Jan 24, 2022

Certis Biologicals hires Kansas State University entomologist Holly Davis

Certis Biologicals recently hired entomologist and extension specialist Holly Davis to its team of field development managers.

The development managers work across the country to manage field trial programs for the company’s leading portfolio of bio-based crop protection solutions, provide technical assistance to sales channels and interface with the agricultural research community, according to a news release from the company. Davis will manage field operations in the Southern Central states of Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. She joins the growing nationwide field development team just after the hiring of Nick Vandervort as Midwestern Field Development Manager in late 2021.

Davis will be located in Texas.

“Holly’s expertise and training in entomology and extension services are vital as we enhance relationships with growers and university researchers in an effort to bring greater education and adoption of biologicals,” Mike Dimock, vice president, field development and technical Services, said in the news release.

With masters and doctorate degrees. in entomology from Kansas State University, Davis brings to Certis expertise garnered from research on pests of agricultural, structural and medical importance, according to the release. While working on her Ph.D. at KSU, she served as the insect diagnostician for the Great Plains Diagnostic Network and upon graduation, she joined the university as a research/extension associate. Most recently, she served as Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist with Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Davis is the author or co-author of numerous newsletters, extension publications, peer-reviewed publications and two books dedicated to her field.

“Biologicals are integral to an effective crop protection strategy for growers of all crops, whether they are conventional or organic,” Davis said in the release. “But every region, every climate, every crop and every pest and disease reacts differently to the use of bio-based products. Certis Biologicals and their emphasis on the research and science of their products is leading the way in ensuring that growers have the information they need to integrate bio into successful IPM plans. I am looking forward to bringing more of that education and additional solutions to the issues that Southern growers face.”