UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY ENTOMOLOGY
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C:\Documents and Settings\bnewton\My Documents\My Pictures\svanek1.JPGSarah J. Vanek

M.S. Candidate | Daniel Potter Laboratory

 

Department of Entomology
S-225 Agricultural Science Center N
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY 40546-0091
Ph: 859.257.7475
Fax: 859.323.1120
Email: sarahmack9@hotmail.com

CURRENT RESEARCH

My current research focuses on two approaches for sustainable management of soft scale insects in the landscape: 1) ant-exclusion and 2) host plant resistance. It is well known that various ants form mutualistic relationships with honeydew-producing insects. In these relationships, ants use honeydew as a sugar source and, in turn, provide services to the honeydew producers, the most common being protection from natural enemies. I am currently testing the hypothesis that elimination of ant-provided enemy free space will lead to a decline in soft scale populations. This hypothesis is being tested both with calico scale, Eulecanium cerasorum (Cockerell), and magnolia scale, Neolecanium cornuparvum (Thro).

 

The second objective of my research is to evaluate host plant resistance of various oak (Quercus spp.) to oak lecanium scale, Parthenolecanium quercifex (Fitch) and of various magnolia (Magnolia spp.) to magnolia scale. The hypothesis tested in this study is that native trees are more resistant to these native insect pests than non-native trees.

 

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2007
Major Option: Production
Minors: Insect Science, Diversified Agriculture

 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Horticulture Department, Lincoln, Nebraska
•Cut Flower Production and Research Assistant, March-August 2007

  • Performed various production and maintenance tasks including irrigation establishment and operation, plant propagation, harvesting, post-harvest care, grounds keeping, etc.
  • Conducted business with wholesale florists through filling orders, writing invoices, and delivering plant material
  • Collected and recorded data in spreadsheets

 

Lancaster County Extension, Lincoln, Nebraska
•Extension Education Intern, September-December 2006

  • Prepared written pieces to be used for various education purposes

 

Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, Missouri
•Horticulture Intern, May-August, 2006

  • Assisted in grounds maintenance for the botanical garden and other community outreach programs
  • Prepared an employee manual on integrated pest management
  • Gained experience operating various equipment and practicing professional tree climbing techniques

 

University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Entomology Department, Lincoln, Nebraska

•Teaching Assistant for Insect Identification, Spring 2006, and Insect Biology, Fall 2006, Spring 2007

 

•Researcher, Spring 2006

  • Conducted an independent research project on potential secondary hosts of soybean aphids

 

•Research Assistant, Fall 2005

  • Assisted with research on Bt resistance in the European corn borer

 

•Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experiences (UCARE), June-August 2005

  • Conducted an independent research project on the mating behavior of honey bees
  • Assisted with research on Varroa mite control
  • Attended Master Beekeeping Workshop and Queen Rearing Workshop

 

SCIENTIFIC PRESENTATIONS

Invited Symposium Speaker
  • Vanek, S.J. and D.A. Potter. Ant-exclusion to promote conservation biological control of soft scales (Hemiptera: Coccidae) on landscape plants. Entomological Society of America National Meeting. November 2008.
  • Mack, S.J. and D.A. Potter. Sustainable Management of Soft Scale Outbreaks: Host Plant Resistance and Ant-Exclusion. Entomological Society of America-North Central Branch. March 2008.

 

Submitted Presentations
  • Vanek, S.J. and D.A. Potter. Sustainable Management of Calico Scale: Targeting Ants as Accomplices in Soft Scale Outbreaks. Kentucky Landscape Industries Winter Conference. January 2009.
  • Mack, S.J., J.J. Wagnitz, and M.D. Ellis, Where do Drone Congregation Areas form in Midwestern Agricultural Settings? American Bee Research Conference. January 2006.

 

EXTENSION AND TEACHING PRESENTATIONS

  • Ohio Buckeye Ornamental Workshop, October 2007, 2008
  • University of Kentucky Turf Field Day, July 2008
  • Camp Shawano Summer Camp, June 2008
  • University of Kentucky Winter Nursery Workshop, February 2008
  • Mary Todd Elementary School, October 2007

 

RESEARCH GRANTS

  • 2008-2009. University of Kentucky Horticulture Landscape and Nursery Program Grant. Sustainable Management of Soft Scale Insects: Host Plant Resistance and Ant Exclusion. Principal Investigators: Vanek, S.J. and D.A. Potter.
  • 2005-2006. Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experiences. Drone Congregation Location. Principal Investigators: Mack, S.J. and M.D. Ellis.

 

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