SPEAKERS
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Mark VanderWerpBCE, Rose Pest SolutionsManager of Education and Training |
Mark is the Manager of Education and Training for Rose Pest Solutions, founded in 1860. He is based out of Rose’s Michigan corporate office where he heads up a variety of training initiatives, including new employee training, online course development, public outreach, and more! Mark has been a certified applicator for over 20 years and is currently certified in the states of MI, IN, and OH. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in entomology from Michigan State University in 2005. Mark is a board-certified entomologist through the Entomological Society of America, on the board of the Michigan Entomological Society, and a member of the Urban Pest Management Technical Committee. He is currently a member of the National Pest Management Association’s Technical Committee, and previously served as the chair. |
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Isabelle LuceroJT EatonTechnical Sales and Compliance Manager |
Isabelle Lucero works for JT Eaton® as their Technical Sales and Compliance Manager. Isabelle graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2023 with a Master’s degree in entomology. At the University of Kentucky, her research centered around how cockroach gel baits perform over time and in different environments. In her current position, Isabelle continues her goal of helping to improve human health and safety through sustainable pest management. |
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Dr. Gary BennettPurdue UniversityProfessor Emeritus |
Dr. Bennett has made urban entomology his life’s work, most notably as executive director of Purdue’s Center for Urban and Industrial Pest Management, having led the Purdue Pest Management Conference for 50 years. Dr. Bennett’s work teaching, researching and presenting has touched countless professionals, from entomologists to PMPs. He is also a longtime co-author of recent editions of Truman’s Guide to Professional Pest Management Operations. |
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Dr. Robert CorriganRMC ConsultingRodentologist |
A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., Corrigan is a graduate of Purdue, where he earned both a master’s and Ph.D. in rodent pest management. As an undergraduate, Corrigan attended the State University of New York at Farmingdale, where he was inspired by Dr. Austin Frishman, an important mentor throughout his career. Upon graduation, Corrigan ran a pest control route for three years, enhancing his understanding of the challenges faced by service technicians in the field. He also is an accomplished author, contributing articles to industry trade magazines and writing Rodent Control: A Practical Guide for Pest Management Professionals, an essential reference source on the biology, behavior and control of rodents. As a consulting rodentologist, Corrigan provides rodent assessments and large-entity rodent IPM designs and training on an international scale to city governments, international airports, train stations, shopping malls, skyscraper office buildings, museums and large parks. Dr. Corrigan was recently awarded the Distinguished Agricultural Alumni Award from Purdue in the fall of 2025. |
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Dr. Jody GreenUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln, Nebraska ExtensionUrban Entomologist, Extension Educator |
Jody Green earned her M.S. and Ph.D. from Purdue University’s Center for Urban and Industrial Pest Management, where she studied under Gary Bennett in the early 2000s. Jody is a Board Certified Entomologist and Extension Educator with Nebraska Extension, serving the Greater Omaha Area. Her expertise spans residential pest issues and public health concerns, with an emphasis on sustainable, science-based pest management practices. Jody engages audiences of all ages and backgrounds with her lively and accessible entomology presentations. She co-hosts the podcast Arthro-Pod, is a regular panelist on the popular gardening show Backyard Farmer, and actively participates in numerous community outreach activities. |
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Dan CollinsIndependent Pest Mgmt. ConsultingConsulting Biologist |
Dan Collins is a consulting biologist at Independent Pest Management Consulting and has over three decades of pest management experience. He works with a diverse portfolio of commercial clients in the agricultural, pet food and human food industries. In 2018, he was awarded the Crown Leadership Award by PCT Magazine and is a sought-after speaker for numerous industry training events. His purpose is problem-solving complex pest management issues and helping clients develop sustainable, process-based pest management systems. When he’s not pursuing pests, Dan spends his free time outdoors birding, fishing, and hunting. |
