2025 - present
PhD Ecology & Environmental Science · Montana State University
- Graduate Committee: Dr. Robert Peterson (co-chair), Dr. David Weaver (co-chair), Dr. Sharlene Sing, Dr. William Wetzel
Education
2021 - 2024
MS Entomology · Montana State University
- Graduate Committee: Dr. David Weaver (co-chair), Dr. Tracy Sterling (co-chair), Dr. Robert Peterson
- Graduate Certificate in Applied Statistics
2013 - 2017
BS Biology · University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
- Minor: Marine Biology
Publications
Check out my Publications page 04
Strand JR, Burkle LA, Cook D, Gardner DR, Keith B, Wallander R, Weaver DK, Sterling TM. 2026. Volatile insensitivity and localized alkaloids support commensalism in the Oxytropis sericea–Alternaria oxytropis association. Journal of Chemical Ecology.
Accepted
03
Peterson RKD, Kennedy TE, Strand JR. 2026. Risk Determination for Non-Target Arthropods from Outdoor Space Applications of Mosquito Adulticides. Journal of Medical Entomology. 63(3).
02
Strand JR, Peterson RKD, Sterling TM, Weaver DK. 2025. Sensory and behavioral responses of braconid parasitoids to changes in volatile emissions induced by wheat stem sawfly (Hymenoptera: Cephidae) larval feeding in winter wheat and smooth brome. Journal of Insect Science. 25(2).
01
Strand JR, Peterson RKD, Sterling TM, Weaver DK. 2024. Agroecological importance of smooth brome in managing wheat stem sawfly (Hymenoptera: Cephidae) via associated braconid parasitoids. Journal of Economic Entomology. 117(6): 2344–2354.
Honors & Awards
Featured
2026
- Montana State University
2026
- Montana State University
2025
Extreme Biofilms NRT Program SEED Grant ($1,500)
- Extreme Biofilms NRT, Montana State University
2025
Angus and Anne McMillan Family Agriculture Scholarship ($1,200)
- Montana State University
2025
Open Access Author Fund ($1,736)
- Montana State University Library
- Funded the publication of Strand et al. 2025
2025
- National Forum on Biological Control, Annapolis, MD
2024
- The Graduate School, Montana State University
2023
Open Access Author Fund ($3,296)
- Montana State University Library
- Funded the publication of Strand et al. 2024
2023
- Entomology 2023, National Harbor, MD
- Entomological Society of America
2023
Student Scholar Travel Award ($500)
- College of Agriculture, Montana State University
2023
1st Place Speaker
- 2023 LRES GSO Student Research Colloquium
- LRES Graduate Student Organization, Montana State University
2022
- Montana Grain Growers Association
2022
- The Graduate School, Montana State University
Seminars & Presentations
Check out my Talks & Presentations pageInvited presentations at scientific meetings
- 01 Strand JR. 2026. From Release to Persistence: How exclosures may enhance biocontrol success. Montana Weed Control Association Conference. Billings, MT.
Contributed presentations at scientific meetings
- 11 SE Sing, Strand JR, Peterson RKD, Weaver DK. 2025. Understanding Host Preference in Mecinus janthinus and M. janthiniformis: Implications of Hybridization for Effective Biological Control. National Forum on Biological Control Conference. Annapolis, MD.
- 10 Strand JR, Sterling TM, Peterson RKD, Weaver DK. 2025. Agroecological Importance of Smooth Brome in Hosting Braconid Parasitoids Associated with the Insect Pest Wheat Stem Sawfly. Annual Meeting of the Western Society of Weed Science. Seattle, WA. (poster)
- 09 Strand JR, Peterson RKD, Sterling TM, Weaver DK. 2024. Agroecological importance of smooth brome in managing wheat stem sawfly (Hymenoptera: Cephidae) via its associated braconid parasitoids. Session: Grad Competition, Plant-Insect Ecosystems: IPM – General and Field Crops. Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America, Phoenix, AZ.
- 08 Strand JR, Weaver DK, Sterling TM, Peterson RKD. 2024. The role of chemical ecology and agroecological importance of smooth brome in biological control of the wheat stem sawfly by native parasitoids. Masters of Entomology Defense. Montana State University, Bozeman, MT.
- 07 Sing SE, Ward SM, Peterson RKD, Strand JR, Friesenhahn E, Holland M, Hubbard CE, Randall CB, Weaver DK. 2024. Biological control of hybrid toadflax: insights from chemical ecology. National Forum on Biological Control Conference. Annapolis, MD.
- 06 Strand JR. 2024. How smooth brome and parasitoids can aid in the biological control of wheat stem sawfly. Montana Wheat and Barley Committee - March Madness. Montana State University, Bozeman, MT.
- 05 Strand JR, Weaver DK, Sterling TM, Peterson RKD. 2023. Using organic volatile compounds to assess the relationship between wheat stem sawfly, parasitoids, and smooth brome. Session: Grad Competition, Plant-Insect Ecosystems: Chemical Ecology 2. Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America, National Harbor, MD. Second place in section.
