How a City-Raised Entomologist Found Her Path in Agricultural Pest Management

Pin-Chu Lai: A Standout Early Career Professional in Entomology

Introduction

1. Pin-Chu Lai, Ph.D., is a postdoctoral associate at Cornell University and an applied insect ecologist specializing in pest management in crops and vector-borne plant diseases.
2. She grew up in Taipei, Taiwan, with limited exposure to insects but developed a passion for biology and research during her junior year of college.

Background and Education

• Lai earned a B.S. in entomology from Taiwan National University in 2013.
• She obtained an M.S. in entomology from the University of Georgia in 2015.
• In 2021, she completed her Ph.D. in entomology at the University of Georgia.

Research Focus

1. Lai’s research primarily focuses on pest management in crops and vector-borne plant diseases.
2. She is currently conducting research on Colorado potato beetle and corn wireworm management in potatoes.
3. Lai is exploring the use of native strains of entomopathogenic nematodes as biocontrol agents for these pests.

Career Goals

• Lai’s long-term career goal is to become a principal investigator and continue conducting applied ecology research on agricultural pests to advance pest management in crop production.
• She is also considering a career in extension to further contribute to the field.

Challenges as an International Researcher

• Lai acknowledges that limitations as an international researcher in the United States mainly revolve around visa status and restrictions.
• International researchers have to be mindful of their visa situations and face limitations in accessing certain job opportunities and research grants funded by U.S. government agencies.

Reflections and Advice

• If given the chance, Lai would advise her past self to think about her long-term goals and make plans accordingly while still in graduate school.
• She encourages current graduate students to explore different career paths, seek multiple mentors, and take advantage of the resources available during their academic journey.

Favorite Arthropod

• Lai would choose to be a dragonfly because of their strength as predators and their ability to live in water during their childhood and fly in the sky when they mature.

Learn More

• Connect with Pin-Chu Lai, Ph.D., on LinkedIn.
• Explore her work on ResearchGate.
• Visit the Cornell Vegetable IPM Lab for more information.

Conclusion

Pin-Chu Lai, Ph.D., is an exceptional early career professional in the field of entomology. Her research on pest management in crops and vector-borne plant diseases contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Lai’s dedication and passion for her work make her a standout in the profession.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 15: Life on Land

The article discusses the work of Pin-Chu Lai, a postdoctoral associate and applied insect ecologist focusing on pest management in crops and vector-borne plant diseases. This work directly relates to SDG 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. By managing pests in crops, Lai contributes to sustainable agriculture practices and helps ensure food security.

Additionally, Lai’s research on insect pests and their impact on crops aligns with SDG 15, which focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. By studying the interactions between insects and plants, Lai contributes to the understanding of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production.
• SDG 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.

Lai’s work aligns with SDG 2.4 as she focuses on pest management in crops, aiming to develop sustainable agricultural practices that increase productivity while minimizing the use of harmful pesticides. By studying the interactions between insects and crops, Lai contributes to the development of resilient agricultural practices.

Furthermore, Lai’s research also contributes to SDG 15.1 by studying the impact of insect pests on terrestrial ecosystems and exploring ways to manage them sustainably. By understanding the ecological dynamics between insects and plants, Lai aims to contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

For SDG 2.4:

– Increase in crop productivity through sustainable pest management practices.

– Reduction in the use of harmful pesticides in agriculture.

– Improvement in the resilience of agricultural systems to pest infestations.

For SDG 15.1:

– Conservation and restoration of biodiversity in agricultural landscapes.

– Reduction in the negative impact of insect pests on crop yields.

– Adoption of sustainable pest management practices by farmers.

These indicators can be measured through field studies, data collection on crop yields, surveys on pesticide use, and monitoring of biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: entomologytoday.org

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.