Tim Bryant named Extension entomologist
Bryant looks forward to working directly with Virginia Cooperative Extension agents and growers to address the most pressing insect pest management concerns.
Tim Bryant has been named Virginia Tech Tidewater Agricultural Research and Extension Center’s (AREC) new Virginia Cooperative Extension entomologist and begins Aug. 10 with the goal of delivering solutions that growers can implement.
Born and raised in southeast Virginia, his academic journey has come full circle.
Bryant’s first experience working with row crops and insects was as a summer employee at the Tidewater AREC, following his undergraduate training in environmental horticulture at Virginia Tech. It was during his time at the Tidewater AREC that he began working toward a master’s degree in entomology.
Following the completion of his master’s degree, Bryant joined Clemson University to serve as the assistant coordinator for the Clemson Integrated Pest Management program. In that role, he provided support to research and Extension faculty throughout South Carolina with the goal of improving adoption of integrated pest management practices across a range of commodities and types of pests, such as weeds, diseases, and insects.
There, he began pursuing a Ph.D. in entomology, which he completed in May 2024.
Bryant answered some questions about himself and why he decided to join Virginia Tech and the Tidewater AREC.
What drew you this position?
My first experience working with row crops and insects was as a summer worker at the Tidewater AREC. After joining Clemson for my Ph.D., I was really excited to see an opportunity to continue my career back where it started. One of the best aspects of this position is the research that I enjoy doing so much will be driven by the needs of the stakeholders. In this particular case, those stakeholders are all members of communities in the state where I grew up and consider home. I am extremely grateful that my career has led me back to the Tidewater AREC.
The most rewarding aspect is that it has been driven by the idea that our work directly benefits growers. Asking the right questions and then developing experiments to answer those questions is an interesting puzzle, which I find to be a fulfilling and ever-changing pursuit. Going through that process with the goal of delivering solutions that growers can implement is what continues to drive me.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
I look forward to working with Virginia Cooperative Extension agents and growers directly to address the most pressing insect pest management concerns as they develop. I envision being an open resource for the stakeholders, which will help keep them informed on the latest science-based management information, but also help keep me aware of what information we are missing. That give and take is what will shape my research program. The Tidewater AREC and the Department of Entomology at Virginia Tech also house some excellent faculty. I’m really excited about having the opportunity to collaborate with them.
What previous experiences have prepared you most for this role?
The research I conducted for both my master’s and Ph.D. work helped me build a wide range of basic and applied research skills. The research and analytical skills I developed can be applied broadly to the crop or insect pest where they are most needed. I also had a unique opportunity to conduct traditional and virtual Extension programming through my role at Clemson. I will use those skills to maximize the reach and accessibility of information relevant to our stakeholders.
What are some goals you have for your first year in this new position?
During my first year, I hope to establish relationships with Extension personnel and growers throughout the state and identify their most pressing insect pest management concerns. I am fortunate to be joining a program that is already well established, so I really think that I can hit the ground running and build on that success.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy running, cycling, and swimming — in that order — in my free time. I just completed my first Ironman this past September. When I’m not training for the next challenge, I enjoy finding a new restaurant or coffee shop to enjoy with my soon-to-be wife, Ashley, or taking our dog, Murphy, for a long walk.
