Professional History:
1963-65 Stetson Univ.; major, Chemistry; minor, Mathematics
1965-67 Univ. Georgia; major, Chemistry; minor, Biology; B.S. 1967
1967-70 Univ. Georgia; major, Entomology; minor, Biochemistry; Ph.D. 1970
1970-71 Postdoctoral Research Associate, Dept. Entomology, Univ. Georgia, Athens, GA
1971 Instructor, Dept. Clinical Psychology, Univ. Georgia, Athens, GA
1971-77 Research Entomologist, Livestock Insects Research Unit, USDA, ARS, College Station, TX
1977-78 Acting Research Leader, Livestock Insects Research Unit, USDA, ARS, College Station, TX
1978-84 Research Leader, Livestock Insects Research Unit, USDA, SEA/AR, College Station, TX
1984-2000 Laboratory Director and Research Leader, U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory, USDA, ARS, Orlando, FL
2000-2002 Laboratory Director and Research Leader, U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory, USDA, ARS, Ft. Pierce, FL
2002-2007 Research Leader/Laboratory Director, Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Laboratory, USDA, ARS, Laramie, WY
2007-present Consultant to Morse Enterprises Ltd., Inc.
2010-present Adjunct Faculty, Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA

Current Research:
I am now focused on utilizing plant defensive mechanisms to prevent and/or reduce damage by insects and diseases. Plant immune/defensive systems can be triggered in a number of ways that can be utilized by growers in increase crop yields. A focus of the research is how to continually have an elevated defense system without reducing yields.

Past Research:
My Ph.D. research was on active site dynamics of cholinesterases with Dr. C. M. Himel while at the University of Georgia.  Some of the first fluorescent probes for cholinesterases were developed and characterized.  After starting with the Agricultural Research Service in 1971, I began investigations on cytochrome p450 monooxygenases in insects and mammals.  Some of the first definitive work on ecdysone 20-hydroxylases, juvenile hormone analog and synergist metabolism was performed. It was also during this period that some of the most widely used assays for characterizing cytochrome p450 enzymes (e.g., alkoxyresorufins, alkoxyquinolines) were developed.  Simultaneously, I was involved in research on insect chitin metabolism and the mode of action of chitin synthesis inhibitors.  When I transferred to Orlando, FL with the U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory research shifted directions toward plant-insect and plant-pathogen interactions.  The research program included several plant defensive enzymes (i.e., chitinases, chitosanases, lysozymes, ß-1,3-glucanases, peroxidases) that have proven valuable in understanding resistance against insect pests and pathogens.  Research demonstrated that insect pests such as whiteflies utilize plant defense mechanisms to prevent competition from other herbivores and that viruses vectored by the whitefly also induce defense systems that will allow only whiteflies to feed on the host plant; this ensures that the virus is picked up by the vector and spreads.  The research program shifted again with my transfer to the Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Laboratory (ABADRL), Laramie, WY.  Research at the ABADRL involved development of new diagnostic assays for insect transmitted animal diseases (e.g., blue tongue virus), the impact of West Nile virus on the Western sage grouse, and the effect of viral diseases on hepatic function.

Awards and Accomplishments:
I was fortunate to have received several awards including an Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship, Agricultural Research Service Southern Region Scientist of the Year, Kellog Fellow in Food and Agricultural Policy, American Registry of Professional Entomologist Outstanding Insect Biochemist, Fellow of the ESA, and a Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society.  I have also received numerous performance awards from ARS and Appreciation awards from professional societies and grower organizations. I founded the journal  Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology and served as its Executive Editor for 10 years; I continue to serve on the AIBP editorial board.