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Ameya GondhalekarEntomology and Nematology Department, University of FloridaSapp Endowed Associate Professor or Urban Entomology |
Ameya Gondhalekar is a broadly trained urban and structural entomologist with >10 years of experience in this field. Research in his lab mainly focuses on pests of the built environment. Satisfactory control of pests such as ants, bed bugs, cockroaches, filth flies, termites etc., is of foremost importance for mitigating the economic and human health problems that they pose. However, various factors preclude satisfactory control of urban pests. One of these factors is overreliance on a chemical-based pest management approach, which can lead to insecticide resistance evolution in certain pests and pesticide residue accumulation in and around built environments. The research focus of Dr. Gondhalekar's lab in the subject areas of (i) Urban Insect Toxicology, (ii) Urban Insect Physiology and (iii) Integrated Pest Management (IPM) addresses key issues that can impede control of pests in indoor environments. The long-term goals of his research program include integrating basic and applied research to (a) find solutions for overcoming factors that prevent successful control of urban pests and (b) promote the use of alternative and non-chemical pest management tactics by determining their physiological impacts or mode-of-action on urban pests. |
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Jackie RamseyNational Pest Management Association |
Jackie Ramsey is a Coordinator of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs at National Pest Management Association, with previous experience as a Public Policy Intern at the same company. Prior to that, Jackie worked as a Jailer at Fairborn City Jail. Jackie holds a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and Political Science from Wright State University. |
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Dr. Will PittRodenticide |
Dr. Pitt is the Executive Director of the Rodenticide Task Force. He has over 25 years of experience in rodenticides, wildlife disease, invasive species, and risk assessment. He leads a consortium of rodenticide manufacturers to develop wildlife research, mitigation measures, reducing indirect impacts, and education. Prior to joining the Task Force he led USDA and Smithsonian Institute research on endangered species, invasive species, disease, biosecurity, and rodenticides. |
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Sarah CafferyOffice of Indiana State ChemistPesticide Administrator |
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Moderator
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Bob Dold Jr. is the CEO of Rose Pest Solutions, a family-owned company that has been operating since 1860. The Dold family has led the business for three generations. |
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Grace KolbPurdue UniversityGraduate Research Assistant
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Patricia HottelBCE, Inquisitive Entomologist Consulting LLCOwner |
Patricia has over 45 years of urban pest management experience with specialization in food processing pest management and fumigation. She was inducted into the Pest Management Hall of Fame in 2024 and a past recipient of the PCT Crown Leadership Award and Distinguished Service Award from the Entomological Society of America. She has served in technical and training roles in Bermuda, Florida and the Midwest. In her most recent role she provided technical and training support across the U.S. for fumigation services. |
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Harry BryanNisus CorporationDirector of Business Development |
Harry is director of business development for Nisus Corporation, which is based in Rockford, TN. For 30 years, Harry has helped expand the Nisus’ geographic reach throughout the United States by presenting more than a thousand educational seminars in more than forty states. A charismatic presenter, Harry collaborates with individuals and organizations to help amplify their service and confi dence so that they can make an infl uential impact for their clientele. Harry holds a bachelors degree in agricultural business from the University of Tennessee and a master’s degree in agricultural economics from the same institution.Harry, Director of Business Development for Nisus Corporation in Rockford, TN, has dedicated 30 years to expanding the company's national presence. He has delivered over a thousand educational seminars across more than forty states, signifi cantly broadening Nisus' geographic reach. A charismatic presenter, Harry partners with individuals and organizations to enhance their service and confi dence, enabling them to make a substantial impact for their clients. He holds both a bachelor's and master's degree in agricultural business and agricultural economics, respectively, from the University of Tennessee. |
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Kim Kelley-TunisACE, BCE, PCQI, Nisus CorporationVice President of Regulatory and Technical Services |
