The Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) at the University of Illinois has recently expanded our team to include a new trainer. This new addition will be responsible for creating and delivering course content. Please help us in welcoming John Schepis!
Even though John grew up between the cities of Washington DC and Baltimore, he got involved with 4-H programs from a young age, and became fascinated with agriculture, horticulture, and entomology. From there, his interest in these topics grew. John attributes 4-H as being the reason he pursued a career in agricultural entomology.
John obtained a Biology degree at The Catholic University of America. While pursuing his Ph.D. in entomology at Virginia Tech, he conducted research in weeds, row crops and cover crops with a focus on an insect called the tarnished plant bug – a major pest of Virginia Cotton. Upon graduation in May, John immediately moved across the country to join the Illinois PSEP team!
When asked what sparked interest in our position, John replied, “I was attracted to the many opportunities to grow and expand my knowledge while simultaneously serving the community. Insect and crop relationships are so complex and so different from place to place or even farm to farm. Being able to further my own understanding, while sharing that knowledge with the people who need it most, was what ultimately convinced me to come work for PSEP.”
John’s interest in pesticide safety is rooted. As an undergrad, he worked as a pest control technician in the D.C. - Baltimore area and went through similar pesticide certification programs in Maryland. “I was very green at the time, and I worked with a lot of great men and women, who trained me, and helped me get my pesticide safety certifications. As a graduate student, my authority on many subjects grew and I wanted to help those around me understand and respect the incredible chemical tools that we have available to us.”
Upon reflecting on the most rewarding part of his career, John answered, “I like to say that I became an entomologist for the insects but continued for the people. I love learning about the roles of insects in an environment but applying that knowledge so that I can help others. This has become my new focus and passion. As a pest control technician, I found the most joy watching the relief on a resident’s face after I told them they didn’t have roaches or bed bugs anymore. On hard days performing research, it was knowing that the solutions I found were going to positively impact Virginia and North Carolina cotton farmers. While working for PSEP, I expect the most rewarding part of my job will be delivering to applicators the trainings they need to work and provide for their families.” He is most looking forward to developing and executing trainings, as those will allow him to work directly with applicators.
In his spare time, John enjoys sports. He is a big D.C. sports fan, and even officially announced university hockey games during his undergrad time. He is looking forward to becoming acquainted with the local teams by catching football, baseball, and hockey games here in Champaign. Go Illini!
John is also excited to have new insects to collect and study in Illinois. In Maryland, he used to collect insects on a regular basis and currently has over 600 species! After moving, he now has a whole new set of species to dive into and expects to get back into it soon.
When asked if he has a “hidden talent” that we might be surprised to know. John said he likes to make potato candy and has won awards at county fairs for his maple walnut and cherry almond flavored versions. The PSEP team is looking forward to trying these delicacies!
John has a positive air about him which is summed up in his favorite quote by Joan of Arc, “I am not afraid. I was born to do this.” He is very excited to meet and interact with members of the community. So, if you see him around or at a training, please stop to say hello and welcome John in his new role!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Michelle Wiesbrook provides subject matter expertise and training in pesticide safety with an emphasis on horticultural weed science. She serves as the Illinois Pesticide Review newsletter editor, collecting and organizing material; and co-coordinates social media information for the PSEP program and ensures its timely publication. Her other interests include herbicide injury and invasive species.