Stephanie Parreira is UC IPM's new writer/editor as of February 13. Parreira develops new, and evaluates existing, publications and products such as the Pest Management Guidelines, year-round IPM programs, online tutorials, videos, identification cards, and other training materials. She assists UC IPM's urban and community IPM team with training courses about the principles of integrated pest management for UC Master Gardeners and other extenders of pest management information.
Parreira became interested in IPM and extension while pursuing her graduate degree. As a graduate student, she studied the long-term effects of pesticide exposure and pesticide interactions on honey bee colony health. Outside of her research, she frequently gave presentations about the current challenges pertaining to bee health, as well as what people can do to help bees thrive. These experiences shaped her passion for extension. Working for UC IPM, Stephanie hopes to increase the awareness and use of practices that conserve both honey bees and wild bees.
Parreira earned a B.A. in environmental studies and planning with a minor in biology from Sonoma State University in 2013, and earned an M.S. in horticulture (with a focus in entomology) from Oregon State University in 2016.