Maria Alejandra Canon
Miami
Summary
Biologist with experience in entomological and acarological research. Experience establishing and maintaining colonies of different mite species, including phytophagous and predaceous mites. Dedicated researcher that works well in independent and team-driven research environments. Adept at preparing equipment and materials for experimental execution. Experience working in multicultural environments. Proactive, organized, responsible and committed person. Able to generate ideas and provide input that can improve the outcome of each entrusted task.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Biological Scientist II
UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center
Homestead
06.2021 - Current
- Establishment and maintenance of mite colonies including plant pests, their predators, and factitious prey for rearing predatory mites
- Development and maintenance of multiple isofemale lines of Brevipalpus yothersi, a vector of plant viral diseases
- Rearing regulated mite pests (i.e., Aceria litchii, Aculops cannabicola) in biocontainment facilities
- Rearing regulated insect pests (i.e., Thrips parvispinus) in biocontainment facilities
- Developed methods and protocols to maintain healthy mite colonies
- Performed collaborative experiments and independent research
- Supported design and execution of experiments
- Purchase of laboratory supplies
- Completed training required for the use of a purchase card in academic settings
- Maintenance of accurate laboratory records (i.e., experimental data, clinic samples, purchasing receipts)
- Maintenance and handling of quarantine pests
- Experience assisting with instructing undergraduate, graduate students, and interns in methods or procedures
- Experience assisting with maintenance of laboratory safety programs and training personnel in laboratory safety techniques
- Adjustment of experimental designs as necessary based on experimental data analysis
- Provide input for technical reports, research papers, scholarly articles, abstracts, or recommendations
- Participated in research projects focused on: Biological control of Brevipalpus spp. and spider mites using natural enemies in Florida, Chemical control of ornamental arthropod pests, Behavioral and chemical ecology of the Lychee Erinose mite, Aceria litchii, Biology of the hibiscus bud weevil, Anthonomus testaceosquamosus, Development of phytosanitary post-harvest treatments on lychee crops, Biological control of whiteflies using predatory mites, Basic biology of Cheyletid predators, Identification of arthropod pests on hemp via sample collections, Evaluation of biorational pesticides against acarine pests of hemp, Evaluation of biorational pesticides to produce mite free cuttings, Evaluation of commercial biocontrol agents against Hemp Russet mite, Aculops cannabicola, Evaluation of pesticides against Thrips parvispinus, Evaluation of biorational pesticides to produce Thrips parvispinus free cuttings, Evaluation of Enthomopatogenic fungi against Thrips parvispinus
Research Assistant
UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center
Homestead
09.2018 - 06.2021
- Establishment and maintenance of mite colonies including plant pests, their predators, and factitious prey for rearing predatory mites
- Development and maintenance of multiple isofemale lines of Brevipalpus yothersi, a vector of plant viral diseases
- Rearing regulated pest (i.e. Aceria litchii) in biocontainment facilities
- Developed methods and protocols to maintain healthy mite colonies
- Performed collaborative experiments and independent research
- Supported design and execution of experiments
- Stocked, organized and prepared laboratory supplies
- Maintenance and handling of quarantine pests
- Propagation of ornamental (Hibiscus), fruit (Lychee and Citrus) and vegetable (Beans, bell pepper, yellow squash and cucumber) plant material for insect and mite colonies
- Experience preparing and evaluating artificial diets for lepidopteran and coleopteran insects
- Experience supervising students and interns
- Experience training personnel
- Participated in research projects focused on: Biological Control of Brevipalpus and spider mites using natural enemies in Florida, Chemical control of ornamental pests, Behavioral and chemical ecology of the Lychee Erinose mite, Biology of the hibiscus bud weevil, Anthonomus testaceosquamosus, Development of phytosanitary post-harvest treatments, Biological control of whiteflies using predatory mites, Basic Biology of Cheyletid predators
Volunteer
UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center
Homestead
06.2018 - 09.2018
- Supported the research of the graduate student Mattew R. Quenaudon: AGROECOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF ARTHROPODS INVOLVED IN MANGO POLLINATION IN SOUTH FLORIDA
- Evaluated the biology and life cycle of Hemicheyletia bakeri
Biologist
Bio-systems center of Jorge Tadeo Lozano University
Bogota
07.2016 - 08.2017
