High School University
Resume:
Cheri M. Abraham
abovth@r.postjobfree.com ; abovth@r.postjobfree.com
Cell: 706-***-****; Off: 770-***-****; Fax: 770-***-****
Home:
**** ********* *****. *******, ** 30223-8748
Office: Entomology- UGA Griffin Campus; 1109 Experiment Street; Griffin, GA 30223-1797
Professional summary
6+ years of applied research in laboratory and field, including chemical efficacy trials
in turf and ornamentals entomology following a baccalaureate in agriculture. Group,
organizational, and program management experience of 15+ years
Education
The University of Georgia, Athens, GA
(Doctor of Philosophy) Entomology, Aug 2012
Current GPA: 3.9/4.0
Dissertation Title: Compatible IPM strategies for Control of Leafminers and Secondary
Pests in Greenhouse Gerberas
The University of Georgia, Athens, GA
(Interdisciplinary Certificate in University Teaching) Aug 2012
Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS
(Master of Science) Entomology, Dec 2008
GPA: 3.45/4.0
Thesis Title: Ecology of Larra bicolor (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae) in the Northern Gulf
Kerala Agriculture University, Vellanikara, Kerala, India
(Bachelor of Science) Agriculture, Dec 2004
GPA: 8.3/10
Test Scores& Evaluations
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) : 2005 April
Quantitative 760/800
Verbal 560/800
Analytical 4.5/6
Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) : 2005 April
Test Score 277/300
Essay 5.5/6
Teaching Perspectives Inventory evaluation:
Dominant perspectives: Apprenticeship, Nurturing
Back up perspectives: Developmental, Social Reform
Recessive perspectives: Transmission
with high internal consistency
Research Experience
The University of Georgia, Griffin, GA
Graduate Research Assistant, Turf and Ornamental Entomology, Jan 2009 - present
Identified control strategies for leafminers and other secondary pests in Gerbera Daisy
greenhouses.
Conducted pest and beneficial insect sampling protocols
Conducted toxicology studies for pesticides compatible with natural enemies of Gerbera
pests
Conducted Field and lab experiments with Azalea lace bugs
Conducted chemical efficacy tests
Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS
Graduate Research Assistant, Turfgrass Entomology, June 2006 - December 2008
Made traps to monitor the activity of Larra bicolor wasps (a parasitoid of Mole
crickets), and activity period Mole Crickets
Monitored the seasonal activity period of L. bicolor in the northern Gulf region
Established and maintain a garden from scratch to determine the feeding preferences of L.
bicolor for flowering ornamentals
Surveyed southern and coastal Alabama for L. bicolor wasps
Studied the foraging and parasitism behaviors of L. bicolor in the field and laboratory
Studied the biology of the wasp in its extended range
Sorted through Berlese funnel samples for arthropods in a study that documented the
effect of hurricane Katrina on arthropod populations in Live oaks ecosystems of
Mississippi.
Teaching Experience:
The University of Georgia, Griffin, GA
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Department of EntomologyAug 2010- Dec 2010
Taught General Entomology (Ento 4000L/6000L)
Introduced students to basic concepts in entomology and helped them identify and
understand taxonomic classification and economic and ecological importance.
Was In charge of setting labs, arranging collection trips.
Set questions, conducted lab tests and graded them.
Helped students with insect identification and collection.
Updated the teaching collection of insects.
The University of Georgia, Athens, GA
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Biology, Aug 2009 - May 2010
Taught three laboratory sections of Concepts of Biology (Biol 1103)
60 (3 sections of 20 each) non science majors ranging from Freshmen to Senior students
per semester.
Grading writing intensive assignments including essays, lab reports and newspaper
articles with emphasis on feedback on the scientific method and writing skills
Proctoring exams with more than 350 students.
Professional Experience:
Ministry of Agriculture, Kissan Call Center, Kochi, Kerala
Divisional Officer, Oct 2005- June 2006
Oversaw the Farmers Helpline that was responsible for the states of Kerala, and
Lakshadweep in India (Similar to County Extension Office)
Oversaw the day to day activities in office as Zonal in charge
Coordinated and requested training programs for the level one officers
Conducted appraisal of the project and officers
Submitted daily reports to the offices of the Prime minister, Agriculture minister, and
the Head of Kissan Call Center.
