Brett R. Blaauw
Department of Entomology, Rutgers University
121 Northville Rd
Bridgeton, NJ 08302
EDUCATION
Doctor of Philosophy, dual-degree in Entomology and in the Ecology, 2008 – 2013
Evolutionary Biology, and Behavior Program. Michigan State University.
Effectiveness of native plant conservation plantings for sustainable enhancement
of beneficial insect communities. Advisor: Rufus Isaacs.
Master of Science in Chemical Ecology. Western Michigan University. 2005 – 2008
Density-dependent dynamics of plant defense through three trophic levels:
milkweeds, aphids & coccinellids. Advisor: Stephen Malcolm.
Bachelor of Arts in Biology. Kalamazoo College. 2001 – 2005
Depression of a coccinellid functional response to an aphid by sequestered
plant chemical defenses. Advisors: Stephen Malcolm and E. Binney Girdler.
APPOINTMENTS
Post Doctoral Research Associate. Dept. of Entomology, Rutgers University. 2013 – present
Exploring methods to organically control brown marmorated stink bugs in tree fruit
and vineyards with Dr. Anne Nielsen.
- Co-taught the graduate level course, Biological Control (Fall 2014)
Graduate Research Assistant. Dept. of Entomology, Michigan State University. 2008 – 2013
Investigating the response of beneficial insects to diverse native flower plantings and
measuring ecosystem services. Studies in small replicated plots and at commercial
fruit farms across west Michigan.
Teaching Assistant. Department of Biology, Western Michigan University. 2005 – 2008
Teaching and grading classes in Human Anatomy and Organismal Biology.
GRANTS and SCHOLARSHIPS
AWARDS
The President’s Prize. First place in Plant-Insect Ecosystems Section, Student 2013
Poster Contest for “Size does matter: larger patches of diverse floral resources
increase insect pollinator density, diversity, and their pollination of
native wildflowers” (co-author Rufus Isaacs). Entomological Society of America
Annual Meeting, Austin, TX.
The President’s Prize. First place in Plant-Insect Ecosystems Section, Student 2012
Poster Contest for “Wildflower plantings for conservation biological
control: Floral resources support natural enemies and their control of pests in
adjacent crop fields” (co-author Rufus Isaacs). Entomological Society of
America Annual Meeting, Knoxville, TN.
The Robert J. O’Neil Outstanding PhD in Biological Control Award from the 2012
International Organization for Biological Control – Nearctic Regional Section.
The Gordon Guyer Award from the MSU Department of Entomology for 2012
recognition of outstanding accomplishments in extension.
Second place poster award for “Response of natural enemies and their 2011
ecosystem services to wildflower planting size” at the Plant Science
Graduate Student Research Symposium at Michigan State University in
East Lansing, MI – (co-author Rufus Isaacs).
The President’s Prize. First place in Plant-Insect Ecosystems Section, 2010
Student Poster Contest for “Response of natural enemies and their
ecosystem services to wildflower planting size” (co-author Rufus Isaacs).
Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA.
The Stinger Award. Entomological Society of America’s YouTube Your 2010
Entomology Open category award for “Flight of the Bumble and Other
Bees . . . in Slow Motion.”
Western Michigan University Department of Biology Distinguished Graduate 2008
Student Award.
TEACHING
Dept. of Entomology, Rutgers University.
Co-taught Biological Control. graduate course, 8 students. Fall 2014
Guest lecturer for Insect Ecology: graduate course, 8 students. Spring 2014
Guest lecturer for Agricultural Entomology: undergraduate course, 20 students. Spring 2014
Department of Biology, Western Michigan University
Guest lecturer in Human Anatomy: undergraduate, 200 students. Spring 2008
Human anatomy lab instructor: undergraduate, 6 semester, 50 students/semester. 2006 – 2008
Organismal Biology lab instructor: 6 semester, 50 students/semester. 2005 – 2006
MENTORING EXPERIENCE
PUBLICATIONS
Isaacs, R., Blaauw, B. R., Williams, N.M., Kwapong, P., Mader, E., and Vaughan, M. (2015) Farm- tailored measures to sustain and enhance pollination services. In: Pollination Services to Agriculture. B. Gemmill-Herren (Ed.). Routledge, London, UK. In press.
