During the recent UW-Madison Day at the Capitol on April 17, 2024, two graduate students of the Guedot Lab, Emilie Parkanzky and Elizabeth Hrycyna, presented their innovative research to Wisconsin legislators, showcasing the impactful studies being conducted at the University.

Emilie Parkanzky, introduced her research through the poster titled “Impact of Attract-and-Kill Expansion on Popillia japonica (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in Wisconsin Vineyards.” Her study focuses on a novel strategy to manage the Japanese beetle, a significant pest in vineyards. By expanding attract-and-kill tactics, Emilie’s research aims to manage beetle populations, thereby safeguarding Wisconsin’s vineyards and supporting the local wine industry.

On another hand, Elizabeth Hrycyna, displayed her work on “Biological control of the red-headed flea beetle with nematodes.” This research explores using nematodes as a biological control method to combat the red-headed flea beetle, a notorious pest that affects cranberries in Wisconsin. Elizabeth’s findings could lead to more sustainable pest management practices that minimize environmental impact and chemical use.

Both presentations exemplified the Guedot Lab’s commitment to developing environmentally friendly pest control solutions that address critical agricultural issues in Wisconsin. The event provided a unique platform for Emilie and Elizabeth to discuss their findings with policymakers and highlight the relevance of their work to the state’s agricultural health and sustainability.

The UW-Madison Day at the Capitol is an invaluable opportunity for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to convey the significance of their research to a broader, non-scientific audience, including state legislators, staffers, and the general public. This annual event not only emphasizes the university’s role in pioneering research but also underlines the practical implications and benefits of such studies to the state of Wisconsin and its residents.

 

 

This article was posted in Conferences & Outreach.