Ministry of Agriculture, Kissan Call Center, Kochi, Kerala
Level One Officer, Jan 2005- Oct 2005
Provided answers for agricultural problems and queries from crop cultivation to harvest,
inclusive of plant protection chemicals, production enhancers, and potential farming
possibilities
Publications (
Refereed publications:
Applied Turfgrass Science:
http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/sub/ats/research/2010/nectar/
Held, D. W., C. Wheeler, C. M. Abraham, and K. M. Pickett 2008. Paper Wasps (Polistes
sp.) Attacking Fall Armyworm Larvae (Spodoptera frugiperda) in Turfgrass. Applied
Turfgrass Science: 5. http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/ats/research/2008/wasps/
Abraham, C. M., and D. W. Held 2008. First Report of Larra bicolor (Hymenoptera:
Sphecidae) in Alabama. Mid South Entomologist 1: 81-84.
Extension Publications:
video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxpS5Vwzb9w
Research featured in Sunbelt AGnet.com. http://www.sunbeltagnet.com/story/14365143/insect-
mines-its-way-through-gerbera-daisies-grower-profits
Research featured in Georgia FACES (UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental
Sciences online portal)
http://georgiafaces.caes.uga.edu/index.cfm?public=viewStory&pk_id=4081
Interviewed by Rosie Gill at Entomological Society of America Annual meeting,
Indianapolis, IN, 2009. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OldG3Py-
O9k&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PL4609304AD7DF1119
Interviewed by the Red and Black- The University of Georgia, Independent student
newspaper. http://redandblack.com/2009/11/19/uga-student-awarded-for-entomology/
Leadership Experience
Chair, Student Affairs Committee, Entomological Society of America (ESA), 2010-11.
-Secured funding for an Overall best Debate Team Award to be administered 2011 onwards.
$1350.00 (first year), $750 thereafter
Chair, Judging Panel for Student Activity Award, ESA, 2011-2012.
Organizer, Student Debates, ESA Annual Meeting, Reno, NV, 2011.
Co-Organizer, Member Symposium, ESA Annual Meeting, Reno, NV, 2011.
Student Member, core group from University of Georgia submitting a proposal to become a
part of Center for integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CITRL) network 2011.
Initiator, & Moderator, ESA Student Networks & ESA Student Facebook pages. April 2011
onwards.
To utilize social media as a medium of communication between Entomological Society of
America Student Affairs Committee and student members and networking and peer help amongst
student members.
Chair, Student Reception Organizing Committee, ESA Annual meetings, San Diego, CA, 2010,
& Reno, NV, 2011.
-Secured funding of $7000.00 towards sponsorship of t shirts and door prizes for
organizing the Student reception 2011.
-Secured funding of $6750.00 towards sponsorship of t shirts and door prizes for
organizing the student reception 2010.
Chair, Insect Photo Salon, Southeastern branch of the Entomological Society of America
(SEB ESA) Annual Meetings, Atlanta, GA, 2010 & San Juan, PR, 2011.
Co-organizer and Co-moderator, Student Debate Competition, ESA Annual Meeting, San Diego,
CA 2010.
Co-organizer and Co-moderator, Student symposium, "ESA Excellence- Encouraging Our
Emerging and Innovative Entomologists" ESA Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA, 2010.
Co Chair, Student Affairs Committee, ESA, Dec 2009 - Dec 2010.
Co-organizer and Co-moderator, Student Symposium, Annual Meeting of the SEB ESA, Atlanta,
GA, 2010.
Representative from the SEB ESA to the National Student Affairs Committee, ESA, Dec 2009-
Dec 2011
.
Representative from Georgia to the Student Affairs Committee, SEB ESA, Mar 2009- Mar
2011.
Captain, University of Georgia Debate Team (2009) & Linnaean (an entomology quiz bowl)
Team (since 2010) member since 2009.