- Documented experiments and field observations; compiled and organized data for analysis
- Collected data from biological control experiments to produce reports
- Tested chemical products to create sachets for field releases of Encarsia formosa and Ammitus
- Developed techniques to manipulate different stages of whiteflies and parasitoids
- Reviewed and verified procedures to collect and transfer live parasitoids to sachets
- Monitored temperature, humidity, and other controlled conditions in multiple experiments
- Evaluated parasitoid emergence efficacy in multiple experiments
- Worked with an interdisciplinary team to develop innovative products for integrated pest management (IPM)
- Developed the first prototypes of the bio-inputs Amifux and Encarfux for whitefly control
Education
Certified - Integrated management and quality systems Iso 14001- Iso 9001
Pontificy University Javeriana
Bogota, Colombia08.2017
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Jorge Tadeo Lozano University
Bogota, Colombia08.2015
High School Diploma -
Cardenal Pacelli School
Bogota, Colombia11.2009
Skills
- Development of experimental protocols
- Lab organization and maintenance
- Experiment execution and data collection
- Handling of different mite species
- Arthropod rearing and maintenance
- Customer service experience
- Florida driver's license
- Public Pesticide Applicator License
References
- Alexandra Margarita Revynthi Ph.D, arevynthi@ufl.edu, Assistant Professor | Agricultural Acarology and Ornamental Entomology, Tropical Research and Education Center | Dept. Entomology and Nematology University of Florida IFAS, 18905 SW 280 ST
- Daniel Carrillo Ph.D, dancar@ufl.edu, Assistant Professor | Tropical Fruit Entomology and Acarology, Tropical Research and Education Center | Dept. Entomology and Nematology University of Florida IFAS, 18905 SW 280 ST, Homestead, FL, 33031
- Luz Stella Fuentes, Luz.fuentes@utadeo.edu.co, Research Scientist Professor | Jorge Tadeo Lozano University of Bogota, Cra 4 # 22-61, Chia, Cundinamarca
- Mattew R. Quenaudon, Quenaudon@usda.gov, Entomologist-Identifier | United States Department of Agriculture, 6302 NW 36th St, Miami, FL, 33122
Publications
- Talton HR, Canon MA, Hodges AC, Smith HA, & Revynthi AM., The Predatory Mite Amblyseius tamatavensis (Blommers)(Acari: Phytoseiidae): ENY2123/IN1450, 08/2025, EDIS, 2025(5)
- Ataide LM, Vargas G, Velazquez-Hernandez Y, Reyes-Arauz I, Villamarin P, Canon MA, Yang X, Riley SS and Revynthi AM., Efficacy of Conventional and Biorational Insecticides against the Invasive Pest Thrips parvispinus (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) under Containment Conditions., 2024, Insects 15,48
- Ataide LM, Tabanca N, Canon MA, Schnell EQ, Narvaez TI, Cloonan KR, Kendra PE, Carrillo D, Revynthi AM., Volatile Characterization of Lychee Plant Tissues (Litchi chinensis) and the Effect of Key Compounds on the Behavior of the Lychee Erinose Mite (Aceria litchii)., 06/02/2023, Biomolecules. 13(6):933
- Revynthi AM, Cruz LF, Canon MA, Crane JH, Kendra PE, Mannion C, and Carrillo D., Evaluation of Abamectin as a Potential Chemical Control for the Lychee Erinose Mite (Acari: Eriophyidae), a New Invasive Pest in Florida., 2022, Florida Entomologist, 105(1):1-5
- Revynthi AM, Velazquez Y, Canon MA, Greene AD, Vargas G, Kendra PE and Mannion CM., Biology of Anthonomus testaceosquamosus Linell, 1897 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): A New Pest of Tropical Hibiscus., 2022, Insects, 13
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 07/05/92
- Nationality: Colombian-American
Timeline
Biological Scientist II
UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center
06.2021 - Current
Research Assistant
UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center
09.2018 - 06.2021
Volunteer
UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center
06.2018 - 09.2018
Biologist
Bio-systems center of Jorge Tadeo Lozano University
07.2016 - 08.2017
Certified - Integrated management and quality systems Iso 14001- Iso 9001
Pontificy University Javeriana
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Jorge Tadeo Lozano University
High School Diploma -
Cardenal Pacelli School
Similar Profiles
Alexa TillettAlexa Tillett
Education/Training Specialist at UF/IFAS Broward County 4-H Youth Development Prog.Education/Training Specialist at UF/IFAS Broward County 4-H Youth Development Prog.
Catherine FrisbyCatherine Frisby
Extension Program Manager NW District at UF/IFAS Extension Family Nutrition ProgramExtension Program Manager NW District at UF/IFAS Extension Family Nutrition Program
Braiden WarrenBraiden Warren
Editor Volunteer at UF/IFAS extensionEditor Volunteer at UF/IFAS extension
Adria HernandezAdria Hernandez
Food and Beverage Manager at HiltonFood and Beverage Manager at Hilton
Lamar WatkinsLamar Watkins
Camp Counselor, Summer Sports at Marvin Henfield Basketball Shooter AcademyCamp Counselor, Summer Sports at Marvin Henfield Basketball Shooter Academy