Blaauw, B. R. and Isaacs, R. 2015. Wildflower plantings enhance the abundance of natural enemies and their services in adjacent blueberry fields. Biological Control. 91: 94-103
Blaauw, B. R., Polk, D., and Nielsen, N. L. 2015. IPM-CPR for peaches: Incorporating behaviorally- based methods to manage Halyomorpha halys and key pests in peach. Pest Management Science. doi: 10.1002/ps.3955.
Blaauw, B. R., and Isaacs, R. 2014. Larger patches of diverse floral resources increase insect pollinator density, diversity, and their pollination of native wildflowers. Basic and Applied Ecology. 15:701-711.
Garibaldi L.A., Carvalheiro, L.G., Leonhardt, S.D., Aizen, M.A., Blaauw, B.R., Kuhlmann, M., Kleijn, D., Isaacs, R., Klein, A.M, Kremen, C., Morandin, L., Scheper, J., Winfree, R. 2014. From research to action: management practices to enhance wild pollinators and crop yield. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment. 12: 439-447.
Blaauw, B. R., and Isaacs, R. 2014. Flower plantings increase wild bee abundance and the pollination services provided to a pollination-dependent crop. Journal of Applied Ecology. 51: 890-898
Blaauw, B. R., and Isaacs, R. 2012. Wildflower plot size influences attraction of natural enemies and their delivery of ecosystem services. Ecological Entomology. 37: 386-394.
Rodriguez-Saona, C., Blaauw, B. R., and Isaacs, R. 2012. Manipulation of natural enemies in agroecosystems: habitat and semiochemicals for sustainable insect pest control. In: Integrated Pest Management and Pest Control, Current and Future Tactics. ISBN 978-953-307-926-4. S. Soloneski and M. L. Larramendy (Eds.). InTech. 89-126.
PRESENTATIONS
INVITED ORAL PRESENTATIONS
OTHER PRESENTATIONS
EXTENSION MEETINGS
OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
Presented “Wildflower Plantings for Pollinator Protection & Natural Enemy Conservation” as part of a spring lecture series for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society in conjunction with their City Harvest Program. Philadelphia, PA. May 6, 2015.
Delivered a hands-on lesson about beneficial insects and gardening to ten inmates at the Philadelphia Prison System as part of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Roots to Re-Entry program that instructs inmates on gardening and landscape management techniques to help inmates gain the experience needed for employment in urban agriculture. Philadelphia, PA. May 6, 2015.
Presented “Wildflower Plantings for Pollinator Protection & Natural Enemy Conservation” to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. Philadelphia, PA. February 18, 2015.
Guest Judge for the middle and high school science projects at Central Academy’s “Science Fair” in Ann Arbor, MI. March 2013.
Presented a talk on “Entomology, and the study of bugs” to elementary students at Washington Elementary’s Science Day in Charlotte, MI on February 21, 2013.
First annual Bee-Palooza 2012 at MSU. To help celebrate National Pollinator week, MSU’s Department of Entomology and the Horticultural Demonstration Gardens hosted educational demonstration sessions for the public on June 23, 2012. Presented and helped arranged this event.
Guest Judge for the middle and high school science projects at Central Academy’s “Science Fair” in Ann Arbor, MI. March 2012.
Presented a talk on the “Conservation of beneficial insects” to elementary students at Washington Elementary’s Science Day in Charlotte, MI on February 23, 2012.
Presented a talk, “Enhancing Beneficial Insects with Wildflowers,” at the Michigan’s Stewardship Network’s, “Please Bug Me!” workshop at Calvin College on June 18, 2011.
Presented a talk on biocontrol and pollination of blueberries to elementary students at Galewood Elementary’s Science Day in Charlotte, MI on November 3, 2009.
WORKSHOPS
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and the Canadian
Pollination Initiative – Pollination and Land Rehabilitation Workshop.
This two day long workshop was an opportunity for pollination biologists, conservationists, restoration ecologists, and others to assess the current state of pollination biology knowledge and to identify research priorities. Breakout group discussions focused on three key target areas: agricultural landscapes, natural habitats, and urban environments. September 29-30, 2012.
The Xerces Society – Michigan Pollinator Conservation Planning Short Course. This day-long short course was designed to equip conservationists, land managers, farm educators, and agricultural professionals with the latest science-based approaches to increasing crop security and reversing the trend of pollinator decline. June 24, 2010.