Treasurer, H. O. Lund Entomology Club,Department of Entomology, 2009-2010
An Entomology Club at the University of Georgia for all graduate students, and interested
Undergrads.
Executive member, Indian Students Association, University of Georgia, 2009-2010
A student organization at UGA involving all who love Indian culture
Organizer, "International Teaching Assistantship Workshop", Mississippi State University,
2008
A prelude to the University Teaching Assistantship workshop, initially open to Indian
Students Association members. This was the first time we opened it for all international
students- Had 45 participants from 10 countries.
President, Indian Students Association, Mississippi State University, 2008.
A student organization catering to all who love Indian culture. Coordinated fundraising
efforts for the year ~$15,000 towards Annual operating funds.
Member, Big Dawgs Committee for Students Affairs at Mississippi State University, 2008.
One of just five leaders from major organizations on campus. I was the sole
representative from all international ethnic groups. We worked together with the Student
Government in day to day student affairs with bi weekly meetings.
Treasurer, Entomology and Plant Pathology Club 2007.
An Entomology Graduate student club at Mississippi State University
Team Member, Linnaean games (Entomology Quiz Bowl), Mississippi State University, 2006-
07.
Treasurer, Indian Students Association, Mississippi State University, 2007.
Coordinated fundraising efforts for the year ~$13,000 towards Annual operating funds.
Coordinator, Stage decoration for Maroon Vibes, an Inter-University arts competition
hosted by the Indian Students Association at Mississippi State University, 2007.
Student Representative, National Commission for Farmers Conference, 2006.
(Representing Kerala Agricultural University to discuss revision of course syllabus for
Bachelors degree in Agriculture throughout Agriculture Universities in India.
Judge, Kochi Flower Show, Kerala, India, 2006.
This was a flower show competition in the state to judge the best amongst flower growing
enthusiasts
Member, Accommodation Committee, South Zone Vice Chancellors conference, 2004.
This conference was hosted by Kerala Agricultural University, and I was responsible for
the accommodation arrangements throughout the stay of the delegates.
Coordinator, Termite Eradication Program, Kerala Agriculture University Auditorium, 2003.
Led the B.S. Agriculture class of 2004 in this effort in termite proofing a landmark
building in the university.
Convener, Transport and Accommodation Committee, National Floriculture Symposium,
Trichur, Kerala, India, July 2003.
Convener, Variety entertainment program for delegates, XVI All India Spices Workshop,
2002-03.
Organized a cultural potpourri for the visiting delegates
Student Government, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University:
President- 2003-04
Student Editor- 2002-03
Volunteer, All India Inter Agri University Arts Festival AGRIUNIFEST 2001-02.
This was a national arts festival featuring talent from all over the country competing in
various art and literary competitions.
House Captain, Discipline Leader, Deputy Head Boy and Head Boy, Mar Thoma Public School,
1995-99.
Outreach and Service Activities
Resource person, North West Georgia County extension agents entomology workshop, UGA
Griffin Campus, August 2011.
Student Member, Entomological Foundation Awardees Reception planning committee, 2011.
Process Coach, Thomas Say Award given by the Entomological Foundation, 2011. Helped the
judging panel by clarifying doubts and seeing that the process of judging was completed in
a timely and commendable fashion.
Process Coach, Pioneer Hi-Bred International Graduate Student Fellowship given by the
Entomological Foundation, 2011.
Resource person, FFA Teachers Training program, UGA- Griffin Campus, 2011.
Mentor, Young Scholar's Program, Summer 2011
A University of Georgia initiative to provide exposure to high school students about the
opportunities available in higher education. Worked with Cleopatra Randolph. Cleopatra won
a third place in a Poster competition conducted at the end of the program.
Collaborator, GIFT Program, Summer 2011.
A Georgia Tech initiative wherein Middle school teachers work with scientists in an area
of their interest to develop/modify curriculum in their respective subjects. Worked with
Danielle Harrold, a middle school life sciences teacher,. Dr. S. Kristine Braman was the
Mentor.
Member, Students and Young Professionals Committee, Dec 2010- Dec 2011
To encourage students and young professionals to participate in the society and develop
into better professionals.
