V-PART is a transdisciplinary research team that integrates grower input into all phases of the research process using PAR. Co-founded by Dr. Victor Izzo and Scott Lewins in 2014, V-PART focuses on developing IPM strategies for organic growers in the Northeast, fostering sustainable pest management practices. Our team collaborates with farmers, researchers, and community members to create research-driven solutions that directly impact sustainable agriculture.
Field Updates
Field Updates
This section is updated sporadically. Check back regularly!
4.28.25: Our undergrad summer research assistant, Jill White, has been awarded a Food - Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) via ARS. Jill is a rising junior - dual major - Geography and Environmental Studies. Her project looks to explore the efficacy of combining mass trapping and trap cropping for the management of striped cucumber beetle, Acalymma vittatum in organic systems. She'll be conducting the project at HREC!

Learn More About Our Work
Overview
For over 10 years, V-PART has worked with growers, gardeners, and researchers across the Northeast, using a participatory research framework that values collaboration, scientific rigor, and actionable results. Our work is built upon three core principles:
Participation – Partnering with farmers and community members to co-develop research questions and methodologies.
Research – Conducting applied studies that directly address grower needs.
Action – Implementing and sharing research findings to foster tangible improvements in agricultural practices.
By centering grower input in our research, we ensure that our work is relevant, practical, and impactful for sustainable pest management.
Leadership Team
Head of Undergraduate Education, Institute for Agroecology • Co-Director, UVM Environmental Studies Program
vizzo@uvm.eduPostdoctoral Researcher, Agriculture, Landscape, and Environment
maryam.nouri-aiin@uvm.eduGraduate Students and Postdoctoral Associates
Professional Academic Advisor
Pollinator Support Specialist, UVM Extension
Postdoctoral Researcher, Agriculture, Landscape, and Environment
Team and Affiliates
Current Undergrad Assistants
Kit Eller (2023-present) Major: Agroecology
Ollie Leibovich (2024-present) Major: Environmental science (concentration in environmental bio), Russian, and political science with a minor in Zoology | Minor: Russian
- Jill White: Food - Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) via ARS. Jill is a rising junior - dual major - Geography and Environmental Studies. Her project looks to explore the efficacy of combining mass trapping and trap cropping for the management of striped cucumber beetle, Acalymma vittatum in organic systems. She'll be conducting the project at HREC!
Previous Team Members
Erica Hoover (2022-2024)
Katarina Menice (2022-2023)
Julian Wise (Field Technician, summer 2024)
Zack Watson-Stevens (Ax Fellow, 2024)
Maya Lis (Ax Fellow, 2024)
Ava Toomey-Cordeiro (Ax Fellow, 2023)
Katie Monacella (Ax Fellow, 2023)