Dr. Christopher M. Ranger, Ph.D,
Research Entomologist Horticultural Insects Research Lab USDA-Agricultural Research Service
Dr. Ranger’s research addresses broad and complex research problems to identify and exploit biological weaknesses of horticultural insect pests, especially exotic ambrosia beetles. The overall objective is to discover new concepts and develop or optimize existing methodologies to establish integrated pest management strategies for exceptionally difficult insect pests, especially ambrosia beetles. Dr. Ranger conducts research to: (1) collect, bioassay, isolate, and identify plant chemical defenses, (2) elucidate mechanisms of host-insect-microbe interactions, including the impact of abiotic stressors, (3) identify and implement attractant and repellent semiochemicals, and (4) develop botanically-based, user-friendly insecticides. Dr. Ranger reports via peer-reviewed publications on hypothesis-driven research, leads research proposals and extramural grants, supervises visiting scholars and postdoctoral research associates, and ensures proper interpretation and reporting of scientific results. This research directly supports the goals of ARS National Program 305-Crop Production.
Recognition in Popular Press
- https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2018/04/beetles-alcohol-trees-insects-animals/
- https://www.nurserymag.com/article/ambrosia-beetle-research-2017/
- https://science.sciencemag.org/content/331/6015/twil/tab-pdf
Educational Background
| 2000−2004 |
University of Missouri-Columbia; major: Entomology; Ph.D. |
| 1997−1999 |
The Pennsylvania State University; major: Entomology; M.S. |
| 1992−1997 |
The Ohio State University; major: Entomology; B.S. |
Research Experience
| 2006−present |
Research Entomologist (GS-15, 2019), USDA-ARS, Application Technology Research Unit, Wooster, OH |
| 2004−2006 |
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Philip E. Marucci Center for Blueberry and Cranberry Research and Extension, Rutgers University, Chatsworth, NJ |
| 2000−2004 |
Life Sciences Predoctoral Fellow, Department of Entomology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO |
| 1997−1999 |
Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA |
Academic Affiliation
| 1/2007−Present |
Adjunct Professor, Department of Entomology, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH |
Supervisory Responsibilities
Dr. Ranger currently supervises a full-time ARS technician (Jenny Barnett) and two postdoctoral scholars (Dr. Ruchika Geedi and Dr. Nisha Patwa), and co-supervises a postdoctoral scholar (Dr. Carlos Esquivel)
Offices and Committee Assignments
- Editorial Board for Environmental Entomology (2019−present)
- Subject Editor for the Plant-Insect Interactions section of Environmental Entomology (2018−2022)
- Publication Council of the Entomological Society of America, Plant-Insect Ecosystem Section Representative (2017−2021, Chair 2018−2019)
- National Awards Committee, Entomological Society of America, Plant-Insect Ecosystems Section (2013−2016, Chair 2015−2016)
- Associate Editor for the Plant-Insect Interactions of Environmental Entomology (2009−2013, 2014−2018)
- Editorial Board of Agricultural and Forest Entomology (2016−present)
- Awards Committee, Entomological Society of America-North Central Branch (2007−2008)
Recent Awards
- Innovator of the Year Award; Team Award with Collaborators; College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences; The Ohio State University; Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, 2018.
ARS vision: lead America towards better future through agricultural research & information
The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency. Our job is finding solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table.
ARS delivers scientific solutions to national and global agricultural challenges. Our Vision -- Global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence. Core Values -- Scientific excellence, creativity, innovation, integrity, leadership, collaboration, accountability, transparency, diversity, respect, inclusiveness, and public service. These values underpin ARS’ commitment to delivering cutting-edge, scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support the nourishment and well-being of all people; sustain our nation’s agroecosystems and natural resources; and ensure the economic competitiveness and excellence of our agriculture.