Member, Program Committee, E SA Annual Meeting,
Dec 2010 - Dec 2011
.
Member, Membership Committee,
ESA, Dec 2010- Dec 2011
Member, Committee on Awards & Honors, ESA,
Dec 2010 - Dec 2011
Member, Student Activity Award judging panel,
ESA, Jan 2011 - Dec 2012
.
Member, Presidential Committee on ESA Fellows Biography,
ESA, Dec 2010- Dec 2011.
Member, Resolutions Committee, ESA Annual Meeting, San Diego, Dec 2010.
Moderator, P-IE symposium "Biocontrol of Insects and Weeds", ESA Annual Meeting, San
Diego, CA, Dec 2010.
Volunteer, Presentation Preview Room, ESA Annual Meetings, 2009-2010.
Host, Brady Seminar speaker for Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Oct
2010.
Arranged all of the speaker s schedule and stay from invitation through his visit to
campus and departure.
Coordinator, SEB ESA assignment of ESA- Fellows Biographies Project, Jan 2010- Dec 2010
.
Committee Member, ESA Student Debates,
Dec 2009- Dec 2010
.
Committee member, Social Networking Sub Committee, ESA -Student Affairs Committee, Jan
2010- Dec 2010
.
Zoo Keeper, @ Insect Zoo, Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Apr 2010.
Set up displays and manned insect stations at the insect open house hosted by the
department.
Judge, 4H Presentations, Rock Eagle, GA, 2009- 2011.
Judging Junior and Senior Entomology Project Presentations of 4H'ers.
Volunteer, @ Insectival, Georgia Botanical Gardens, Sept 2009.
Organized the roach races at the insect open house for the public to get to know the
science of entomology and our department.
Resource Person, Sandy Creek Nature Center- Insects of the night, Jul 2009.
Introduced the public to insects.
Designer, Noxubee Refuge insect trail, 2008.
Made the basic plan for the insect trail detailing stations and insects and required
habitat.
Collaborator, Project Bug, Mississippi State University, 2006-2008.
Part of a nationwide effort to use entomology to teach science.
Group leader, Adventure Quencher, National Estuarine Research Reserve, Moss Point, MS,
August 2007.
Introduced the public to insects and entomology and engaged them through a night full of
insect collecting.
4-H Entomology Camp, Mississippi,
2006 - 2008.
A 4 day camp- the only one in U.S. that fosters future entomologists through a
residential camp.
- Lab leader
.
-
Resource Person, Show and tell (introduced insects to camp members).
- Group In charge.
Volunteer, Discovery Day, MSU, 2006- 2008.
Introduced high school students to Entomology.
Guide, Sudduth Elementary School -Department Visit, MSU 2007.
Introduced School kids to insects.
Guide, Starkville High School -Department Visit, MSU 2007.
Introduced School kids to insects.
Guide, Emerson Family School- Introducing kids to entomology, MSU, 2007.
Introduced School kids to insects.
Guest Lectures:
Managing large enrollment classes (1 hr discussion class); UGA, April 2010
Turf Insects: Chemical or Natural Control; UGA, February 2010
Virtual Demonstrations- Tool to engage students (1 hr Discussion class); UGA, February
2010
Wasps on Turf, UGA, February 2010
Effect of Temperature in nectar feeding insects, UGA, November 2009
Triungulins, UGA, February 2009
Male dressing in India- Social Psychology course related to textiles and fashion, MSU,
October 2008
Steinernema scapterisci- a beneficial nematode to control mole crickets, MSU, November
2007
Vermicomposting- Method Demonstration, Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), October 2004
Water conservation and Water shed management, KAU, September 2004
Commercial Floriculture, KAU, August 2004
Pheromone traps used in control of Red Palm Weevil in Coconut -method demonstration April
2004
Super Rice, KAU, August 2003
Pests and diseases in Coconut and Areca nut, KAU, March 2003
Bio-pesticides, KAU, August 2002
Coconut climber and dehusker, KAU, February 2002
Structure of DNA, KAU, April 2001.
Professional Honors and Awards
Designed the logo for the PIE section meeting, Entomology 2011.
