Sep 11, 2018

MSU Enviroweather to be coordinated by Keith Mason

The Michigan State University Enviroweather project team has been joined by Keith Mason as Enviroweather project coordinator beginning Sept. 4, 2018. Mason succeeds Beth Bishop, who retired recently after serving in this role since 2007.

Mason’s professional experience and research interests are rooted in the study of insect behavior and ecology, and incorporating those principles into integrated pest management (IPM) programs, particularly in how environmental factors can interact to determine the phenology and infestation risk of pest organisms. Mason recently completed a PhD degree in entomology at MSU on the mating biology, chemical ecology and population dynamics of the grape berry moth, Paralobesia viteana, in Michigan juice and wine grape vineyards.

Mason comes to Enviroweather with almost 20 years of experience as a research assistant in the MSU Department of Entomology, during which he coordinated several multi-state, on-farm research/extension projects in grapes and blueberries. This work was designed to help growers learn how to best incorporate reduced-risk pesticides into their management plans.

In addition to his work in IPM, he also managed a nationwide pollination project that identified and tested the feasibility of using wild and managed bees to pollinate a range of specialty crops on commercial farms. Mason has extensive experience working with and learning from growers and hopes to continue this interaction in his role with Enviroweather.

Prior to his arrival at MSU, Mason completed a master’s degree at Florida State University where he studied the behavioral ecology and physiology of multiple species of ants. When not out chasing insects, he enjoys gardening, playing guitar, reading, spending time with his family or just taking a good old-fashioned walk in the woods. He can be reached at [email protected].

– Jeffrey Andresen, Michigan State University