Mohamed Jama
San Diego,USA
Summary
Dynamic Senior Insect Detection Specialist with extensive experience at the Department of Agriculture Weights and Measures. Expert in PCR and ELISA methodologies, I excel in pest detection and management while fostering strong community relationships. Proven leadership in supervising teams and ensuring compliance with safety regulations, driving successful pest control initiatives.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Insect Detection Specialist (supervisor)
Department of Agriculture Weights and Measures
San Diego, USA
05.2022 - Current
- I have supervised, evaluated, scheduled, and coordinated the work of subordinate Insect Detection Specialists who examine and investigate properties/nurseries for the existence of plant pests such insects, nematodes, and plant diseases.
- Furthermore, I planned the distribution of insect trap workload, directed, and assessed pest trapping or other detection operations, and oversaw trapping/detection efforts to ensure that departmental work and priorities are accomplished.
- I provide pesticide safety training to subordinate personnel, enforce proper practices, and ensure that all pesticide safety regulations are met.
- Collaborated with other Sr. Insect Detection Specialists to consolidate maps to assure county-wide coverage.
- Supervised the selection, usage, and/or application of appropriate products and methods for plant pest collection, prevention, and control.
- Completed inventories of traps, equipment, materials, vehicles, and other supplies.
- Ensures that work is completed in accordance with the CDFA contract.
- I have also set and maintained performance standards through counseling, coaching, and disciplinary procedures when appropriate.
- Produced reports and maintained proper work records.
- Prepared plant culture media and sent specimens to be identified.
- Performed routine laboratory work.
- As needed, assists Agricultural/Standards Inspectors, Plant Pathologists, and Entomologists.
- Communicates effectively with a varied range of people from various cultures and backgrounds, and functions calmly in situations requiring sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy.
Insect Detection Specialist II
Department of Agriculture Weights and Measures
San Diego, USA
11.2006 - 01.2022
- Since 2007, I have performed pest and disease detection, control, and eradication of a wide variety of exotic pests that are considered a significant threat to U.S. agriculture.
- These pests include Mexican fruit fly, Mediterranean fruit fly, Oriental fruit fly, melon fruit fly, gypsy moth, Japanese beetle, light brown apple moth, and Asian citrus psyllid.
- Successful detection of these pests requires that we regularly survey for these pests throughout the county by placing the appropriate trap type on the appropriate host.
- A large part of my daily duties includes maintenance of these insect traps in residential areas and monitoring the progress of trapping/detection efforts.
- Insect collection and identification is also a major aspect of my daily work.
- I am required to keep up to date with my knowledge and identification of target and non-target pests.
- I collect insects, nematodes, plant and suspected diseased material samples and prepare these for laboratory analysis.
- Customer service is another important part of the job.
- I also maintain a courteous and professional relationship with the county residents and provide them with up-to-date information and outreach about our program.
- In addition to providing high quality service to County residents, we also maintain a good working relationship other County programs, and outside agencies such as CDFA, and USDA.
Graduate Student Research (Plant Virology)
Russian Research Institute of Phytopathology
Moscow, Russia
01.2000 - 01.2001
- Cultivated a variety of infected cereal plants to isolate and identify strains of pathogenic viruses.
- Methods used in these analyses included: ELISA, Western Blot, PCR, and slide mounting of specimens.
- Scientific equipment used included: ultracentrifuges, micropipette, scanning electron microscopes, and dissecting and compound microscopes.
Research Scientist
Russian Academy of Sciences
Moscow, Russia
01.1999 - 01.2001
- I designed and carried out experiments to better understand the interaction between the barley yellow dwarf virus and its insect vectors.
- Over 15 aphid species were used to study their vector potential, including Schizaphis graminum, Rhopalosiphum padi and Metorochodum dirhodum.
- These experiments were carried out to develop better control strategies against these pests in the Moscow region.
- Experiments were carried out in various laboratories, fields and greenhouse.
- Integrated pest management procedures and environmental protection standards were incorporated in these studies.
- Inverted, compound and electronic Microscopes, PCR and ELISA methodologies were used to detect and analyze plant and insect samples.