H. O. Lund Outstanding Ph.D Student, 2010-2011, Department of Entomology, University of
Georgia, May 2011.
First Prize, Insect Photography, H. O. Lund week, Department of Entomology, University of
Georgia, Athens. April 2011.
Second Prize, Insect Photography, H. O. Lund week, Department of Entomology, University
of Georgia, Athens. April 2011.
Outstanding Ph.D Student, Georgia Entomological Society Scholarship, Georgia-
Southeastern Branch of Entomological Society Annual Meeting, April 2011.
C.M. Beckam Award, Third Prize, Student Paper Competition Georgia- Southeastern Branch of
Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, April 2011
One of my insect Photos was selected as cover for the Journal of Entomological Science,
2011.
Third Prize, Insect Portrait, Georgia- Southeastern Branch of Entomological Society
Annual Meeting, April 2011.
Semi finalist, Southeastern Branch of Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting,
Linnaean Games (an entomology quiz bowl), San Juan, Puerto Rico, 2011.
Semi finalist, National Linnaean Games (an entomology quiz bowl), Entomological Society
of America Annual Meeting, San Diego, December 2010.
C.M. Beckam Award, Second Prize, Student Paper Competition, Georgia- Southeastern Branch
of Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, October 2010.
Overall Best in Show, Insect Photo Salon, South Carolina - Southeastern Branch of
Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, October 2010.
Second Prize in Sequence Photography, Insect Photo Salon, Georgia- Southeastern Branch of
Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, October 2010.
First prize, Logo designing competition for Southeastern Branch of Entomological Society
of America, and Caribbean Division of American Phytopathological Society Joint Meeting in
San Juan, Puerto Rico March, 2011
Linnaean Games Champions at Southeastern Branch of Entomological Society of America
Annual Meeting, Atlanta, March 2010
National Champions, Student Debate, Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting,
Indianapolis, December 2009.
Larry Larson Graduate Student Award for Leadership in Applied Entomology, Entomological
Foundation- presented at the Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting,
Indianapolis, December 2009- Sponsored by Dow AgroSciences. Inc.
Second Prize in Sequence Photography, Georgia- Southeastern Branch of the Entomological
Society of America Annual Meeting, April, 2009
First Prize in Insect Portrait H.O. Lund Week Competition, Dept of Entomology, University
of Georgia, March 2009
Young Professional Award- Entomological Society of America, 2008, 2009.
Best in Show- Insect Photo Salon at Southeastern Branch of Entomological Society of
America Annual Meeting, March 2008.
Best Traditional Macro Photograph Insect Photo Salon at Southeastern Branch of
Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, March 2008.
Outstanding Graduate Student- Award by Entomology and Plant Pathology Department and
Entomology and Plant Pathology Club, Mississippi State University, 2007.
Mississippi Entomological Association Scholarship, Mississippi Entomological Association,
2007
First Prize, Student Paper Competition, Mississippi Entomological Association, 2007
Arlie and Ethel Wilson Scholarship, Mississippi Entomological Association 2006
Second prize, Student Paper Presentation Competition, Mississippi Entomological
Association Annual meeting, Starkville, MS, 2006
Second prize for overall performance in final semester Rural Agricultural Work Experience
(RAWE), 2004.Best Presentation, In class presentation competition, 2003
Best Outgoing Student (Twelfth Grade) (All India Senior School Certificate Examination),
1999
Salutatorian for the twelfth grade graduating in 1999
School Topper in Chemistry, All India Senior School Certificate Examination, 1999
Best Outgoing Student (Tenth Grade) (All India Senior School Examination), 1997
Salutatorian for tenth grade graduating in 1997
School Topper in English (All India Senior School Examination), 1997
Trainings & Educational Experience
Emerging Leaders Program; UGA Graduate School, Athens, GA, 2011.
How to use Adobe Audition and Camtasia in Developing Distance Learning Courses; Texas A &
M, Kingsville, TX, December 2010.
Attended a one day workshop by Dr. Mani Skaria, Professor at TAMUK,
Myer Briggs Test Interpretation; ESA Annual Meeting, San Diego, December 2010.
