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Profile: Erika Machtinger 

Erika and CameronErika Machtinger, a graduate student at the University of Florida, was born and raised in Blue Hill, Maine, approximately a half hour from Acadia National Park.  Natural areas surround the coast of Maine and fostered Erika’s love of the environment and wildlife.  Erika graduated with a B.S. in Wildlife Conservation and Ecology with a concentration in Entomology from the University of Delaware.  Following her undergraduate work, Erika worked for the Wildlife Habitat Council in Silver Springs, Maryland as a Wildlife Biologist and LPG Environmental & Permitting Services, Inc. in Jacksonville, Florida as an Environmental Consultant.  After spending time in the environmental field and becoming the “office expert” on insect identification and information, it became clear to Erika that she wanted to spend her career finding more about insects and their fascinating behaviors.  Based on her background with wildlife and environmental conservation she knew she wanted to direct her research towards integrating biological and cultural control methods in conjunction with limited chemical control to reduce amount of pesticides applied in the environment.  Erika entered the M.S. program at the University of Florida in the fall of 2009 and joined IPM Florida in January 2010.

Erika in the fieldAt the age of four Erika started riding horses and has become an avid equestrian, graduating high school a year early to become a working student for a four-time Olympic medalist and three time world champion equestrian.  She has competed internationally in the sport of Three-day eventing and her business, Tangerine Sport Horses was founded in 2007.  Erika teaches riding lessons and trains horses in her spare time.

Due to her background with horses, involvement in the equestrian community and interest in insects and biological control, Erika will be focusing her research on biological control of filth flies in equestrian properties in Florida and management of pest species on pasture.

When not riding, at the University of Florida, or teaching, Erika enjoys spending time with her husband Keith and two year old son, Cameron and their two Bengal cats, Sheen and Blinkin’.

 

Erika and horseErika and horse

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