MSU Extension hires entomology specialist

MISSISSIPPI STATE, Miss. -- The Mississippi State University Extension Service recently welcomed a new entomologist to support producers and professionals who work with turf, forages and ornamentals. 

Zia Williamson, a native of Lincolnton, Georgia, joined MSU May 1 as an Extension entomology specialist focused on turf, forages and ornamentals. She is also an assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural Sciences and Plant Protection. 

Williamson grew up in a family that owned and operated a landscaping business, which led to an early interest in plants and insects. In college, a summer job in plant pathology introduced her to Extension. 

“When I first encountered Extension, I discovered how much I enjoyed working directly with growers and citizens who benefit from the work of a land-grant university,” Williamson said.

“In my role at Mississippi State University, I’m excited to combine my personal and family background in the green industry with my training in entomology to help growers, industry professionals and citizens better understand and manage the insect problems they encounter,” she said. 

Her Extension work will provide growers, golf course superintendents, landscape professionals, Extension agents and homeowners with training, educational resources and research-based pest management recommendations.

Williamson holds a bachelor’s degree in both entomology and horticulture from the University of Georgia. She also earned master’s and doctoral degrees in entomology from UGA. 

Her research experience includes nematology, applied entomology, plant production and fruit pathology, as well as insect ecology and management in turf grass, ornamentals, specialty crops and urban landscapes.