Young Professionals Committee
The Young Professionals (YPs) committee is responsible for planning, facilitating, and coordinating all YPs activities at the AMCA annual meeting. Additionally, they work collaboratively to create the YPs newsletter, manage the YPs social media channels, and provide fun and interesting webinars. The YPs committee is composed of three chairs (past-chair, chair, and co-chair) and committee members. All committee members serve a one-year term, except for the past chair, chair, and co-chair.
The YPs Advisory Group (YPAG) oversees the YPs committee. It is composed of executive board members (president, past-president, president-elect, and the industry representative), appointees selected by the AMCA president (members at-large from the association and the YPs Advisor), YPs Technical Advisor, and YPs Operations Director. The YPs Technical Advisor and YPs Operations Director work together to advise and lead the committee.
2025-2026 YP Advisors
Casey Crockett, PhD
I am a Research Entomologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, based in the Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Arboviral Diseases Branch in Fort Collins, CO. As the Insecticide Resistance Specialist for the Entomology and Ecology Team, my work focuses on advancing our understanding of insecticide resistance—how it emerges, how it can be mitigated, and how we can strengthen the capacity of operational mosquito control programs to manage it effectively.
Andrew Rivera
I am the Senior Field Biologist in Clarke’s Research, Development, and Engineering team. I work with mosquito control programs across the United States to test and develop new mosquito control products and strategies. I started my career in mosquito control as a seasonal technician at the County of San Diego Vector Control Program, and I was in that role when I was introduced to the AMCA Young Professionals at the AMCA annual meeting in San Diego. It’s a privilege to give back to the group that welcomed me to the AMCA so many years ago.
2025- 2026 AMCA YPs Committee Members
Carla-Cristina (CC) Edwards
Chair
University of California Davis
I am an Entomology PhD student at UC Davis studying insecticide resistance in mosquitoes. I earned my M.S. in Biology at Texas Tech University and my B.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology at Baylor University. In my free time I love trying new crafts and recipes!
Vilma Cooper
Co-Chair
MGK
I am a Ph.D. candidate in Entomology at the University of Florida, Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory. I am interested in developing vector control solutions for mosquitoes and Culicoides biting midges that impact both human and animal health. I study susceptibility and insecticide resistance in biting midges and work with stakeholders to develop sustainable vector control programs. I am also passionate about mentoring and encouraging young scientists to pursue careers in STEM, and I am excited to bring this passion to the AMCA Young Professionals Committee.
Nicole Foley
Past Chair
CDC- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases
I am a medical entomologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Vector-borne Disease focusing on a variety of topics such as insecticide resistance monitoring and surveillance. I earned my M.S. in Entomology at Cornell University and my B.S. in Environmental Health at Western Carolina University. In my free time I love to be outdoors!
Anwar Green
Centers for Disease Control, Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch
I'm Anwar Green, a PHEFA fellow from Atlanta. This will be my second year working in the RZB and I'm excited to continue my project in a team I love. I graduated with a degree in Animal & Poultry Science from Tuskegee University in 2022 and discovered a deeper love for bugs through this program. In my free time I like to play video games and occasionally make cosplays. When I went to the AMCA conference last year I just knew I had to get involved. I’m excited to be a part of this great organization!
Cassie Durden
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
I am a fellow through the Entomological Society of America and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Public Health Entomology for All (PHEFA) program, currently placed with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment in Denver, Colorado. In this role, I am working to optimize vector control and surveillance support throughout the state, as well as utilize historic data to investigate environmental drivers of arboviral disease in Colorado. Prior to joining CDPHE, I worked with the CDC Division of Vector Borne Diseases to evaluate novel control tools for mosquito borne diseases. I’m deeply passionate about building capacity for managing mosquito-borne diseases through hands-on training, evaluation of control tools, and illuminating how environmental factors influence vector ecology!
Connor Kuppe
Anastasia Mosquito Control District
I am a Biological Technician at the Anastasia Mosquito Control District, where I conduct insecticide resistance testing and GIS analysis. I am also a graduate student at the University of Florida, pursuing a Masters in Entomology. In my free time, I enjoy reading or walking with my dog, Kuma.
Dhivya Rajamanickam
Baylor University
I am a Ph.D. candidate in Biology at the Laboratory of Arthropod Sensory Biology & Neuroethology. My research focuses on mosquito surveillance to investigate species diversity and habitat-specific host selection patterns by optimizing odor-baited traps in zoo settings. I also work on the effects of co-receptor mutations on olfactory receptor neurons and antennal lobe function in the brain of Aedes aegypti, to better understand how these mutations impair olfactory signaling. Outside of research, I enjoy dancing, singing, and traveling.
Jafina Tubbs
The Ohio State University
I completed my B.S. in Health Studies at Boise State University, focused on vector borne disease. I have a background in mosquito abatement, and am currently researching biopesticides for use in mosquito control at The Ohio State University. My other hobbies include beekeeping and making unique jewelry pieces.
Jessi Hagelshaw
Marin-Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District
I was born and raised in San Francisco, CA. I attended the University of California, Merced, where I attained a degree in Public Health and Professional Writing. I got my start in the mosquito control world as a seasonal employee with Santa Cruz County Mosquito & Vector Control in 2020. After that summer, my passion for this field was ignited. Today, I am in my fifth year as a Vector Control Technician for the Marin/Sonoma Mosquito & Vector Control District. When I’m not hiking a beautiful NorCal trail, swimming in the Russian River with my dog Kaz, or rock climbing at the local crag, I can be found tending my vegetable garden or working on my latest knitting project. I am beyond excited to get more involved with the AMCA Young Professionals and serve the broader mosquito control community on the YPs Committee.
Kristen Joy Adkins
U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health
I am an ESA Public Health Entomology for All fellow working with the US Virgin Islands Department of Health. I focus on insecticide resistance in Aedes aegypti and monitoring mosquito abundance in cisterns to support effective mosquito control strategies. Previously, I was a PHEFA fellow at the CDC Dengue Branch in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where I worked on insecticide resistance testing and maintained mosquito colonies. My experience bridges research and applied public health, and I enjoy finding practical solutions to vector control challenges. I am passionate about mosquito control efforts and excited to be a part of the Young Professionals Committee for the 2025–2026 year. I look forward to building connections, learning from peers, and contributing to innovative approaches in vector management and public health.
Melissa Clawson
Texas Tech University
I received my B.S. from the University of Toledo and am currently a graduate student earning my M.S. at Texas Tech University on a fellowship from the Rockies and High Plains Vector-Borne Diseases Center. During my undergraduate degree, I worked for three years at the Toledo Area Sanitary District as a lab and research technician doing field trapping, mosquito identification, insectary work, and various field projects. Presently at Texas Tech University, a portion of my research is in collaboration with the City of Lubbock Vector Control to evaluate larvicide control efficacy. In my spare time I like to go birding and do nature photography.
Noah Moral
San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District
Since becoming the Vector Ecologist for San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control, I have witnessed the vastness of this industry as well as the constant innovation of other scientists, engineers, and technicians. I’m excited to explore more of this industry and learn alongside other curious minds who are entering this space.