Deborah McCullough

Deborah G. McCullough

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Professor, Forest Entomology
Department of Entomology

Degrees:
B.S., (Biology) Northern Arizona University (1981) M.S. (Forestry) Northern Arizona University (1985) Ph.D. (Entomology) University of Minnesota (1990)

Ph.D. – University of Minnesota, Entomology (1990)
M.S. – Northern Arizona University, Forestry (1985)
B.S. – Northern Arizona University, Biology (1981)

Bio

Dr. Deborah G. McCullough’s research focuses on the ecology, impacts and management of native and invasive forest insects. She has been at the forefront of research on emerald ash borer since the invader was detected in 2002. Her work aims to understand relationships among forest insect populations, their hosts and natural enemies and climate, and to use this knowledge to develop practical, sustainable management strategies. Studies conducted by her lab have informed federal, state and municipal policies in the U.S., as well as in Canada and Europe. Current field projects address beech bark disease, hemlock woolly adelgid, balsam woolly adelgid, native longhorned beetle communities and insect pests affecting chestnut production. Her research results are regularly shared with forest resource managers, regulatory officials, arborists and other stakeholders to protect and enhance the health of forests.

Concentrations

Forest insect ecology and management
Invasive forest insects (Emerald ash borer, Beech bark disease, Hemlock woolly adelgid, Balsam woolly adelgid, Asian chestnut gall wasp)
Forest health

Courses Taught

ENT407 (ENT/PLP/FOR/PBL 407): Diseases and Insects of Forest and Shade Trees

Insects, diseases, biotic and abiotic problems affecting trees in forests, parks, suburbs and nurseries. Ecological roles of native forest insects; Evaluating impacts and options for control insect pests.

Research

McCullough’s research focuses on forest insect ecology and management to enhance our understanding of forest insect biology, impacts and dynamics while generating practical, and sustainable management options. Much of her work addresses invasive forest insects, given the economic and ecological costs of major pests. Her extensive research on emerald ash borer has examined detection and survey methods, population dynamics, host preference, ecological and economic impacts, options for protecting urban and landscape trees and strategies for area-wide management. Current projects are underway to evaluate conditions in post-invasion black ash forests and the long-term outlook for this unique forest type. Other studies address hemlock woolly adelgid in Michigan, progression and effects of beech bark disease, along with spotted lanternfly and insect vectors of oak wilt. Her lab conducts an annual statewide survey designed to detect specific non-native forest insects, while providing key information on native longhorned beetle communities.

Extension

McCullough’s extension activities are closely integrated with her research on forest insect ecology and management. She provides practical guidance and objective information on emerald ash borer and other invasive forest insects to resource managers, regulatory officials, arborists, landscapers and property owners across North America and internationally. Her research and outreach efforts have played a major role in shaping perceptions of emerald ash borer and promoting integrated approaches to ash and forest pest management. She continues to direct the national EmeraldAshBorer.info website, recognized as a leading source of objective information on the pest.

Within Michigan, she frequently works with state agency personnel on issues related to invasive and native forest insects, serving in advisory roles on federal and state regulations, pest surveys and control tactics and silvicultural strategies to reduce pest damage or spread. She also collaborates with extension educators to provide training and answer questions for foresters, arborists, nature centers and chestnut or Christmas tree producers. Management recommendations for a wide range of pests, including sap-feeders, bark beetles, woodborers and defoliators are often developed from findings in her lab’s research.