International Organization for Biological Control – Neartic Regional Section short course: “Basic and Applied Ecology of the Coccinellidae.” This was a module-based, hands-on style course covering feeding ecology of coccinellids, current phylogeny, internal physiology of coccinellids, and intraguild predation. July 6-7, 2009.
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
EXTRACURRICULAR ORGANIZATIONS
Department of Entomology, Rutgers University
121 Northville Rd
Bridgeton, NJ 08302
EDUCATION
Doctor of Philosophy, dual-degree in Entomology and in the Ecology, 2008 – 2013
Evolutionary Biology, and Behavior Program. Michigan State University.
Effectiveness of native plant conservation plantings for sustainable enhancement
of beneficial insect communities. Advisor: Rufus Isaacs.
Master of Science in Chemical Ecology. Western Michigan University. 2005 – 2008
Density-dependent dynamics of plant defense through three trophic levels:
milkweeds, aphids & coccinellids. Advisor: Stephen Malcolm.
Bachelor of Arts in Biology. Kalamazoo College. 2001 – 2005
Depression of a coccinellid functional response to an aphid by sequestered
plant chemical defenses. Advisors: Stephen Malcolm and E. Binney Girdler.
APPOINTMENTS
Post Doctoral Research Associate. Dept. of Entomology, Rutgers University. 2013 – present
Exploring methods to organically control brown marmorated stink bugs in tree fruit
and vineyards with Dr. Anne Nielsen.
- Co-taught the graduate level course, Biological Control (Fall 2014)
Graduate Research Assistant. Dept. of Entomology, Michigan State University. 2008 – 2013
Investigating the response of beneficial insects to diverse native flower plantings and
measuring ecosystem services. Studies in small replicated plots and at commercial
fruit farms across west Michigan.
Teaching Assistant. Department of Biology, Western Michigan University. 2005 – 2008
Teaching and grading classes in Human Anatomy and Organismal Biology.
GRANTS and SCHOLARSHIPS
- NIFA-Crop Protection and Pest Management Grant: IPM-CPR: A Systems-Level Approach To Manage Brown Marmorated Stink Bug And Conserve Beneficial Insects In Tree Fruit. (Lead author with Anne Nielsen, Tracy Leskey, Chris Bergh, and Dean Polk) 2016-2018. ($299,953)
- State Horticultural Association of Pennsylvania Research Grant: Amplifying Natural Enemy Impacts: Attracting Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys) and its Natural Enemies with Semiochemicals and Floral Resources to Increase Predation at Pull-Pull Sites. (co-author with Rob Morrison, Tracy Leskey, and Anne Nielsen) 2015-2017. ($25,000)
- Northeast Region – Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program: Research and Education Grant to develop an “attract and kill” system for management of brown marmorated stink bug in apple orchards. (co-authors Tracy Leskey, Doo-Hyung Lee, Yong-Lak Park, Bryan Butler, Anne Nielsen, Greg Krawczyk, and Ashot Khrimian) 2014-2016. ($250,000)
- Northeast Region – Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program: Partnership Grant to facilitate tree fruit growers adoption of new tactics to reduce insecticide inputs for BMSB management. (co-authors Anne L. Nielsen and Dean Polk) 2014-2015. ($14,970)
- New Jersey Horticulture Society – Funding to identify movement and distribution patterns of the brown marmorated stink bug in peach orchards. (co-author Anne Nielsen) 2014. ($3,500)
- The Hutson Endowment funds for travel to Entomological Society of America annual meeting in Knoxville, TN. 2012. ($400)
- Project GREEEN (Generating Research and Extension to meet Economic and Environmental Needs) grant to measure beneficial insect dispersal in blueberry fields (co-author Rufus Isaacs). 2012. ($25,000)
- The Fruit Industry Scholarship from the Michigan State Horticultural Society. 2011. ($1,000)
- The Hutson Endowment funds for travel to Entomological Society of America annual meeting in Reno, NV. 2011. ($400)
- The Hutson Endowment funds for travel to Entomological Society of America annual meeting in San Diego, CA. 2010. ($400)
- MSU Entomology Department Hutson Research Grant. 2010. ($1,200)
- North Central Region – Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program Graduate Student Grant to determine the influence of wildflower plot size on beneficial insects. 2009. ($9,910)