Working to make a positive difference in people’s lives, through a quality management system that incorporates employee training, strong technical knowledge, safety and regulatory compliance. Co-founder and current Board Member for the Hands United Foundation of Georgia, a 503c non-profi t organization dedicated to helping members of the Georgia pest control industry during times of extreme need and hardship. Kim holds a bachelor’s degree in wildlife science from Purdue University and a master’s degree in leadership development from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College. |
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Mike ThomeACE, PHE, Rentokil TerminixTechnical Services Manager |
Mike has been active in the structural pest management industry for over 22 years. His experience includes 11 years as a specialist, 3 years as an operations manager, and 8 years in his current role. In these roles, Mike has been responsible for providing services and solutions in several market segments, developing training programs and SOP’s, and supporting customers around the country struggling with pests in their facilities. Mike is passionate about transforming service in sensitive environments to help protect people and enhance lives. |
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Dr. Stan CopeRose Pest ControlPhD, Director of Technical Services, Public Health Entomologist, Rose Pest Solutions |
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Kevin ThornACE, Thorn Pest SolutionsPresident |
Kevin Thorn is the President of Thorn Pest Solutions and an Associate Certified Entomologist based in Utah. He has a love for using science, leadership, and culture to help organizations and teams thrive. A published author and 2018 NPMA Young Entrepreneur Award recipient, Kevin regularly speaks at conferences and universities about building purpose-driven teams and elevating professionalism in the pest management industry. |
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Dr. Dan SuiterUniversity of GeorgiaOrkin Professor of Urban Entomology |
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Dr. Thomas PhillipsKansas State UniversityProfessor of Entomology |
Tom Phillips is a stored-product entomologist at Kansas State University where he conducts research on IPM for insect and mite pests of postharvest durable food commodities. Tom’s lab studies current fumigation practices and challenges, new and developing fumigants, alternatives to fumigation such as controlled and modified atmospheres, physical controls, and chemical ecology for traps, attractants and repellents. Tom teaches undergraduate General Entomology, Insect Chemical Ecology and Stored Product Entomology. Tom’s career started in graduate school as a forest entomologist at SUNY-Syracuse, NY, and then a post-doctoral researcher studying bark beetle pheromones at UF-Gainesville. Tom left forest entomology for a job on stored product insects with the USDA Agricultural Research Service in Madison, WI in 1990. USDA transferred Tom from Madison to fill a vacancy in Hilo, HI studying post-harvest treatments for tephritid fruit flies infesting fresh tropical fruits. Tom left USDA in 1996 and he returned to academia and stored product entomology at Oklahoma State University. Tom has now been on the faculty at KSU since 2006. |
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Sara KnilansBell Labs |
Started with Bell Labs in 1998. Career includes senior technical representative, technical trainer, project manager for the development of Talpirid for controlling moles and is now the Midwest Regional Manager, overseeing 17 states. |
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Ben ChannonACE, XcluderDirector-Xcluder and Industrial Products |
Ben Channon has 17 years of experience in the pest management industry, specializing in food manufacturing & distribution environments and other third party-audited facilities. With a dedication to continued education, Ben has participated in Bobby Corrigan's Rodent Academy as well as the AIB and Purdue Integrated Pest Management courses. Ben is an Associate Certified Entomologist and certificated pesticide applicator and a former member of the NPMA Commercial Committee and Greater Chicago Pest Management Alliance Board. |
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Alex BlahnikMOL, LIPHA TechOhio Valley District Sales & Technical Manager |
Territory: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, Wisconsin
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Dr. Tim HusenBCE, PHE, PCQI, SyngentaTechnical Services Representative |
