FAMU graduate student Latasha Tanner, who is pursuing her
master’s degree in entomology at the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences,
recently received top accolades from the National Society for Minorities in Agriculture,
Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS).
Tanner ranked No. 3 in the nation in the MANRRS graduate
poster competition for her research on the impact of invasive beetles in the
Apalachicola National Forest. Her research uncovered millions of dollars worth
of possible damage to Florida’s forestry and agricultural industries.
She discovered that the Redbay ambrosia beetle coupled with
the laurel wilt fungus had become a serious threat to Florida’s forestry
industry and is a potential $13 million a year problem for Florida’s avocado
crop, which could have commercial and residential impacts.
Tanner explained that her dedication to her research was not
only about shedding light on a growing issue in the Apalachicola Forest, but
was also about paving the way for other female researchers who will come after
her.
“I’ve seen how we’re very underrepresented nationally, so I
try to be a gateway for other young ladies in the research community,” said
Tanner, who despite recently being offered a full-ride scholarship to pursue
her Ph.D. at Louisiana State University, has decided to continue her work
within the FAMU community with hopes of recruiting more minority women in
entomology.
Tanner’s research collaborates with the Florida Department
of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey
Program (CAPS) and Division of Plant Industry (DPI) in identifying potential
pathways of invasive bark beetle. Her findings help to explain why Floridians
are no longer allowed to transport firewood, as it can spread the beetles to
campsite areas and pose a potential risk to infect the forest.
She also determined that gel ethanol was significantly more
attractive to ambrosia beetles than the mixture of manuka and phoebe oil, which
is currently used for management of the invasive species. She proposes that
hand sanitizer attractant could be used as an alternative to gel ethanol, as it
is more cost-effective and sustainable.
“She is a creative thinker with an eye for details and a
devotion to logic, which serves her well in all of her activities,” said
Lambert Kanga, an adviser to Tanner in the College of Agriculture and Food
Sciences, who expressed his pride in the determination she displayed throughout
the research process.
“I hope I have set the stage to show other moms that you can
do it – don’t give up,” said Tanner about her national recognition.