As the Tree Fruit Integrator at MSU my role is to help coordinate the research and extension teams that work with tree fruit at MSU . My appointment is 50% research and 50% extension, and I work very closely with the tree fruit commodity groups in the state (Michigan Apple Committee, Michigan Cherry Committee, Michigan Tree Fruit Commission and Michigan State Horticultural Society) to ensure MSU research/extension is addressing fruit industry priorities. My background is in Entomology and I am a Michigan native with all degrees from MSU. I have been working in the Michigan fruit industry for my entire professional career.