Vilma Cooper (Montenegro), The University of Florida
The IPM Ambassador program recognizes emerging leaders who demonstrate excellence in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) research, outreach, and professional engagement. One outstanding recipient is Vilma Cooper (formerly Vilma Montenegro), whose career trajectory exemplifies the impact of the program on the next generation of pest management professionals.
Vilma received the IPM Ambassador award while pursuing her Ph.D at the University of Florida’s Medical Entomology Laboratory. As a graduate research assistant, she focused on vector ecology and management, conducting research aimed at improving control strategies for mosquitos and Culicoides biting midges that transmit disease to wild and farmed deer populations in Florida. Her work included deer farm surveys, insecticide field trials, insecticide bioassays, and ecological studies designed to optimize pest management timing and effectiveness while reducing non-target impacts and the risk of insecticide resistance.
Vilma Cooper (Montenegro) at the 2024 Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting.
As part of her IPM Ambassador experience, Vilma attended the 2024 Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, where she presented her award-winning research, “Practices, Attitudes, and Knowledge on Vector Control Among Florida Deer Farmers.” Her presentation examined current vector management practices used by Florida deer farmers and highlighted the importance of implementing IPM strategies for sustainable, long-term control of mosquitos and biting midges. The presentation was recognized with First place in the student competition and attracted a diverse audience of academics, industry professionals, USDA collaborators, and mosquito abatement district personnel.
Beyond presenting her research, Vilma demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to professional development. She organized and led the symposium “Beyond Graduation: Navigating the Professional Landscape,” bringing together experts from government and private industry to provide practical guidance for early-career scientists preparing to enter the workforce. She also participated in Somos Ento, a networking initiative for Latin and Hispanic entomologists within the Entomological Society of America, where she strengthened professional connections, sought mentorship, and began mentoring future generations of scientists.
Reflecting on her experience, Vilma noted that every presentation, discussion, and networking opportunity deepened her understanding of IPM principle and led to new collaborations that ultimately became a part of her Ph.D research. Since receiving the IPM Ambassador award as a Ph.D student, Vilma has continued to build a career in the pest management industry serving as an R&D Entomologist at MGK. Most recently, she was promoted to Global Staff Operations Manager for Valent Health within Sumitomo Chemical’s biorational business, a role that reflects her growing leadership and influence.
Vilma’s journey from graduate student researcher to industry leader demonstrated the lasting impact of IPM education, mentorship, and professional engagement. Her accomplishments serve as an inspiration to students and professionals alike while advancing the principles of integrated pest management across research, industry, and outreach.