- The Hutson Endowment funds for travel to Entomological Society of America annual meeting in Indianapolis, IN. 2009. ($400)
- Travel Award to attend the IOBC-NRS short course: “Basic and Applied Ecology of the Coccinellidae.” 2009. ($300)
- The Hutson Endowment funds for travel to Entomological Society of America annual meeting in Reno, NV. 2008. ($400)
- Western Michigan University Graduate Student Research Fund Grant. 2007-2008. ($1,000)
- Western Michigan University Graduate Student Travel Fund Grant. 2007-2008. ($200)
- National Science Foundation – Research Experiences for Undergraduates at Western Michigan University. Worked on a research project with Dr. Stephen Malcolm titled: “Density dependent dynamics of plant defense through three trophic levels: Milkweeds, Aphids, & Coccinellids.” ($5,000)
AWARDS
The President’s Prize. First place in Plant-Insect Ecosystems Section, Student 2013
Poster Contest for “Size does matter: larger patches of diverse floral resources
increase insect pollinator density, diversity, and their pollination of
native wildflowers” (co-author Rufus Isaacs). Entomological Society of America
Annual Meeting, Austin, TX.
The President’s Prize. First place in Plant-Insect Ecosystems Section, Student 2012
Poster Contest for “Wildflower plantings for conservation biological
control: Floral resources support natural enemies and their control of pests in
adjacent crop fields” (co-author Rufus Isaacs). Entomological Society of
America Annual Meeting, Knoxville, TN.
The Robert J. O’Neil Outstanding PhD in Biological Control Award from the 2012
International Organization for Biological Control – Nearctic Regional Section.
The Gordon Guyer Award from the MSU Department of Entomology for 2012
recognition of outstanding accomplishments in extension.
Second place poster award for “Response of natural enemies and their 2011
ecosystem services to wildflower planting size” at the Plant Science
Graduate Student Research Symposium at Michigan State University in
East Lansing, MI – (co-author Rufus Isaacs).
The President’s Prize. First place in Plant-Insect Ecosystems Section, 2010
Student Poster Contest for “Response of natural enemies and their
ecosystem services to wildflower planting size” (co-author Rufus Isaacs).
Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA.
The Stinger Award. Entomological Society of America’s YouTube Your 2010
Entomology Open category award for “Flight of the Bumble and Other
Bees . . . in Slow Motion.”
Western Michigan University Department of Biology Distinguished Graduate 2008
Student Award.
TEACHING
Dept. of Entomology, Rutgers University.
Co-taught Biological Control. graduate course, 8 students. Fall 2014
Guest lecturer for Insect Ecology: graduate course, 8 students. Spring 2014
Guest lecturer for Agricultural Entomology: undergraduate course, 20 students. Spring 2014
Department of Biology, Western Michigan University
Guest lecturer in Human Anatomy: undergraduate, 200 students. Spring 2008
Human anatomy lab instructor: undergraduate, 6 semester, 50 students/semester. 2006 – 2008
Organismal Biology lab instructor: 6 semester, 50 students/semester. 2005 – 2006
MENTORING EXPERIENCE
- Managed a group of six undergraduate and hourly workers as they assisted me on projects investigating a more sustainable approach for managing the brown marmorated stink bug in organic systems and tree fruit orchards. Summer 2014
- Supervised a group of four undergraduate and hourly workers as they worked on projects measuring stink bug dispersal and exploring organic strategies for managing the brown marmorated stink. Summer 2013.
- Supervised a Michigan State University undergraduate student as she contributed to a project to investigate the effectiveness of native plant conservation plantings for sustainable enhancement of beneficial insect communities. Summer 2011-2012.
- Mentored a fourth year undergraduate student from Kalamazoo College on a project that explored the role of wildflower plots on the conservation of native bees as he fulfilled a Kalamazoo College requirement for a Senior Individualized Project. Summer 2011.
- Supervised a Michigan State University undergraduate student as he assisted on a project to investigate the effectiveness of native plant conservation plantings for sustainable enhancement of beneficial insect communities. Summer 2010.
