Cherry Industry Honors MSU Entomology Alumna for Pest Management Work
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EmailNikki Rothwell, head of the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Center, has been named the 2025 Cherry Industry Person of the Year for her impactful research and grower-focused solutions to fruit pest challenges.
Michigan State University (MSU) Entomology alumna Nikki Rothwell has been named the 2025 Cherry Industry Person of the Year.
Rothwell received her master’s in entomology from MSU and worked as a graduate research associate at the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Center (NWMHRC). The 137-acre research center is located in the five-county northwestern region of Michigan that produces almost half of the U.S. supply of tart cherries and 83 percent of sweet cherry production in Michigan.
The award is part of the National Cherry Festival held annually in Traverse City, Michigan, the “Cherry Capital of the World.” It honors individuals or couples for outstanding contributions to the cherry industry. According to the festival’s website, the honor can be awarded to a grower, processor, marketer, educator, researcher or another professional who is connected to the industry.
Rothwell’s background and ongoing work on tree fruit pests and diseases have helped address key challenges faced by cherry growers.
During her time at MSU, under the guidance of advisor Dr. Dave Smitley, she and fellow researchers developed a management model for the invasive spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii), a major pest in cherry orchards. They also worked to modify the orchard system by pruning and mowing to make it less hospitable for these pests, resulting in a 40 percent reduction in infestation.
“I think that my work within the Department [of Entomology] really prepared me to think creatively about solutions that are important for real changes on the farm,” Rothwell said.
Today, Rothwell serves as the head of the NWMHRC and as a district extension horticultural educator, helping growers improve practices by gathering data and sharing that information through various outreach programs.
“It continues to be an honor to work with the Michigan fruit industry and its growers,” Rothwell said. “Each year, we face numerous challenges, and with input from growers, we can put together valued applied research projects that address on-farm needs.”