Dr. Tim Husen (BCE, PHE, PCQI) is the Technical Services Manager for Syngenta Professional Pest Management’s Midwest and Northeast US Sales Territories. In this role, Tim supports Syngenta PPM’s innovation and product launch platforms, as well as providing direct support to Syngenta PPM’s sales and marketing teams (and their customers). Tim began his career in operational pest control at Waltham Services where he developed and directed technical and training operations and managed quality control and safety procedures, personnel and reporting. He also worked as a Technical Service Manager for Rollins Inc. where he provided a wide variety of technical support and guidance across the company including Operations, Marketing, and Training based out of Rollins Corporate headquarters in Atlanta, GA. Prior to joining Syngenta, Tim was a Technical Services Representative covering the Southeast US for BASF Professional and Specialty Solutions. Dr. Husen is a subject matter expert on insect and rodent pest control tactics, products, and equipment with 27 years of experience in entomology and structural pest management. He is a board certified urban and public heath entomologist with 35 scientific or extension publications and numerous presentations at scientific and pest management related events. Tim holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biological sciences, a Master’s degree in entomology, and a Ph.D. in entomology from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. |
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Samantha KieverInsects Limited |
After receiving her degree in entomology, Samantha (Sam) Kiever joined the Insects Limited team, filling a role as a Research Assistant. |
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Tom MuellerInsects LimitedVice President |
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Mark “Shep” SheperdigianBCE, Rose Pest SolutionsChief Science Officer |
Known simply as “Shep,” Mark D. Sheperdigian has spent over 40 years as an urban entomologist. After graduating from Michigan State University in 1982 with his Bachelors of Science in Entomology, “Shep” discovered urban pest management while living in Georgia and has made it his vocation ever since, working through a variety of positions in service, sales, management and technical support. In January of 1987, he joined Rose Pest Solutions now in Madison Heights, Michigan where he currently serves as Chief Science Officer. A Board Certified Entomologist in Urban and Industrial Entomology, “Shep” is a regular invited speaker to many conferences and training courses. He has been a regular columnist for Pest Management Professional Magazine and has served on technical committees, blue ribbon panels, and working groups for state and local groups. |
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Peter SchopenRV There Yet ConsultingOwner |
Peter Schopen founded his own pest control company after leaving sports broadcasting, and sold Schopen Pest Solutions in 2023. Now he travels the country, with his wife, Tami, in their RV, meeting with pest control companies and sharing his lessons learned, some of them the hard way, about business finances and office culture. |
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Sudip GairePhD, Rentokil Terminix Innovation CenterPrincipal Entomologist |
Dr. Sudip Gaire is a Principal Entomologist at Rentokil Terminix North America Innovation Center, Dallas, TX, where he manages projects from early ideation to late stages for developing products for the control of termites and other urban pests. Prior to this, he worked as a Product Development Entomologist at Central Life Sciences, Dallas, TX. Before this, he was a Postdoc at the University of Kentucky in the area of urban pest management. He earned his PhD (2020) in Urban Entomology from Purdue University, his MS (2016) in Urban Entomology from New Mexico State University, and his BS (2013) in Agriculture from Tribhuvan University. Dr. Gaire is the current VP of the Entomological Society of America, Medical, Urban & Veterinary Entomology Section, and served as Treasurer from 2023-2024. His research has focused on alternative management options, behavior, chemical ecology, and resistance management, earning national recognition through press releases and awards. |
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Courtney CaraceACE, Pest End Inc.Owner, COO |
Courtney Carace, ACE, is the Chief Operating Officer and co-owner of Pest-End, bringing over two decades of experience to the pest control industry. Her journey began in 2004 while still in high school, working part-time as an office administrator at Pest-End. Since then, she has held diverse roles across the company—ranging from technical and operational to managerial and executive positions. Courtney holds pest control operator licenses and certifications in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine, and in 2010, she became certified by the National Entomology Scent Detection Canine Association (NESDCA), working as a canine handler for the company for several years. In 2019, she earned her Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) certification. A passionate industry leader, Courtney is a graduate of NPMA’s Executive Leadership Program and a current participant in the Leader Launch program. She serves as the President-Elect of the New England