West Virginia University Extension has welcomed a new specialist to its Agriculture and Natural Resources program. Effective June 15, Carlos Quesada joined the team as the entomology specialist, an essential position to round out the program’s integrated pest management efforts.
Quesada, who grew up regularly visiting his father’s farm, has always had a passion for agriculture, animals and nature. It was only natural that he chose to pursue a career that allows him to dive deeper into those subjects, while helping growers and homeowners safely and effectively manage insect pest populations.
“Integrated pest management is an important part of agriculture. I’m looking forward to working with my new WVU Extension colleagues to help develop economically and environmentally sustainable IPM programs for our farmers in West Virginia,” Quesada said. “But, insect pests aren’t just a problem for farmers. I’m also excited about providing educational entomology programming for all West Virginians.”
Before joining WVU Extension Service, Quesada worked as a pesticide education specialist with Penn State University, where he designed and developed new educational materials for Extension educators and other clients.
Prior to Penn State, he served as a research assistant and a visiting scholar at Purdue University, where he received his doctorate and master’s degree both in entomology.
Quesada also holds a bachelor’s degree in agronomy from Agriculture National University in Honduras, where he was raised.
In his new role, Quesada will combine his existing knowledge and experience to conduct applied research and develop statewide entomology education programs that include pest identification, integrated pest management, and pesticide education and safety for West Virginia residents.
“Insects can be a nuisance for everyone, but many also serve important purposes on our farms and in our lawns and gardens. This position is one that is essential to continue our integrated pest management program and other educational opportunities throughout the state,” Ronnie Helmondollar, WVU Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources program director, said. “We’re excited to have Carlos on board and are eager to see how he helps move our entomology programs forward.”
After working with Extension programming at Purdue and Penn State, Quesada understands the role WVU Extension Service plays in transferring research-based information from the experts to the community.
“I can already see how valuable the work that WVU Extension does is to West Virginia,” Quesada added. “I’ve always looked for ways to continually improve how I share research findings and other knowledge with the public, making sure that the information is easy to understand and adopt. I’m glad to have the opportunity to keep doing that here at WVU.”
To learn more about WVU Extension’s agriculture and natural resources programs, visit extension.wvu.edu, or contact your local WVU Extension Service office. Keep up with the latest in WVU Extension news on Facebook and Twitter by following @WVUExtension.
-WVU-
hb/07/28/20
CONTACT: Hannah Booth
Communications Specialist
WVU Extension Service
304-293-8701; hannah.booth@mail.wvu.edu