This is Ricky, he started as a student intern in 2017, and now is OSU faculty at Southern Oregon Research & Extension Center! Ricky has a passion for entomology, and loves the opportunity to be both in the field and the lab. Right now, his research is focused on a major challenge for local vineyards: identifying the insect vector behind Grapevine Red Blotch Disease, a disease that diminishes fruit quality. Pinpointing the culprit among treehoppers and alfalfa hoppers would alleviate huge stress for regional growers! Watch to the end to find out Ricky's favorite insects and which one smells like a green apple sucker! __ #OSUAgSci #GoBeavs #SOREC #Entomology