Our Team:
Dr. Punya Nachappa
Associate Professor Ph.D. (Entomology) Kansas State University Email: [email protected] Phone: 970-481-2628 
Ashley Raffa
Research Associate I (2022-current) B.S. (Biology) Colorado State University Ashley is involved in a number of projects, including evaluating the adaptive role of cannabinoids and other secondary metabolites in hemp-insect interaction, as well as developing effective methods to provide research-based information to local hemp growers and other stakeholders. This research is supported by the Institute of Cannabis Research. 
Olivia Carter
M.S. student (2023-current) B.S. (Biology) Colorado State University Olivia's research is part of an international, multi-disciplinary research collaboration with Dr. Zamir Punja at Simon Fraser University in BC, Canada. The goal is to develop and apply new knowledge regarding Hop latent viroid (HLVd), an emerging pathogen of hemp and cannabis (marijuana). This research is supported by the NIFA-CARE program. |
Dr. Jacob MacWillams
Research Associate III and Lab Manager (2021-current) Ph.D. (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) UC Riverside Jacob is involved in a number of projects, but his research is focused on the adaptive role of cannabinoids and other secondary metabolites in hemp-insect interaction. This research is supported by the Institute of Cannabis Research. 
Max Schmitbauer
Ph.D. student (2022-current) B.S. (Agricultural Biology) Colorado State University Max's research is focused on developing practices that leverages the benefits of organic production to improve sustainable pest management of organically grown hemp. Specifically, his project is focused on understanding 1) the role of the rhizosphere microbiome in plant resistance to pests and 2) organic inputs in reducing pest populations. This research is supported by the NIFA-OREI program. 
Luke Deyle
M.S. student (2023-2024) B.S. (Agricultural Biology) Colorado State University Luke's research is focused on assessing the impact of hop latent viroid (HLVd) on hemp production and exploring plant growth regulators (PGRs) to enhance hemp tolerance to the HLVd pathogen. This research is supported by NIFA-CARE program. |