- Supervised a Kalamazoo College undergraduate student as he assisted on a project to measure the response of beneficial insects to wildflower patch size. Summer 2009.
- Supervised a Western Michigan University undergraduate student as she assisted on a project to investigate the tri-trophic interactions anddensity-dependent dynamics of plant defenses.
- Spring 2008.
PUBLICATIONS
Isaacs, R., Blaauw, B. R., Williams, N.M., Kwapong, P., Mader, E., and Vaughan, M. (2015) Farm- tailored measures to sustain and enhance pollination services. In: Pollination Services to Agriculture. B. Gemmill-Herren (Ed.). Routledge, London, UK. In press.
Blaauw, B. R. and Isaacs, R. 2015. Wildflower plantings enhance the abundance of natural enemies and their services in adjacent blueberry fields. Biological Control. 91: 94-103
Blaauw, B. R., Polk, D., and Nielsen, N. L. 2015. IPM-CPR for peaches: Incorporating behaviorally- based methods to manage Halyomorpha halys and key pests in peach. Pest Management Science. doi: 10.1002/ps.3955.
Blaauw, B. R., and Isaacs, R. 2014. Larger patches of diverse floral resources increase insect pollinator density, diversity, and their pollination of native wildflowers. Basic and Applied Ecology. 15:701-711.
Garibaldi L.A., Carvalheiro, L.G., Leonhardt, S.D., Aizen, M.A., Blaauw, B.R., Kuhlmann, M., Kleijn, D., Isaacs, R., Klein, A.M, Kremen, C., Morandin, L., Scheper, J., Winfree, R. 2014. From research to action: management practices to enhance wild pollinators and crop yield. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment. 12: 439-447.
Blaauw, B. R., and Isaacs, R. 2014. Flower plantings increase wild bee abundance and the pollination services provided to a pollination-dependent crop. Journal of Applied Ecology. 51: 890-898
Blaauw, B. R., and Isaacs, R. 2012. Wildflower plot size influences attraction of natural enemies and their delivery of ecosystem services. Ecological Entomology. 37: 386-394.
Rodriguez-Saona, C., Blaauw, B. R., and Isaacs, R. 2012. Manipulation of natural enemies in agroecosystems: habitat and semiochemicals for sustainable insect pest control. In: Integrated Pest Management and Pest Control, Current and Future Tactics. ISBN 978-953-307-926-4. S. Soloneski and M. L. Larramendy (Eds.). InTech. 89-126.
PRESENTATIONS
INVITED ORAL PRESENTATIONS
- Brett R. Blaauw, George Hamilton, Cesar Rogriguez-Saona, and Anne Nielsen. 2015. Understanding host choice to enhance the sustainablility of brown marmorated stink bug management. Entomological Society of America – Eastern Branch Annual Meeting, Rehoboth Beach, DE.
- Brett R. Blaauw. 2014. Within-farm plant diversity to enhance natural enemies and their services. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, Portland, OR.
- Brett R. Blaauw and Rufus Isaacs. 2014. Enhancing floral resources for beneficial insects, ecosystem services, and farm revenue. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, Portland, OR.
- Brett R. Blaauw, Dean Polk, and Anne L. Nielsen. 2014. Exploiting dispersal behavior: A more sustainable approach for managing brown marmorated stink bug. Entomological Society of America – Eastern Branch Annual Meeting, Williamsburg, VA. Oral presentation.
- Brett R. Blaauw, Anne L. Nielsen, and John Pote. 2013. Natural Enemies, Row Cover, and Trap Crops for Stink Bug Management. Penn State Extension: Organic Vegetable Intensive-Insects and Winter Greens. Dec. 5, 2013. Oral presentation
- Brett R. Blaauw and Rufus Isaacs. 2013. Wildflower plantings for conservation biological control: floral resources support natural enemies and their control of pests in adjacent crop fields. The Stewardship Network's 2013 Science, Practice & Art of Restoring Ecosystems Conference, East Lansing, MI.
- Brett R. Blaauw and Rufus Isaacs. 2013. The good bugs: who they are, what they do, and how to support them. Great Lakes Trade Exposition, Grand Rapids, MI.
- Brett R. Blaauw and Rufus Isaacs. 2012. Managing natural enemies in agricultural systems. Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market EXPO, Grand Rapids, MI. Oral presentation.
