Minteer named lab director

Carey Minteer, an associate professor of entomology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Indian River Research and Education Center, has been named director of the UF/IFAS Hayslip Biological Control Research and Containment Laboratory.

Minteer, who joined IRREC in 2016, will oversee the lab’s daily fiscal activities, lead its strategic vision and serve as the primary liaison for facility-related inquiries and communications. She also will coordinate collaboration with on-site quarantine personnel.

“I’m excited to step into a larger leadership role and help elevate this facility to its full potential, while continuing to tackle the complex challenges invasive species present across Florida,” Minteer said.

Among Minteer’s top priorities are supporting faculty and scientists and expanding the lab’s quarantine facility. The lab currently works with invasive arthropods, snails and plants. With an expanded facility and increased biosafety rating, Minteer said researchers could work with exotic fungi as well.

“Expanding the quarantine facility to include a pathogen containment wing would significantly increase our research capacity, enabling us to hire a dedicated pathologist to better address emerging and ongoing threats,” Minteer said. “I think we’re missing many opportunities to control some of our biggest invaders with host-specific fungi.”

The expansion is part of a long-term plan that would require outside funding and could take five to 10 years to complete, Minteer said.

“The benefit at the end is worth the time and money we’re going to spend now to accomplish this expansion,” she said. “Increasing our capacity to address critical invasive species challenges will provide lasting benefits to Florida.”

Invasive species remain a significant challenge in Florida, driven in part by global trade. More than 80 million tons of cargo move through Florida ports annually. Despite safeguards, potentially invasive organisms can enter the state and require management. Classical biological control is considered one of the safest and most sustainable methods for managing invasive organisms.

Minteer said she also wants to provide students with opportunities to connect with professionals, develop strong research skills and become effective science communicators.

“We do a lot of outreach in the community, so they get experience doing that,” Minteer said. “We are committed to providing outstanding training and mentorship to help students reach their full potential as scientists.”

Another goal is to strengthen the lab’s community ties by connecting the facility with residents, identifying their most pressing invasive species issues and aligning research goals with community needs.

About UF/IFAS

The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to Florida’s agricultural and natural resources industries and residents.

ifas.ufl.edu | @UF_IFAS

About IRREC

The Indian River Research and Education Center, part of UF/IFAS, is a hub for agricultural research, education and outreach in Florida’s Treasure Coast region. IRREC focuses on citrus production, water quality, pest management and sustainable farming systems, partnering with farmers and communities to deliver science-based solutions. Through graduate programs and Extension services, IRREC advances innovation and environmental leadership to support Florida agriculture and global food security.

irrec.ifas.ufl.edu | @uf_ifas_irrec\

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