Meet the Team!
This Japanese beetle eradication project is led by the Oregon Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with partner agencies and the communities where it takes place.
Ashley Toland
Eradication Entomologist & Project Coordinator
I am the eradication entomologist for the Oregon Department of Agriculture in the Integrated Pest Prevention and Management program (IPPM). In IPPM, we work to make sure invasive insects, like Japanese beetle, do not establish in Oregon. I have a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island in Environmental Science & Management, and a master’s degree from Virginia Tech in Entomology. I am originally from Massachusetts, but since moving to Oregon I know my true home is in the PNW.
Eradication Entomologist & Project Coordinator
I am the eradication entomologist for the Oregon Department of Agriculture in the Integrated Pest Prevention and Management program (IPPM). In IPPM, we work to make sure invasive insects, like Japanese beetle, do not establish in Oregon. I have a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island in Environmental Science & Management, and a master’s degree from Virginia Tech in Entomology. I am originally from Massachusetts, but since moving to Oregon I know my true home is in the PNW.
Cody Holthouse
Manager of Insect Pest Prevention & Management
As manager of the IPPM program I have the distinct privilege of working with a large and experienced team all dedicated to keeping Japanese beetle and many other invasive insect pests out of Oregon, protecting our agricultural commodities and native ecosystems. I have worked with my team to coordinate a number of insect trapping surveys in Oregon since 2021, including some of the larger survey efforts for emerald ash borer, spongy moth, light brown apple moth, etc. Before my time in Oregon I studied the host plants, phenology, and biological control of the brown marmorated stink bug in Utah at Utah State University, where I received a doctorate in ecology. I have a passion for invasive insect ecology and integrated pest management strategies. I view the Japanese beetle eradication program in Oregon as a golden opportunity to showcase what early detection and rapid response can do to protect Oregon’s economy and natural resources.
Manager of Insect Pest Prevention & Management
As manager of the IPPM program I have the distinct privilege of working with a large and experienced team all dedicated to keeping Japanese beetle and many other invasive insect pests out of Oregon, protecting our agricultural commodities and native ecosystems. I have worked with my team to coordinate a number of insect trapping surveys in Oregon since 2021, including some of the larger survey efforts for emerald ash borer, spongy moth, light brown apple moth, etc. Before my time in Oregon I studied the host plants, phenology, and biological control of the brown marmorated stink bug in Utah at Utah State University, where I received a doctorate in ecology. I have a passion for invasive insect ecology and integrated pest management strategies. I view the Japanese beetle eradication program in Oregon as a golden opportunity to showcase what early detection and rapid response can do to protect Oregon’s economy and natural resources.
John Gaddis
Japanese Beetle Eradication Field Technician
As a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest, it is a great privilege to work for the Oregon Department of Agriculture to serve our state’s agricultural sector and protecting our natural resources. As a member of the Integrated Pest Prevention and Management program since 2021, I worked on both the trapping and eradication sides of the program.
Japanese Beetle Eradication Field Technician
As a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest, it is a great privilege to work for the Oregon Department of Agriculture to serve our state’s agricultural sector and protecting our natural resources. As a member of the Integrated Pest Prevention and Management program since 2021, I worked on both the trapping and eradication sides of the program.
Heidi Brewer
Japanese Beetle Eradication Field Technician
As a Horticulturist and born and raised Oregonian it is exciting to work for ODA to help protect our natural resources and plant industry. I started work with the IPPM program in 2007 and have been involved in trapping, eradication for the Japanese beetle, delimitation trapping for spongy moth, and work with the Emerald Ash Borer in Forest Grove and Mediterranean oak borer in Wilsonville, and special surveys.
Japanese Beetle Eradication Field Technician
As a Horticulturist and born and raised Oregonian it is exciting to work for ODA to help protect our natural resources and plant industry. I started work with the IPPM program in 2007 and have been involved in trapping, eradication for the Japanese beetle, delimitation trapping for spongy moth, and work with the Emerald Ash Borer in Forest Grove and Mediterranean oak borer in Wilsonville, and special surveys.
Julian Kowalewski
Japanese Beetle Eradication Field Technician
Hi there! I'm excited to be working in the field with the JB eradication team & trappers for my third season. I have a bachelors in environmental science from PSU, & love getting to learn about & protect Oregon's native species. See you out there!
Japanese Beetle Eradication Field Technician
Hi there! I'm excited to be working in the field with the JB eradication team & trappers for my third season. I have a bachelors in environmental science from PSU, & love getting to learn about & protect Oregon's native species. See you out there!
Oregon Department of Agriculture’s Insect Pest Prevention and Management program coordinates early detection and rapid response to insect pest invasions to protect Oregon’s agriculture, natural resources, and economy. Early detections of pest threats are possible through surveys of gypsy moth, Japanese beetle, and light brown apple moth among others.
When you give us a call, send us an email, or submit a contact form, someone from the IPPM team will respond directly.
When you give us a call, send us an email, or submit a contact form, someone from the IPPM team will respond directly.
The Insect Pest Prevention and Management (IPPM) Program works to:
- Protect Oregon’s agriculture, horticulture, environment, and quality of life from damaging insect pests.
- Enhance or maintain the value of our agricultural and horticultural products.