Adam Dale
Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist I am broadly interested in plant-insect interactions and using ecology to inform arthropod pest management strategies on landscape plants.
Contact me at: 352-273-3976 agdale@ufl.edu
Office: 3214 Steinmetz Hall, UF Gainesville, FL
Research Support
Nicole Benda – Biological Scientist II/Lab Manager
I am interested in insect-plant interactions, particularly chemical ecology, host-plant use, insect behavior, and pest management. In my free time, I love cooking, astronomy and science fiction, and to explore the world with my family.
James Pinkney – Research Technician
I am interested in conservation biology and sharing my passion for science through community outreach. In my free time I enjoy playing tennis, insect photography, and raising my tarantula, Peacock.
Graduate students
Matt Borde
n – Doctorate of Plant Medicine graduate student / Entomology & Nematology M.S. student
I have experience in ornamental IPM, especially in landscapes and greenhouses of public gardens. I have also enjoyed some time in commercial beekeeping, and most recently worked for a Virginia Tech research station in their tree fruit pathology lab. I am excited to continue studying ornamental and turf entomology, particularly learning about woody plant protection. As an avid plantsman, I enjoy hiking, gardening, and photography of plants and insects.
Balwinder Kaur – Ph.D. student (Entomology & Nematology)
I am interested in investigating biodiversity and plant- insect interactions to answer ecological questions and better manage insect pests. My current research aims to investigate the effects of increasing plant diversity on insects, natural enemies, and other ecological processes in turfgrass/ lawn ecosystems at different regional climates. Besides research, I enjoy dancing, reading, traveling, and spending time with friends.
Rebecca Perry – M.S. student (Entomology & Nematology)
I have a passion for conservation, which has interested me in the relationships between insects and plants and how their interactions affect ecosystems. In my spare time, I rear insects, particularly butterflies and moths. I also enjoy hiking, kayaking, and reading.
Undergraduate students
Ava Joy Cockey – Research Intern
I am a first-year Family, Youth, and Community Sciences major on a pre-health track. I grew up in Gainesville, FL and have always been eager to explore the natural world around me. I am excited to learn more about entomology and nematology and its role in the tropical ecology of Florida.
Kelly Laplante – Research Assistant
I am beginning my third year at UF majoring in Environmental Engineering, with a minor in Soils and Water Sciences. I am very interested in delving more into the study of entomology, and gaining new experiences and skills that I can apply in the future.
Tanner Felbinger – Research Intern
I am from Raleigh, NC and came to UF in search of bugs and warmer weather. I am majoring in Entomology and am interested in learning about how we can use insects to promote more sustainable practices. You can find me teaching group fitness classes at the gyms on campus!
Lab Alumni
Grace Cope – Undergraduate Scholars Program Intern, 2017-2019
Brianna Whitman – M.S. degree, 2016-2018
Pablo Allen Monge – Post-doctoral Associate, 2017-18
Larissa LaForest – Undergraduate Scholars Program Intern, 2017-18
Ethan Doherty – M.S. degree, 2016-18
