Dr. Max Ragozzino
PHD FELLOW ALUMNI | Global Change Center
VT Alumni May 2020, Department of Entomology
Advisor: Dr. Scott Salom
MaxRI@vt.edu
In the Fall of 2015, Max joined Dr. Scott Salom‘s lab in the Department of Entomology, and he successfully defended his dissertation in May of 2020. His research focused on the invasive Emerald Ash Borer and biological control. Max graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2015 with a B.S. in Environmental Science and a B.A. in Biological Sciences. As an undergraduate, he worked in the University of Rhode Island Biological Control Lab, where he studied a variety of invasive species, including Mile-a-Minute Vine, Purple Loosestrife, Swallowwort, and Phragmites, as well as Lilly Leaf Beetle, Emerald Ash Borer, and Southern Pine Beetle. His undergraduate research project focused on the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid. Max has also been a teaching assistant in two courses, Introduction to Entomology and Introduction to Biology, and assisted in the reorganization and digitization of Environmental Economics.
Max’s interest in science began early when he was active with the Future Farmers of America and Boy Scouts of America. His undergraduate work in the URI Biological Control Lab led to his current focus on entomology and the biological control of invasive species.
Max currently works as a Biological Control Entomologist in the Oregon Department of Agriculture.
Last updated June 2022.
The ICG IGEP provides PhD students with a unique intellectual focus and training, gaining depth in their specific scientific area of expertise, while simultaneously gaining breadth in the multifaceted realm of global change and the science-policy interface.
When students complete our program, they remain part of our broad community by becoming part of our Global Alumni Network. Our alumni are invited to participate in our graduate seminar courses, provide keynote remarks at our annual graduate research symposium, return to Virginia Tech for GCC gatherings, network with current students regarding career opportunities, and stay connected to each other.
