Research

I am interested in fostering sustainable living through ecologically sound agriculture, renewable energy technologies, and green building design.

 RESEARCH in SUSTAINBLE AGRICULTURE My research focuses on methods of enhancing agroecosystem stability -- through crop diversification, biological control of insect pests, and use of composted manures -- to reduce energy and inputs required.Specifically, work has examined the role of extrafloral nectaries in enhancing the effectiveness of naturally-occurring arthropod predators and parasitoids in agricultural systems. Interactions between ants and other natural enemies associated with extrafloral resources have also been addressed. Additional research has focused on the effectiveness of compost mulch for weed control, microclimate regulation, and provision of food resources for detritous-based foodwebs.

Current agricultural research is concerned with ecological orchard design for organic production of deciduous fruits and polycropping schemes that use plant volatiles to deter insect pests. I am most interested in understanding multitrophic interactions, such as plant-parasitoid-pest, and the underlying mechanisms, such as plant-insect chemical communication, that can be manipulated to bolster agroecosystem stability.

RESEARCH in SUSTAINBLE ENERGY My goal is to apply renewable energy technologies to agricultural applications, in order to foster greater energy independence and enhance the long-term sustainability of our familiy farms. Recent research has focused on the recycling of waste vegetable oil (WVO) as biodiesel, for use in farm machinery powered by diesel engines -- ranging from tractors to cargo vehicles to heaters to generators. My husband, Haroun Hallack, and I own an organic farm (Redbud Farm) in Berkeley County, WV, that serves as a model for the integration of renewable energy technologies on a small scale. Finished projects  include a 6KW photovoltaic system, a system using solar thermal collectors for greenhouse rootzone heating, and exploring the potential for forming a biodiesel cooperative among local farmers.

 Reducing fossil fuel dependency via adoption of renewable energy in residential settings in the Eastern panhandle area of West Virginia is also of interest. Research has focused on converting a GMC Vandura to run on WVO collected from the Shepherd University dining facilities and testing the suitability of locally available WVOs for chemical conversion to biodiesel. In addition, a renewable energy demonstration site at the Shepherd University Institute for Environmental Studies is in the planning phase, and will include wind, solar electric, passive solar, and biodiesel applications. The site will be used for student research and public education regarding the feasibility of adopting renewables in our geographical region.