Pest Management Association (NEPMA) and contributes actively to both NEPMA and NPMA through her involvement on multiple committees including: Leadership Networking Community Council, By-Laws, Professional Women in Pest Management, Community Engagement Committee, Membership and Sponsorship Committee, New England PestVets Unit, and the Financial Review Committee. She is also serving on NPMA's Sustainability Task Force and is a proud member of Pi Chi Omega, a fraternal organization dedicated to furthering the science of pest control. Courtney earned her Bachelor of Arts from the College of the Holy Cross. Outside of work, she enjoys quality time with her family, reading, relaxing by the pool, and savoring a good tequila. She and her husband, Adam, are parents to two children: Jack (11) and Jameson (10). |
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Dr. Kathy HeinsohnBCE, American Pest/AnticimexTechnical and Training Entomologist |
Dr. Heinsohn is a native of S.C. and has over 34 years of experience in the Urban Industrial and Structural Pest Management Industry. Since April 2010, she has been a Technical and Training Entomologist for American Pest/Anticimex, Inc. in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Prior to joining A.P., she was the Senior Entomologist in the Technical Department at the National Pest Management Association (N.P.M.A.) in Fairfax, V.A. from January 2006-March 2010. Before working at N.P.M.A., she was the Regional Entomologist/Technical Manager for Western Pest Services (later acquired by Orkin) for almost 8 years, also located in the D.C. metro area and covering from Baltimore, M.D. to Virginia Beach, V.A. Dr. Heinsohn, affectionately known as “Dr. Kathy,” received her Ph.D. in Urban and Structural Entomology from the Purdue Center for Urban and Industrial Pest Management/ Department of Entomology under Dr. Gary Bennett. Her research focus was on the Behavioral and Reproductive Impacts in the German Cockroach (B. germanica L.) as affected by the Insect Growth Regulator (I.G.R.) Fenoxycarb (Taurus); she used videography, ethograms, and Scanning Electron Micrographs (S.E.M.) to reveal morphological, behavioral, and physiological reproductive differences after I.G.R. treatment of the German cockroach. In all her positions since leaving Purdue, she has been responsible for developing and delivering training and technical Integrated Pest Management (I.P.M.) programs for Industry Pest Management Professionals (P.M.P.s-technicians, supervisors, sales, and managers) and for her clients. She has worked in all areas of pest management including commercial, residential, termite, and sensitive accounts. She is currently primarily affiliated with government commercial accounts and is the Contract Entomologist for the National Institutes of Health (N.I.H.) account (~$2M), which include Animal Care, Patient Care, and Food Service. She is responsible for a dedicated team of 12 individuals who maintain quality control at N.I.H.; and she consults and trains on pest issues at N.I.H., where little use of pesticide is allowed in this sensitive account. She also participates in the State Department Embassy program for solving pest problems and has put together an I.P.M. class for embassy staff overseas. She has also travelled to Tunisia to deliver an I.P.M. class at the U.S. Embassy in Tunis. Kathy has been a long-time member of N.P.M.A. and has served on their technical committee; she has also served on the former Copesan Technical Committee (C.T.C.), the Purdue Department of Entomology Development Committee, and the A.C.E. Exam Development Committee for the Entomological Society of America (E.S.A.). She is a past member of the Editorial Board for the Pest Management Professional Magazine. She is a past Secretary, Director, and Student Scholarship recipient of the Pi Chi Omega pest control fraternity. She has also authored 2 book chapters in PCT’s Guide to Commercial Pest Management, a major industry resource. She was presented the E.S.A. Distinguished Service Award to the Certification Program at the National Meeting in Oregon, 2014. She was recently awarded the PCT Syngenta Crown Leadership Award (at Pest World, Oct., 2024) and the John V. Osmun Purdue Department of Entomology Alumni Service Award (Purdue, Jan., 2025). Kathy holds a B.S. and an M.S. in Zoology from Clemson University and the Ph.D. from Purdue University. She was a Fulbright Scholar to Germany (Universitaet Goettingen) in 1985 and a P.E.O. Scholar in 1994. She was on the faculty and taught Freshman General and Advanced Biology at N.C. S.U. from 1988-1991. She holds two Board Certified Entomologist credentials, one B.C.E. is in Urban and Structural Pest Management (2001) and the other is in Medical and Veterinary Entomology (2018). Kathy likes to spend her spare time singing in her church’s choir, mentoring at risk youth, volunteering at her local community’s food bank, and beekeeping in her backyard with her life partner, Dr. Walt Bell, and her Bernadoodle, Franz Niklaus. |