Research Awards and Grants (May 2025)
Each month College of Natural Resources faculty receive awards and grants from various federal, state, and nongovernmental agencies in support of their research. This report recognizes the faculty who received funding in May 2025.
LSU Superfund Research Center – Environmentally Persistent Free Radicals
- PI: Richmond-Bryant, Jennifer
- Direct Sponsor Name: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- Awarded Amount: $14,030
- Abstract: This study addresses questions related to human exposure to environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs), a recently discovered class of pollutant species found at Superfund sites and formed during certain thermal treatment processes. It is unclear how long EPFRs persist when compared with other components of particulate matter (PM), and this research will provide information about the extent and duration of exposures nearby thermal treatment processes. This research will also provide information about exposure to EPFRs in homes and how concentrations of EPFRs correlate with noise and other co-stressors.
Suitability of Egg Mass Traps for Delimitation and Detection of Spotted Lanterfly
- PI: Oten, Kelly
- Direct Sponsor Name: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
- Awarded Amount: $18,631
- Abstract: The spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect that feeds on more than 100 species of plants, including many hardwood trees. They are also agricultural and nuisance pests. An effective trap is lacking and currently, detections rely on either reports from the general public or intense survey efforts. There is a need for a trap that helps in detection. We will evaluate a novel spotted lanternfly trap method in the context of delimiting and detecting new detections.
Chemical Composition of Secreted Wax from the Invasive Scale Insect, Elongate Hemlock Scale (EHS; Fiorina externa)
- PI: Whitehill, Justin
- Direct Sponsor Name: NC Christmas Tree Association
- Amount Awarded: $3,000
- Abstract: We propose to evaluate the chemical composition of Elongate Hemlock Scale (EHS; Fiorina externa) tests (i.e. waxy scale coverings) from infested Fraser fir in order to provide clarity to the basic biology of EHS and provide better guidance towards the development of more effective chemical control methods.
LSU Superfund Research Center – Environmentally Persistent Free Radicals
- PI: Richmond-Bryant, Jennifer
- Direct Sponsor Name: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- Awarded Amount: $59,000
- Abstract: This study addresses questions related to human exposure to environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs), a recently discovered class of pollutant species found at Superfund sites and formed during certain thermal treatment processes. It is unclear how long EPFRs persist when compared with other components of particulate matter (PM), and this research will provide information about the extent and duration of exposures nearby thermal treatment processes. This research will also provide information about exposure to EPFRs in homes and how concentrations of EPFRs correlate with noise and other co-stressors.
Assessing and Establishing Biological Control Agents for the Emerald Ash Borer in North Carolina
- PI: Oten, Kelly
- Direct Sponsor Name: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
- Awarded Amount: $76,926
- Abstract: The primary purpose of this agreement is to support research to enhance biological control of the invasive emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis, EAB), a significant threat to North American ash trees (Fraxinus spp.). One of the primary management strategies for EAB is the importation and release of its natural enemies from Asia: Oobius agrili, Tetrastichus planipennisi, Spathius agrili and S. galinae. These parasitoid wasps target and kill EAB eggs (O. agrili) and larvae (T. planipennisi and Spathius spp.). This project aims to improve parasitoid establishment in the South, where successful establishment has met challenges primarily due to a climatic mismatch and resulting EAB and parasitoid life cycles that do not align.
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