Michael Toews

Michael is one of the two Co-Directors at the Center for Invasive Species & Ecosystem Health and is primarily a research entomologist with responsibilities in applied insect ecology and pest management in row crop ecosystems. Additionally, he handles research and Extension responsibilities for stored products entomology, is a Co-Director of the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health and co-teaches two graduate level classes. Michael is a native of Salina, KS and obtained a Ph.D. at Oklahoma State University. He held post-doctoral positions at Kansas State University followed by the USDA-ARS Grain Marketing and Production Research Laboratory. Dr. Toews arrived at UGA in 2006 as the cotton research entomologist. In addition to mentoring graduate students and post docs, he has secured more than $4 million in competitive grant funding, published 50 peer reviewed journal articles and holds a patent issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Dr. Toews is currently an assistant editor for Cotton Science and serves on the UGA University Council. Dr. Toews is involved in grant writing and programmatic content to support Georgia agricultural stakeholders. Together with Bugwood staff, he has developed and released smartphone apps and content for invasive species such as the kudzu bug and brown marmorated stink bug. He is currently leading a project to integrate proper pest thresholds, IPM, and insecticide application guidelines for use by southeastern row crop growers and consultants.