- Brett R. Blaauw and Rufus Isaacs. 2012. Supporting pollination of perennial fruit crops using wildflower plantings: progress and challenges. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, Knoxville, TN.
- Brett R. Blaauw. 2012. Conserving natural enemies: taking advantage of the natural enemies that are already in your outdoor production yards. University of Massachusetts Extension Program: Attracting and Conserving Natural Enemies in Plant Production Yards and Greenhouses, Sturbridge, MA.
- Brett R. Blaauw and Rufus Isaacs. 2012. Using native wildflowers to enhance natural enemies and biological control in outdoor production yards. University of Massachusetts Extension Program: Attracting and Conserving Natural Enemies in Plant Production Yards and Greenhouses, Sturbridge, MA.
- Brett R. Blaauw and Rufus Isaacs. 2012. The use of wildflower plantings to conserve beneficial insects in Michigan tree fruit. Northwest Michigan Orchard and Vineyard Show, Acme, MI.
- Brett R. Blaauw and Rufus Isaacs. 2011. Enhancing natural enemies in crops using flowering plants. Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market EXPO, Grand Rapids, MI.
- Brett R. Blaauw and Rufus Isaacs. 2011. Conserving native bees in blueberry and other small fruit. Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market EXPO, Grand Rapids, MI.
- Brett R. Blaauw. 2011. Sharing the wonderful world of insects via the internet. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, Reno, NV.
OTHER PRESENTATIONS
- Anne L. Nielsen, Brett R. Blaauw, and Dean Polk. 2014. Steps towards a systems-level approach to invasive species management for brown marmorated stink bug. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, Portland, OR. Oral presentation co-author
- Rufus Isaacs, Julianna Wilson, Emily May, Brett R. Blaauw, and Jason Gibbs. 2014. Development and implementation of floral resources to support honey bees and native bees in fruit crops. Honey Bee Forage and Nutrition Summit, sponsored by USDA, was held October 20-21, in Alexandria, VA. Oral presentation co-author
- Brett R. Blaauw, Dean Polk, and Anne L. Nielsen. 2014. Exploiting BMSB behavior as a management tactic in peaches. Specialty Crop Research Initiative BMSB Planning Meeting. February 11, 2014. Oral presentation
- Anne L. Nielsen, Brett R. Blaauw, and Dean Polk. 2014. IPM CPR: The application of behaviorally-based strategies for successful management of BMSB in peach. Orchard Pest and Disease Management Conference. Portland, Oregon. January 8, 2014. Oral presentation co-author
- Brett R. Blaauw, Doo-Hyung Lee, Anne L. Nielsen, and Tracy Leskey. 2013. The dispersal capacity and host choice of BMSB nymphs. Northeastern IPM BMSB Working Group Meeting. December 3, 2013. Oral presentation.
- Brett R. Blaauw, Dean Polk, and Anne L. Nielsen. November 2013. Behaviorally-based reduced input management for brown marmorated stink bug in peach. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, Austin, TX. Oral presentation.
- Brett R. Blaauw and Rufus Isaacs. November 2013. Size does matter: larger patches of diverse floral resources increase insect pollinator density, diversity, and their pollination of native wildflowers. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, Austin, TX. Poster presentation.
- Rufus Isaacs, Brett Blaauw, and Emily May. October 2013. Pollinator habitat restoration in managed lands: does it increase bees and crop yield, and can that further encourage restoration? Fifth World Conference on Ecological Restoration. Madison, WI. Oral presentation co-author.
- Brett R. Blaauw and Rufus Isaacs. 2013. Wildflower plantings for conservation biological control: floral resources support natural enemies and their control of pests in adjacent crop fields. The Stewardship Network's 2013 Science, Practice & Art of Restoring Ecosystems Conference, East Lansing, MI. Poster presentation.
- Rufus Isaacs, Brett R. Blaauw, Julianna K. Tuell, Emily May, and Keith Mason. 2012. Supporting pollinator and natural enemy diversity for sustainable fruit production: testing tactics on farm. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, Knoxville, TN. Oral presentation co-author.
- Brett R. Blaauw and Rufus Isaacs. 2012. Wildflower plantings for conservation biological control: floral resources support natural enemies and their control of pests in adjacent crop fields. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, Knoxville, TN. Poster presentation.
