various psyllid species, particularly Diaphorinacitri (Asian citrus psyllid) and Trioza erytreae(African citrus triozid), which are two important citrus pests.

I have experience looking at the maximum and minimum thermal tolerance limits of Macrosiphum euphorbiae(Potato aphids) and the effect of nutrition on plasticity in thermotolerance of the Marula fruit fly ( Ceratitis cosyra ). I also have experience with sorting insects like aphids and black flies from suction trap samples as well as experience in identifying Mgenia fuscovaria,which is a planthopper vector for grapevine Aster yellows.