As an evolutionary ecologist and entomologist interested in agroecological issues, much of my research focuses upon the application of evolutionary phenomenon to agricultural systems. All ecological systems are “changing over generations”, by understanding the parameters underlying these changes we can develop more resilient systems. In addition to my research interests, I also spend a lot of time with students of various ages and backgrounds. At UVM, I have the great opportunity to teach a wide spectrum of classes, from basic biology to ecological agriculture. I truly believe in the power of knowledge and the responsibility of educators in building regenerative agrifood systems.
Vic Izzo
Research and/or Creative Works
Current and recently funded projects:
2019-2021
Strategies for Leek Moth Control on Diversified Vegetable Farms
Principal Investigator
Northeast Sustainable Agriculture and Education (SARE)
2017-2020
Using regionally adapted entomopathogenic nematodes as a biological control for Colorado potato beetle
Principal Investigator
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
2018-2019
An assessment of the potential tradeoffs associated with brassica cover crop usage on vegetable farms in Vermont.
Principal Investigator
UVM College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Publications
Méndez, V.E., S.R. Gliessman and V.M. Izzo. Agroecology: The Ecology of Sustainable Food Systems. 4th Edition. CRC Press/Taylor & Francis: Boca Raton, FL. (Estimated publication date: Dec 2020, publishing contract completed and currently in prep)
Izzo, Victor M, Yolanda H Chen, Sean D Schoville, Cong Wang, David J Hawthorne (2018) “Origin of Pest Lineages of the Colorado Potato Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)”, Journal of Economic Entomology, tox367
Schattman, R., V. Izzo, Y.H. Chen (2015) Exclusion nettting for managing spotted wing Drosophila on berry farms in the Northeastern United States. ARLG Research Brief # 3. Agroecology and Rural Livelihoods Group (ARLG), University of Vermont: Burlington, VT.
Izzo, Victor M, J. Armstrong, D.H. Hawthorne, Y. H. Chen “Time of the Season: The effect of photoperiodism on host mediated cues for diapause induction in an insect herbivore, Leptinotarsa decemlineata” Ecological Entomology 2014, 39(1): 75-82.
Awards and Recognition
2019 Joseph E. Carrigan Award – Nominated for Excellence in Teaching (award pending) – College of Agriculture and Life Sciences – (UVM)
2017 Teaching Award of Merit – North American Colleges & Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA
Areas of Expertise and/or Research
Evolutionary Ecology, Entomology, Sustainable Pest Management, Agroecology
Education
- Ph.D. Plant and Soil Science, UVM 2014
- M.S, Drexel University Bioscience and Biotechnology,Conservation Biology 2003
- B.S., Chemistry, State University of New York at Geneseo, 1999
Contact
Email:
Phone:
- (802) 656-2717
Office Location:
235 Jeffords Hall
Office Hours:
By appointment
Website(s):
Courses Taught
PSS 314 Agroecology, Food Sovereignty and Social Movements
PSS 312 Ecological Foundations of Agroecology
PSS 232 Biological Control
PSS 021 Introduction to Agroecology
PSS 156 Permaculture