- Rufus Isaacs, Brett R. Blaauw, Julianna K. Tuell, Emily May, Neal M. Williams, Kimiora Ward, Jaret C. Daniels, and Akers Pence. 2012. Taking pollination ecosystem services to the farm: Development of habitat management practices to support sustainable food production. Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting, Portland, OR. Oral presentation co-author.
- Mary Gardiner, Megan Woltz, and Brett R. Blaauw. 2012. Natural enemies for high tunnel production. 2012 Minnesota Statewide High Tunnel/Season Extension Conference, Baxter, MN. Oral presentation co-author.
- Brett R. Blaauw and Rufus Isaacs. 2012. The effect of native wildflower planting size on beneficial insects and their ecosystem services. The Stewardship Network's 2012 Science, Practice & Art of Restoring Ecosystems Conference, East Lansing, MI. Oral presentation.
- Rufus Isaacs, Julianna Tuell, and Brett R. Blaauw. 2011. Integrated pollinator, management. Van Buren Conservation District’s Farming for the Future workshop, Paw Paw, MI. Oral presentation co-author.
- Rufus Isaacs, Julianna Tuell, and Brett R. Blaauw. 2011. Habitat manipulation to support integrated crop pollination. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, Reno, NV. Oral presentation co-author.
- Brett R. Blaauw and Rufus Isaacs. 2011. How does wildflower planting size affect insect pollinators and their delivery of pollination ecosystem services?Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, Reno, NV. Oral presentation.
- Brett R. Blaauw and Rufus Isaacs. 2011. Variation in natural enemies and biological control with the size of native wildflower plantings. Royal Entomological Society – Ento’11, Chatham, UK. Oral presentation.
- Brett R. Blaauw and Rufus Isaacs. 2011. Response of natural enemies and their ecosystem services to wildflower planting size. Michigan State University – Graduate Academic Conference, East Lansing, MI. Poster presentation.
- Brett R. Blaauw and Rufus Isaacs. 2011. Response of natural enemies and their ecosystem services to wildflower planting size. Plant Science Graduate Student Research Symposium at Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI. Poster presentation.
- Brett R. Blaauw and Rufus Isaacs. 2011. Response of natural enemies and their ecosystem services to wildflower patch size. Entomological Society of America – North Central Branch Annual Meeting, Minneapolis, MN. Oral presentation.
- Brett R. Blaauw and Rufus Isaacs. 2010. Response of natural enemies and their ecosystem services to wildflower planting size. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA. Poster presentation.
- Brett R. Blaauw and Stephen B. Malcolm. 2010 Density-dependent dynamics of plant defense through three trophic levels: milkweeds, aphids & coccinellids Plant Science Graduate Student Research Symposium at Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI. Poster presentation.
- Nathanial J. Walton, Brett Blaauw, Anna K. Fiedler, and Rufus Isaacs. 2010. Native plants for conservation of beneficial insects: trials and tribulations on Michigan farms. Entomological Society of America – North Central Branch Annual Meeting, Louisville, KY. Oral
- presentation co-author.
- Brett R. Blaauw and Stephen B. Malcolm. 2009. Density-dependent dynamics of plant defense through three trophic levels: milkweeds, aphids & coccinellids. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, Indianapolis, IN. Poster presentation.
- Stephen B. Malcolm, John J. Couture and Brett R. Blaauw. 2008. Dynamics and impact of chemical defense expression in a plant-aphid-coccinellid interaction. International Congress of Entomology meeting, Durban, South Africa. Oral presentation co-author.
- Brett R. Blaauw and Stephen B. Malcolm. 2005. Depression of a coccinellid functional response to an aphid by sequestered plant chemical defenses. Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting, Montreal, Canada. Poster presentation.