- 04 Strand JR, Weaver DK, Sterling TM, Peterson RKD. 2023. The importance of smooth brome and parasitoids in wheat stem sawfly biocontrol. 2023 Land Resources and Environmental Sciences Graduate Student Organization Research Colloquium. Montana State University, Bozeman, MT. First place overall.
- 03 Strand JR, Weaver DK, Sterling TM, Peterson RKD. 2022. Using organic volatile compounds to assess the relationship between wheat stem sawfly, parasitoids, and smooth brome. Session: Grad Competition, Plant-Insect Ecosystems: Chemical Ecology 1. Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America. Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- 02 Strand JR, Weaver DK, Sterling TM, Peterson RKD. 2022. Importance of parasitoids and smooth brome for integrated pest management of wheat stem sawfly. 2022 Land Resources and Environmental Sciences Graduate Student Organization Research Colloquium. Montana State University, Bozeman, MT.
- 01 Strand JR, Weaver DK, Sterling TM, Peterson RKD. 2021. Importance of parasitoids and smooth brome for integrated pest management of wheat stem sawfly. Session: Plant Insect-Ecosystems: IPM – General. Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America, Denver, CO.
Invited seminars
- 03 Strand JR. Can Bugs Help Us? ENSC 210: Role of Plants in the Environment. Montana State University. Instructor: Will Wetzel. March 2025.
- 02 Strand JR. Introduction to Insect Identification and Sampling. BIOB 260: Principles of Biological Diversity. Montana State University. Instructors: Erin Teichroew and Chris Larson. August 2025.
- 01 Strand JR. Integrated Pest Management. ENSC 110: Land Resources and Environmental Sciences. Montana State University. Instructor: Frank Dougher. October 2025.
Workshops
- 01 Understanding Wheat Stem Sawfly. 2022 Integrated Pest Management Workshop, "MSU Extension IPM Workshop: Diagnosing Plant Health Problems" Montana State University, Bozeman, MT.
Teaching
Instructor of Note
Fall 2026
Integrated Pest Management (AGSC 401)
- 3 credits
- 25 undergraduates, 10 graduate students
- Montana State University
Teaching Assistant
Fall 2025
Integrated Pest Management (AGSC 401)
- 3 credits, 25 undergraduates, 10 graduate students
- Online course taught by Dr. David Weaver
- Montana State University
Fall 2023
Integrated Pest Management (AGSC 401)
- 3 credits, 20 undergraduates, 10 graduate students
- Online course taught by Dr. David Weaver
- Montana State University
Invited Guest Lecturer
Fall 2026
Principles of Biological Diversity (BIOB 260)
- 5 credits
- "Introduction to Insect Identification and Sampling"
- Course taught by Dr. Lisa Rew
- Montana State University
Spring 2026
Role of Plants in the Environment (ENSC 210)
- 3 credits
- "Insects for Good: Biological Control"
- Course taught by Dr. Will Wetzel
- Montana State University
Spring 2025
Role of Plants in the Environment (ENSC 210)
- 3 credits
- "Can Bugs Help Us?"
- Course taught by Dr. Will Wetzel
- Montana State University
Fall 2025
Principles of Biological Diversity (BIOB 260)
- 5 credits
- "Introduction to Insect Identification and Sampling"
- Course taught by Erin Teichroew and Chris Larson
- Montana State University
Fall 2025
Land Resources and Environmental Sciences (ENSC 110)
- 3 credits
- "Integrated Pest Management"
- Course taught by Frank Dougher
- Montana State University
Service
Peer Review Journal Activity
2024 - present
2025 - present
2026 - present
Society Memberships
2025 - present
2022 - present
2021 - 2022
2026 - present
2021 - present
2022 - present
Active Community Member Volunteer
2021 - present
2021 - present
2021 - present
Co-Hosted Events
LRES Graduate Student Organization Annual Symposium
April 9, 2026
LEPS 2026
- Role: Treasurer
- Location: Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
- Event website: LEPS 2026
April 7, 2025
LEPS 2025
- Role: Chair
- Location: Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
- Event website: LEPS 2025
April 18, 2024
2024 LRES-PSPP Student Research Symposium
- Role: Chair & event emcee
- Location: Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
- Event website: 2024 Symposium
April 13, 2023
2023 LRES Colloquium
- Role: Treasurer
- Location: Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
April 29, 2022
2022 LRES Colloquium
- Role: Treasurer
- Location: Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
Employment History
2017 - 2021
Pace Analytical - Onsite at 3M— Regulatory IT Analyst · Maplewood, MN
- Provided digital support between 3M employees and the 3M Chemical Data Management System (CDMS).
- Integrated, tested, and supported user and data interface between CDMS and SAP.
- Generated, designed, and communicated unique, detailed reports of material information using SQL, Microsoft Excel, and SAP.
2017
- Worked on a team to collect and analyze mosquito larvae samples from wetland areas across the St. Paul metropolitan area.
- Independently maintained low adult mosquito populations in Oakdale, MN by surveying and treating both adults and larvae.
2015 - 2017
Leatherdale Equine Center— Barn Maintenance Crew · St. Paul, MN
- Maintained healthy conditions for equine patients at the University of Minnesota Horse Veterinary Center and Large Animal Hospital.
- Trained and managed new members of the crew.