Congratulations! So proud of you! Details about the new position in her own words …
Hi! I’m Zia Williamson, and I’m a current PhD Candidate in Dr. Joseph’s lab. I’m from Lincolnton, Georgia, and my love and interest for insects started early on, growing up in a rural area surrounded by nature, with my parents owning and operating their own landscaping business. Before starting in Dr. Joseph’s lab, I earned bachelor’s degrees in entomology and horticulture from the University of Georgia. As an undergraduate, I was involved in undergraduate research, gaining experience in fruit pathology, nematology, museum collections, and plant production. This was followed by a master’s program in the University of Georgia Department of Entomology, where I researched trunk-boring beetle pests of specialty tree crops, co-advised by Dr. Joseph and Dr. Brett Blaauw. In my PhD, I am currently focusing on projects relating to the ecology of bees in ornamental horticulture-oriented settings.
While I’m still working to finish up my doctoral program, I am very proud to announce that I’ve accepted an offer for a position as an assistant professor of ornamental and turfgrass extension at Mississippi State University, where I’ll be starting in May of 2026! In this role, I will conduct training and education programs, as well as develop a robust applied research program to enhance the success of growers and stakeholders throughout the state, generating scientifically informed recommendations.
