BROOKINGS, S.D. – SDSU Extension is pleased to welcome Stephen Robertson as a new Pesticide Education Field Specialist.
In his role, Robertson will act as a liaison between state and federal regulatory agencies and the public regarding pesticide use. He will offer training for new pesticide applicators and recertification for continuing applicators, in addition to organizing events and meetings for applicators and interested parties.
He will be based in Berg Agricultural Hall on the South Dakota State University campus in Brookings.
“I maintain a vast web of connections among the various parties with a vested interest in pesticides. I stay up to date on pesticide research, from new resistances to laundering clothing, and translate that information for broad public access and use,” Robertson said. “My focus is to provide the highest-quality information to the people of South Dakota.”
Robertson has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, with a doctorate in entomology from the University of Arkansas (Fayetteville). His previous experiences include teaching biology to middle school students, working as the biodiversity coordinator for the Office of Sustainability at the University of Arkansas, a research assistant with the University of Arkansas, and a research agroecologist at the Ecdysis Foundation.
“Stephen Robertson will provide strong leadership to statewide pesticide certification and recertification processes for thousands of private and commercial applicators each year. Also, Stephen will develop educational programming regarding pesticide safety for all citizens of South Dakota,” said Sandy Smart, professor and SDSU Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Senior Program Leader. “We are excited to expand the capabilities of this new position and the expertise Stephen brings to the table.”
For more information, contact Stephen Robertson, Pesticide Education Field Specialist.
