Thabu Mugala
Newark,DE
Summary
Applied entomologist with strong experience in field research, biological control, and integrated pest management. Skilled in designing field trials, collecting and analyzing ecological data, and implementing sustainable pest management solutions across diverse cropping systems.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Delaware
02.2022 - Current
- Spearheaded field and laboratory experiments investigating biological control of slugs using parasitic nematodes and ground beetles in corn and soybean systems
- Applied molecular tools (e.g., gut content analysis, DNA extractions, PCR and Sequencing) to evaluate predation patterns, contributing to conservation biocontrol strategies
- Designed data collection protocols, conducted statistical analyses, and disseminated findings through publications, conferences, and farmer outreach
Field Research Technician
Golden Valley Agricultural Research Trust
Chisamba, Zambia
07.2021 - 12.2021
- Managed on-farm field trials evaluating termite management in maize systems.
- Performed field scouting, sample collection, and plot maintenance.
- Supported research on underutilized and orphan crops to improve food security.
Laboratory Technician
Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch, South Africa
01.2021 - 03.2021
- Identified springtail species as part of a project evaluating their role as soil health indicators
- Processed soil samples and maintained taxonomic databases to support ecological monitoring
- Maintained laboratory colonies and recorded data for treatment efficacy and mortality analyses
- Conducted bioassays for insecticide and biological control trials targeting the Mediterranean fruit fly and thrips
Graduate Research Assistant
Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch, South Africa
02.2019 - 12.2020
- Led field surveys and lab trials studying the bio-ecology of the pea leaf miner (Liriomyza huidobrensis) and its parasitoid natural enemies
- Evaluated population dynamics and tested the efficacy of entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes as biocontrol agents
Field Technician
EARTH University
Guacimo, Costa Rica
01.2018 - 12.2018
- Monitored pest activity in corn and oil palm systems using pheromone traps for fall armyworms and red palm weevils
- Collected field data for early detection and integrated pest management planning
Laboratory Technician
Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch, South Africa
09.2017 - 12.2017
- Assisted with regional pest data compilation, insect curation, and colony maintenance for ongoing IPM studies
- Supported entomological collections and organized datasets for Southern African pest management research
- African bollworm rearing and biological control trials
Education
Ph.D. - Entomology And Wildlife Ecology
University of Delaware
USA05.2026
Master of Science - Entomology
Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch, South Africa03.2021
Bachelor of Science - Agronomy and Natural resource management
EARTH University
Guacimo, Costa Rica12.2018
Skills
- Field research: sampling, scouting, trap deployment, and plot establishment
- Insect, slug, and nematode rearing, and culturing
- Molecular techniques: DNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis
- Statistical analysis (R), data management, experimental design
- Greenhouse and lab bioassays, protocol optimization
- Project coordination and mentoring of students
Languages
- English, Full Professional
- Spanish, Professional
Awards And Scholarships
- 2025, 2nd place prize (PhD)- College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Research Symposium
- 2025, Fan favorite- Pitch90 - University of Delaware- For outstanding achievement in communicating environmental research to a broad audience ($100)
- 2025, Outstanding graduate Student, Black Graduate Student Association, University of Delaware – for excellence in academics, research, and service.
- 2025, 2nd place prize (PhD)- Three Minutes Thesis Challenge, University of Delaware, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources ($50)
- 2025, People's choice (PhD section)- Three Minutes Thesis Challenge, University of Delaware, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources ($50)
- 2025, 1st place prize- Student poster presentation at the Entomological Society of America – Eastern Branch meeting in Harrisburg PA ($100)
- 2024, 1st place prize- student oral presentation at the Entomological Society of America – National meeting in Phoenix, AZ ($75)
- 2023, SPARKS symposium: Glow award winner, University of Delaware, DE ($100)
- 2023, 1st place prize- student oral presentation at the Entomological Society of America - Eastern Branch meeting in Providence, RI ($200)
- 2022, Graduate student research grants (Northeast SARE) ($15,000)
- 2020, Travel award to attend the quinquennial (International Congress of Nematology) R20000 equivalent ($1000)
- 2019, National Research Foundation (NRF) $6500 equivalent (R120,000)
Selected Publications
- Mugala, T., Brichler, K., Clark, B., Powell, G. S., Taylor, S., & Crossley, M. S., 2023, Ground beetles suppress slugs in corn and soybean under conservation agriculture., Environmental Entomology, 52, 574-582
- Mugala, T., Visser, D., Malan, A. P., & Addison, P., 2023, Occurrence of the potato leaf miner, Liriomyza huidobrensis (Diptera: Agromyzidae), and parasitoids in potato fields and natural vegetation of the Western Cape province, South Africa., African Entomology, 31, 1-8
- Mugala, T., Visser, D., Malan, A. P., & Addison, P., 2022, Entomopathogens from agricultural soil and their pathogenicity against the potato leaf miner, Liriomyza huidobrensis (Diptera: Agromyzidae)., Biocontrol Science and Technology, 32, 8, 952-970
Timeline
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Delaware
02.2022 - Current
Field Research Technician
Golden Valley Agricultural Research Trust
07.2021 - 12.2021
Laboratory Technician
Stellenbosch University
01.2021 - 03.2021
Graduate Research Assistant
Stellenbosch University
02.2019 - 12.2020
Field Technician
EARTH University
01.2018 - 12.2018
Laboratory Technician
Stellenbosch University
09.2017 - 12.2017
Ph.D. - Entomology And Wildlife Ecology
University of Delaware
Master of Science - Entomology
Stellenbosch University
Bachelor of Science - Agronomy and Natural resource management
EARTH University