- The results of these experiments were published in Russia.
Associate Professor of Entomology
Russian Friendship University
Moscow, Russia
01.1998 - 01.2000
- Supporting instructor for a course in General Entomology and Plant Virus-Host Interactions.
- The course included both lecture and a laboratory component.
Graduate Student Research (Agronomy)
All-Russian Institute of Grain and Grain Products
Krasnodar, Russia
01.1995 - 01.1997
- Conducted research studies on tropical and subtropical plant systematic and ecologies using soil, fertilization and plant cultivation to evaluate optimum yield dynamics.
- Applied integrated weed management practice using the combination of different weed control practices including mechanical, cultural and chemical methods.
- Conducted soil fumigations against nematodes and other pathogens.
- I also used alternative methods to fumigation including biofumigation, salinization and anaerobic soil disinfection.
Education
Ph.D. - Biology (Plant Protection)
RUSIAN FRIENDSHIP UNIVERSITY
Moscow, Russia01.2001
M.S. - Agronomist
KUBAN AGRICULTURE UNIVERSITY
Krasnodar, Russia01.1997
Bachelor of Science - General Agriculture
KUBAN AGRICULTURE UNIVERSITY
Krasnodar, Russia01.1996
Skills
- Pesticide safety training
- Integrated pest management
- Insect trap placement
- Laboratory techniques
- Data analysis
- Emergency response
- Performance evaluation
- Problem solving
- Knowledge sharing
- Project management
- Pest identification
- Microscopy
- Bacterial culturing
- Slide mounting
- Collection curation
- Microsoft Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Identification of fruiting plants of California
- Interpersonal skills
Affiliations Honors Awards
- Community Engagement Award (2011)
- Minority and Immigrant Development Award (2008)
References
- Deborah De La Riva, PhD, USDA-APHIS-PPQ, previous co-worker, (951) 743-7502, Deborah.delariva@gmail.com
- Abdimalik Buul, PhD, Director, Student Transition Services, (619) 456 3813, Abuul@sdccd.edu, Abdimaliksd@gmail.com
- Khadar Jama, PhD, Adjunct professor at University of Minnesota, (619) 866-1650, mideeye17@gmail.com
Certificates And Licenses
- Pest Prevention and Plant Quarantine, 01/01/08, California Department of Food and Agriculture
- Pesticide Regulation, 01/01/09, California Department of Food and Agriculture
- Commodity Regulation, 01/01/10, California Department of Food and Agriculture
- Integrated Pest Management, 01/01/14, California Department of Food and Agriculture
- Investigation and Environmental Monitoring, 01/01/14, California Department of Food and Agriculture
- Measurement Verification, 01/01/20, California Department of Food and Agriculture
- Transaction and Product Verification, 02/01/21, California Department of Food and Agriculture
Volunteer And Community Service
Board President (Volunteer), 01/01/08, 01/01/14, Iftin Charter School, California, Engaged with instructors, parents, students and community members., Established the meeting's agenda, carried out the meeting and board business effectively and efficiently., Acted as the primary signing agent for official board documents., Ensured that the board follows the charter contract, board manual and bylaws., Oversaw financial aspects and hiring of school principals and instructional leaders.
Timeline
Senior Insect Detection Specialist (supervisor)
Department of Agriculture Weights and Measures
05.2022 - Current
Insect Detection Specialist II
Department of Agriculture Weights and Measures
11.2006 - 01.2022
Graduate Student Research (Plant Virology)
Russian Research Institute of Phytopathology
01.2000 - 01.2001
Research Scientist
Russian Academy of Sciences
01.1999 - 01.2001
Associate Professor of Entomology
Russian Friendship University
01.1998 - 01.2000
Graduate Student Research (Agronomy)
All-Russian Institute of Grain and Grain Products
01.1995 - 01.1997
Ph.D. - Biology (Plant Protection)
RUSIAN FRIENDSHIP UNIVERSITY
M.S. - Agronomist
KUBAN AGRICULTURE UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Science - General Agriculture
KUBAN AGRICULTURE UNIVERSITY
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