Shadowing an Extension Entomologist, Dr. Nancy Hinkle, March 2010.
Shadowing a County extension Agent, Clarke County, March 2010.
Co- contributor to development of the Virtual Roach; Dept of Entomology, UGA, Athens, GA,
Jan 2009- May 2009.
An Instructional Tool for the Study of Insect Morphology, coordinated by Dr. Joseph
McHugh, and Dr. Eugene N. Wright.
Auto montage system; Dept of Entomology, UGA, Athens, GA, March 2009
Insect photography system for insect morphology studies and small insects in general.
Adobe Illustrator as a Tool for Publication Quality Drawings; Dept of Entomology, UGA,
Athens, GA, March 2009
Learning Management Systems; eg: WebCT, Blackboard, Sakai, Center for Teaching and
Learning, UGA,Athens, GA, Mar 2010.
Intercropping in Coconut Gardens and Management of Pest and Diseases; Coconut Development
Board, Ministry Of Agriculture, Kochi, Kerala, India, Mar 2006.
Commercial Production of Rubber- Pest, Diseases and Nutritional Management; Rubber Board,
Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Kochi, Kerala, India, Sept 2005.
Intergrated Pest Management Strategies in vegetables, Rice, and Banana; Central
Integrated Pest Management Centre, Kochi, Kerala, India, Mar 2005.
Commercial Mass Production of Insect Biocontrol Agents and Microbial Agents for Public
Distribution; State Biocontrol Laboratory, Government of Kerala, Trichur, Kerala, India,
Sept 2004.
Professional and Honorary Society Memberships
Entomological Society of America, 2006-
Southeastern Branch of Entomological Society of America, 2006 -
Plant Insect Ecosystem, Section of Entomological Society of America, 2006 -
Georgia Entomological Society, 2009 -
Mississippi Entomological Association, 2006 -
Professional Conferences Attended
Entomological Society of America National Meeting, 2006-
Mississippi Entomological Association, 2006-2008
Georgia Entomological Society, 2009 -
Turf Field Day, MSU, 2006-2008
Mississippi Turf Association Annual Meeting, 2007
Turf and Ornamental Group Meeting, 2008
Graduate Student Association Symposium, MSU, 2008
Courses
Entomology:
Concepts of IPM, Biological Control, Extension Entomology, Insect Taxonomy, Insect
Ecology, Applied Insect Pathology, Insect Physiology, Insect Morphology, Ornamental & Turf
Insects, Toxicology and Insect Chemicals, Insect Photography.
Outside Major department:
Turfgrass Diseases, Turf Management, Empirical Research- Theory and Practice, Statistical
Methods I, Statistical Methods II, Design and Analysis of Experiments, and extensive
coursework in Agriculture.
Related to Teaching:
Pedagogy in Writing Intensive Program, Teaching and Learning in Education, College
teaching and Student Learning, Technology in Classroom.
References
Dr. Kristine S. Braman (Ph.D Adviser)Professor,
Department of EntomologyUniversity of Georgia- Griffin Campus
1109 Experiment Street
Griffin, GA 30223-1797
abovth@r.postjobfree.com
Dr. David W. Held (M.S. Adviser)
Assistant Professor,
Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology
Auburn University
327 Funchess Hall
abovth@r.postjobfree.com
Dr. Nancy C. Hinkle (Ph.D Committee Member
)
Professor,
Department of EntomologyUniversity of Georgia
413 Biological Sciences Building
Athens, GA 30602-2603
abovth@r.postjobfree.com
Dr. Kris Miller (T.A. Supervisor
)
Laboratory Manager, Department of biological SciencesUniversity of Georgia
402 Biological Sciences, 120 Cedar St.
Athens, GA 30602
abovth@r.postjobfree.com
Dr. P.K. Rajeevan (B.S. Adviser)
Associate Dean, College of Horticulture
Kerala Agricultural University
Vellanikara, KAU P.O.
Trichur, Kerala,
India
- 680656
+91-048*-******* (office)
+91-944******* (cell)
abovth@r.postjobfree.com
Abraham
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