Dr. Anamika Sharma is an entomologist and insect ecologist specializing in biological control and integrated pest management (IPM). She has extensive expertise in insect ecology and insect–plant interactions, with a strong focus on sustainable and environmentally responsible pest management strategies.

At the Center for Biological Control, her research focuses on urban and agricultural insect pests, including fire ants, termites, mosquitoes, and other invasive species. Her work explores the management of insect pests using natural enemies such as predators, parasitoids, entomopathogenic fungi, nematodes, and other biorational control products. Earlier in her career, she contributed to both weed and insect biological control programs.

Areas of Interest

• Urban Entomology
• Biological Control
• Insect–Plant Interaction
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Medical and Public Health Entomology
• Invasive Insect Pest Management

Education

Ph.D. in Entomology

Charles Sturt University – Orange, Australia

M.S. in Entomology

Jai Narain Vyas University – Jodhpur, India

B.S. in Biology

Jai Narain Vyas University – Jodhpur, India

Professional Experience

Assistant Professor (2022 – Present)

Florida A&M University

Post-Doctoral Research Associate (2020 – 2021)

Virginia Tech University

Post-Doctoral Research Associate (2017 – 2020)

Montana State University

Technical Officer (2014 – 2015)

Charles Sturt University, Australia

Research Fellow (2009 – 2011)

Arid Forest Research Institute (AFRI), India

Research Focus

Dr. Sharma’s research integrates ecology-based approaches for sustainable pest management in urban and agricultural systems. Her current projects involve:

• Fire ant management
• Termite ecology and monitoring
• Mosquito control programs
• Urban invasive insect pest management
• Biological control using microbial agents
• Entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies

Academic Accomplishments & Awards

• Received the International Integrated Pest Management Award of Recognition (Team), 2021 as a team member with the IPM Innovation Lab, Virginia Tech, at the 10th International IPM Symposium in Denver, Colorado (March 28, 2022).
• Awarded the Higher Degree Scholarship for Ph.D. studies at Charles Sturt University, Australia.
• Received a Travel Grant from Charles Sturt University to visit the Department of Biochemistry, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, USA (June 2014).
• Awarded a Research Fellowship at the Arid Forest Research Institute (AFRI, ICFRE), India (2008–2011).
• Received the Certificate of Outstanding Contribution in Reviewing from the Journal of Invertebrate Pathology (January 2018).

Research Projects & Resources

• Southern IPM Center Funded Projects (2024)
• USDA NIFA Capacity Building Project
• North American Termite Survey
• Use of GIS in Mosquito Control Program
• Alate Termite Trapping Instructions

Extension & Outreach Activities

Florida A&M University Entomology Field Day & Workshop

Florida A&M University hosts an annual Entomology Field Day & Workshop that provides updated information, hands-on training, and continuing education credits for pest control professionals across Florida and other states.

Major Topics Covered

• Household Pests
• Termites
• Lawn & Ornamental Pests
• Fumigation
• Public Health Entomology
• Core Pest Management Subjects

Additional Programs

• Florida Mosquito Control Program – Use of GIS
• 49th Annual Field Day & Workshop

Courses Taught at Florida A&M University

• Forensic Entomology
• Insect Ecology
• General Entomology
• General Entomology Lab
• Medical Entomology
• Principles of Environmental Entomology

Professional Profiles

• Google Scholar
• ResearchGate
• ORCID
• VectorOutreach

Contact Information

FAMU Urban Insect ID and Management Lab

Attention to: Dr. Anamika Sharma
303A Perry-Paige Building
1740 S Martin L. King Jr. Blvd.
Florida A&M University
Tallahassee, FL 32307

Office: +1 (850) 561-2217
Cell: +1 (406) 799-0710