UNH Cooperative Extension is pleased to welcome Amber Vinchesi-Vahl, Ph.D. to the Food and Agriculture Team, as an Entomology and IPM State Specialist. Amber has spent the last several years as a Vegetable Crops Advisor for University of California Cooperative Extension, developing a research and extension program for vegetable farmers and pest control advisers in northern California. Originally from Pepperell, Massachusetts, Amber is looking forward to moving back to New England and working with local farmers and diversified cropping systems. She holds a B.S in Entomology from Purdue University and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Entomology from Washington State University.
Amber’s goal is to develop resources around IPM design and implementation, provide expertise on insect pest management and build relationships with New Hampshire producers. She wants to understand the entomology issues facing New Hampshire growers, including invasive species, and will work toward increased adoption of IPM practices. Amber’s goal is to contribute to identification, monitoring and management of invasive and endemic insect pests and to develop IPM field demonstrations. She is passionate about entomology and agriculture and helping growers find sustainable pest management solutions through IPM. Amber has worked with farmers in multiple cropping systems in California and the Pacific Northwest. She is excited to bring her experience and knowledge back home.
As the State Specialist for Entomology and IPM, Amber is looking forward to collaborating with New Hampshire growers and partner agencies on insect pest management and IPM to preserve and improve agricultural production in the state.
Heather Bryant, chair of the search committee for the position, says of Amber’s hire, “Amber really impressed our search committee during the interview process with her depth of Extension experience, breadth of experience in both entomology and agriculture more generally and her clear desire to work in the field and in New Hampshire. We’re very excited to see where she takes the program!”
Please join us in welcoming Amber to UNH Extension!
