Dave started at Clemson in August 2018 and immediately began an extension and research program focused on forest health and invasive species management. His program has garnered local, regional, and national recognition from organizations including the Forest Landowners Association, Society of American Foresters, and Clemson University. Dave is active on both social media and traditional media, and travels extensively delivering educational programs. When he’s not working, he’s probably hanging out with his wife and two young boys, playing with their dogs, or sampling a local adult beverage.

Jordan joined the Coyle Lab in January 2023 and immediately took a load of stress off Dave’s shoulders. Jordan handles much of the day-to-day lab business and generally keeps all of us in line and compliant. She leads research on chemical management of Miscanthus and helps run the Bradford Pear Bounty program. She’s originally from Jackson, Alabama, is married to a fella named Kyle, has a schnoodle named Baker, and cannot stand drivers who don’t signal before they change lanes.

Katy has been our outreach technician since January 2021, working on both local and regional projects. She is responsible for creating fact sheets and displays, helping to organize workshops, and running the regional webinar program. She still loves research and helps in the field anytime she can. She’s originally from Gilbert, South Carolina, has two labs named Boone and Gunner, and will soon call her partner Chris her husband (congrats!). Italian food and brownies are her favorite foods (no argument there) and she hates it when people are late.

Crystal joined the lab in November 2022 as our lead ALB research technician, and immediately took this program to another level with her attention to detail, hard work, and ability to multitask. She lives in Charleston County with her partner Jeff, their husky Luna, and several aquatic creatures. She grew up traveling between Georgia and Texas, hates fake or made-up accents (note to self), and loves pizza.

Steven joined the lab in January 2021, working on his PhD while he serves as the Assistant Director for Regulatory Services for the Clemson Department of Plant Industry. He'll be using his knowledge of the regulatory system (and contacts as former National Plant Board President) to investigate ways we can improve our current invasive pest management and regulatory strategies. When Steven isn't working, he's probably fishing, coaching his kids in youth sports, or spending time with his wife Claudia.

Lena joined the lab in August 2021 and has been investigating Asian longhorned beetle phenology in the South Carolina infestation. Lena has dissected dozens (if not more!) of trees, carefully extracting every ALB she can find, measuring head capsule widths, all with the goal of updating the ALB phenology model for the U.S. Lena is from Minnesota, attended the same undergraduate institution as Dr. Coyle (Luther College), and has a menagerie of invertebrate pets.

Marina joined the lab in January 2022 and has been working on biological control of Asian longhorned beetle – specifically, is it possible? Using several techniques, she’s been looking for native parasitoids in our ALB field population in South Carolina. Hailing from Soroca, New York, Marina comes in with experience in the commercial tree care industry. She’s got a red tail boa named Luna (a popular pet name in this lab!), loves Plăcinte cu bostan, and phones at the dinner table is a major pet peeve (agreed).

Samantha joined the group in August 2023 and will be working in our nation's capital, Washington DC. She will be working closely with the Architect of the Capital to address tree health issues on the grounds. Samantha has a pet snake named Penelope and a jungle of house plants. Her biggest pet peeve is when people talk over other people, and her favorite foods are ice cream, tacos, and coffee. She was born and raised in Georgia and recently earned her M.S. from Kennesaw State University.

Lindsey joined the lab in August 2023 and immediately dove into the world of Asian longhorned beetle, where she'll be investigating phenology and larval biology. While doing her undergraduate work at Michigan State University, she worked with the USDA Forest Service on emerald ash borer management. Hailing from the boonies of Kalamazoo, Michigan, she has a black cat named Binx and a bunch of house plants. Her biggest pet peeve is being copied and her favorite food is anything with peanut butter.