poplinAshley Poplin
Masters Student
apoplin0524@ufl.edu

Ashley Poplin is a Master’s student at the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology. She is currently studying the potential effects that the brown marmorated stink bug may have in Florida. Her research focuses on host preferences of the brown marmorated stink bug through choice and no choice tests of important Florida agricultural crops as well as the survivability of this invasive pest under south and north Florida conditions. Ashley’s responsibilities as a graduate research assistant for Dr. Amanda Hodges include developing educational extension materials (i.e. insect identification decks, PowerPoint presentations, e-Learning modules, etc.) for public use and assisting with the Exotic Species and Biosecurity Issues class.

Ashley received her Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Science with a minor in Chemistry and a certificate in Crime Scene Investigation from the University of Central Florida. As an undergraduate student, Ashley interned in the Forensics Unit at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in Orlando, FL. She became familiar with the daily routine of a crime scene investigator and it was during this time that she became inspired to further her education in forensic entomology.

Ashley aspires to become a forensic entomologist and develop new methods for entomological evidence collection to be used by the crime scene investigators. Her Master’s degree will help her build the skills she needs to become a forensic entomologist and is a necessary step to achieve her long-term goals. 

In her spare time, Ashley enjoys scrapbooking, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.

 

 

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