EXTENSION MEETINGS
- Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention. (co-author) “Bringing IPM Back to Peaches in the Face of BMSB.” Hershey, PA. Jan 29, 2015. (100 attendees)
- Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey’s Winter Conference. A lunch-and-learn session entitled, “Insectary Plantings for Pollinator Protection & Natural Enemy Conservation.” January 25, 2015. Lincroft, NJ. (40 participants)
- Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention. “Effective IPM Programs for BMSB in Peach: Better and Less Spraying.” Hershey, PA. Jan 29, 2014. (150 attendees)
- New Jersey organic growers meeting. Update on the organic management of stink bugs. Terhune Orchards, Princeton, NJ. Feb. 12, 2014. (45 participants)
- Michigan State University sponsored “Breakfast on the Farm.” Michigan native bees and fruit pollination. August 4, 2012. (>1,000 attendees)
- Grower meeting sponsored by Operation Pollinator, MSU Extension, and Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station. Wildflower plantings for pollination, pest control, and profit. Trevor Nichols Research Center in Fennville, MI on July 2, 2012. (26 attendees)
- Conserving Beneficial Insects for Pest Suppression and Crop Pollination supported by USDA-SARE, MSU Extension, and Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station. September 2nd, 2010. Suttons Bay, MI. (8 participants); and September 9th, 2010. Trevor Nichols Research Center in Fennville, MI. (11 participants)
- Michigan’s Organic Tree Fruit Grower Association’s Organic Apple Field Day. “Native plant conservation strips for sustainable pollination and control in fruit crops.” Almar Orchards. Flushing, MI. June 25, 2009. (40 attendees)
OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
Presented “Wildflower Plantings for Pollinator Protection & Natural Enemy Conservation” as part of a spring lecture series for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society in conjunction with their City Harvest Program. Philadelphia, PA. May 6, 2015.
Delivered a hands-on lesson about beneficial insects and gardening to ten inmates at the Philadelphia Prison System as part of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Roots to Re-Entry program that instructs inmates on gardening and landscape management techniques to help inmates gain the experience needed for employment in urban agriculture. Philadelphia, PA. May 6, 2015.
Presented “Wildflower Plantings for Pollinator Protection & Natural Enemy Conservation” to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. Philadelphia, PA. February 18, 2015.
Guest Judge for the middle and high school science projects at Central Academy’s “Science Fair” in Ann Arbor, MI. March 2013.
Presented a talk on “Entomology, and the study of bugs” to elementary students at Washington Elementary’s Science Day in Charlotte, MI on February 21, 2013.
First annual Bee-Palooza 2012 at MSU. To help celebrate National Pollinator week, MSU’s Department of Entomology and the Horticultural Demonstration Gardens hosted educational demonstration sessions for the public on June 23, 2012. Presented and helped arranged this event.
Guest Judge for the middle and high school science projects at Central Academy’s “Science Fair” in Ann Arbor, MI. March 2012.
Presented a talk on the “Conservation of beneficial insects” to elementary students at Washington Elementary’s Science Day in Charlotte, MI on February 23, 2012.
Presented a talk, “Enhancing Beneficial Insects with Wildflowers,” at the Michigan’s Stewardship Network’s, “Please Bug Me!” workshop at Calvin College on June 18, 2011.
Presented a talk on biocontrol and pollination of blueberries to elementary students at Galewood Elementary’s Science Day in Charlotte, MI on November 3, 2009.
WORKSHOPS
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and the Canadian
Pollination Initiative – Pollination and Land Rehabilitation Workshop.
This two day long workshop was an opportunity for pollination biologists, conservationists, restoration ecologists, and others to assess the current state of pollination biology knowledge and to identify research priorities. Breakout group discussions focused on three key target areas: agricultural landscapes, natural habitats, and urban environments. September 29-30, 2012.
The Xerces Society – Michigan Pollinator Conservation Planning Short Course. This day-long short course was designed to equip conservationists, land managers, farm educators, and agricultural professionals with the latest science-based approaches to increasing crop security and reversing the trend of pollinator decline. June 24, 2010.
International Organization for Biological Control – Neartic Regional Section short course: “Basic and Applied Ecology of the Coccinellidae.” This was a module-based, hands-on style course covering feeding ecology of coccinellids, current phylogeny, internal physiology of coccinellids, and intraguild predation. July 6-7, 2009.
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
- Northeast Organic Farming Association 2013 – present
- International Organization for Biological Control. 2010 – present
- Entomological Society of America. 2008 – present
EXTRACURRICULAR ORGANIZATIONS
- Michigan State University’s Linnaean Games team member 2011 – 2013
- Graduate and Undergraduate Student Society at Michigan State University 2008 – 2013
- Western Michigan University Biology Club 2005 – 2008