Meet the Interns
Meet the PestWorld 2026 Interns
The PestWorld education program would not be the success that it is without the energy, dedication, and fresh perspectives of these emerging professionals. Learn more about this year's interns below and hear more about their groundbreaking research at the Intern Showcases.
Intern program sponsored by Rollins
Camille Block, Virginia Tech
I am a Ph.D. candidate in Entomology working in Dr. Warren Booth's lab at Virginia Tech. I am studying the urban evolutionary genomics of the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius. Through my research, I endeavor to use the study of urban pests to assist pest control companies and individuals facing pest infestations. I received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Washington University in St. Louis, where I worked in Dr. Jonathan Losos’ lab studying the correlations between feral pigeon plumage color and ectoparasite prevalence. I have also worked with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance to study sticktight fleas (Echidnophaga gallinacea) in burrowing owl nest chambers.
Jamesia Henderson, Augusta University
Jamesia Henderson is a second-year Ph.D. student in Genomic Medicine at Augusta University, working in Dr. Jennifer Baltzegar’s lab. Her current research focuses on two urban entomology projects: investigating the genetic basis of glucose aversion in German cockroaches and characterizing insecticide resistance mutations in Aedes mosquito populations. Prior to her Ph.D., she conducted graduate research at Florida A&M University in honey bee health and integrated pest management (IPM). Her fellowship experience includes the Public Health Entomology For All (PHEFA) Fellowship Award with the Entomological Society of America in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Georgia Department of Public Health. She is excited to serve as an intern and bring her background in vector biology and pest management to NPMA’s 2026 PestWorld Intern Program.
Emily Heiney, University of Georgia
Emily Heiney is a M.S. student in Entomology working out of the University of Georgia, advised by Dr. Dan Suiter. Her research is on the bioavailability and longevity of perimeter treatments with a focus on lasting residuals and their toxicity.
Chance Hudnall, Louisiana State University
Gerardo Guevara is a second-year Graduate Research Assistant in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness at Louisiana State University (LSU). He is currently collaborating with Dr. Aaron Ashbrook from LSU’s Entomology Department on a project measuring the economic contribution of the Professional Pest Management Industry in Louisiana, using advanced econometric and input-output modeling techniques. In addition, Gerardo is leading research that evaluates the economic impact of vector-borne disease outbreaks, such as the 2012 West Nile Virus outbreak, on the tourism industry in the New Orleans metropolitan area.
Fang-Ling (Chloe) Liu, Texas A&M
Fang-Ling “Chloe” Liu is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University under the supervision of Dr. Chin-Cheng "Scotty" Yang. Her research focuses on improving the management of the red imported fire ant by investigating how viral pathogens influence fire ant behavior and the efficacy of bait-based control strategies. She is currently developing sustainable management strategies by integrating knowledge of host-pathogen interactions into invasive ant control.
Erick Martínez Rodríguez, The Ohio State University
Erick Martínez Rodríguez is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Entomology at The Ohio State University. His research focuses on developing and evaluating hemp-derived compounds and other natural products as novel tools for managing arthropod pests of importance to both public health and agriculture. Beyond research, Erick is passionate about connecting scientific innovation with practical pest management solutions through outreach, mentoring, and professional leadership. His long-term career goal is to work at the intersection of research and industry, helping translate emerging technologies into effective solutions for customers and stakeholders.
Jennifer Martocci, University of Florida
Jennifer Martocci has a bachelor's degree in Entomology & Nematology from the University of Florida, during which she started working in the Urban Entomology lab, and conducted an undergraduate research project on oviposition traps for Aedes aegypti. She is now a first-year master's student in the same lab, with her thesis project focusing on small fly pests in residential housing.
Sophie Robinson, University of Kentucky
I am a second-year PhD student in the Department of Entomology at the University of Kentucky. Before beginning my career as a graduate student, I got my BS in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. My introduction to urban entomology began when I learned to make cockroach bait as a laboratory technician at Syngenta, and my love for the field is still going strong four years later. I currently work with German cockroaches, and my research focuses on evaluating the efficacy of insect growth regulators.
Ashmita Sapkota, Auburn University
Ashmita Sapkota is a 1st-year Ph.D. student in Dr. Arthur Appel's Urban Entomology Lab at Auburn University. She completed her M.S. in the Appel Lab in August 2026, and her research focused on evaluating the toxicity of gel baits for managing American and Turkestan cockroaches. She is interested in understanding the foraging behavior and learning capacity of German cockroach to improve baiting efficacy. She is looking forward to building connections, fostering collaborations and learn from PestWorld 2026.
Amy Zheng, North Carolina State University
Amy earned her bachelors in wildlife and is currently pursuing a PhD in entomology in the Schal Lab at NCSU. Her current research is on the management of bed bugs using systemic veterinary drugs in poultry. She is interested in the interdisciplinary aspect of urban entomology and veterinary entomology, and hopes to contribute to developing effective, sustainable ways of managing insect pests.
