Associate Professor of Entomology

Dr. Flor Acevedo is an Associate Professor of Entomology at Penn State University whose research focuses on developing sustainable, science-based solutions for managing insect pests in high-value crops. Her integrated research program combines laboratory, greenhouse, and field studies to address practical challenges facing growers and the agricultural industry. Over the past six years, Dr. Acevedo has led research on two of the most important insect pests affecting grape production in eastern North America: the invasive spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) and the native grape berry moth (Paralobesia viteana). Her work has advanced knowledge towards the development of economic thresholds for spotted lanternfly management, evaluated the susceptibility of grapevine species and cultivars to this invasive pest, and has improved our understanding of grapevine–insect interactions to support more effective and sustainable pest management strategies. Dr. Acevedo earned her B.S. in Agronomy from the University of Caldas in Colombia and her Ph.D. in Entomology from Penn State University. Throughout her 20-year research career, she has made significant contributions to insect–plant interactions, chemical ecology, integrated pest management, biological control, and insect biology. In addition to her research, she is actively engaged in Extension programming for the grape and wine industry and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in entomology at Penn State.