From a very young age Naomy Candelaria Morales had her interest and curiosity captivated my nature and its wonders. She initially sought a Bachelor’s in Physics with the intent of becoming an astronomer, but quickly realized that her true passion was closer than she thought, working with the natural complexities that develop here on Earth. This passion impulse Naomy to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Puerto Rico-Utuado. In her senior year, she had the opportunity to participate in an undergraduate research internship, where she would encounter a new and specialized passion, entomology. After obtaining her diploma in 2019, she decided to continue her graduate studies later that year in the University of Minnesota. As a graduate student, Naomy designed and performed surveys for beneficial insect populations to measure the effectivity of flowering cover crops as an ecosystem service tool. In December of 2021, Naomy obtained a Master’s degree in Applied Plant Sciences and Entomology and returned home to Puerto Rico where she was excited to pursue her dream of starting an agroecological farming project. In 2022 while running her farm, she began her career with PPQ as a Limited Appointment Technician Aid working in the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she enforced regulations for programs such as the Fruit Fly Exclusion and Detection program, as well as the emergency program to detect and prevent establishment of African Swine Fever. Naomy is excited to be back in the states and working as a PSS where she can keep honing her entomological expertise as well as acquiring new skills and knowledge from her new colleagues.
Laurie Morales is the new National Operations Manager with PPQ Field Operations covering Pest Detection and Survey Supplies supporting the Western and Eastern Plant Board States. She began her career with PPQ in 1997 as a PPQ Officer on the Southern Border at the Port of Entry in Brownsville, TX, where she also served as a PPQ Canine Officer. In 2003, her position transitioned over to DHS-CBP-AQI. From July 2007 to present, she has continued to serve PPQ Field Operations in a variety of positions to include Export Certification Specialist in Texas, Supervisory PPQ Officer for the Citrus Greening Survey Project, AQI State Operations Support Officer for Texas, PPQ Officer with the Mexican Fruit Fly Survey Program, and Pest Survey Specialist in Texas. For the last 3 years, Laurie has served as the National Operations Manager for the Predeparture and Permitting programs. Laurie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from New Mexico State University and a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Texas – Pan American. She looks forward to focusing on Pest Detection activities and supporting the critical work of PPQ and our cooperators
Kamaile DeLong received a bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of Wyoming before moving to New Mexico. While studying in Wyoming, she carried out undergraduate research investigating how the diversity of Rocky Mountain tall-forb communities affects local bee community composition. Kamaile is excited to work with the New Mexico Department of Agriculture to monitor pests and managed bees. Kamaile enjoys hiking, climbing, taking pictures, and training animals in her free time.
Wyatt Eason graduated with my MS in agronomy in August 2022. He started at the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce the same month. He handles the state apiary program and nursery program.
Sven Spichiger
SSpichiger@agr.wa.gov
Acting State Plant Regulatory Official for Washington State and Pest Program Manager
Kamaile DeLong received a bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of Wyoming before moving to New Mexico. While studying in Wyoming, she carried out undergraduate research investigating how the diversity of Rocky Mountain tall-forb communities affects local bee community composition. Kamaile is excited to work with the New Mexico Department of Agriculture to monitor pests and managed bees. Kamaile enjoys hiking, climbing, taking pictures, and training animals in her free time.
Kamaile DeLong received a bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of Wyoming before moving to New Mexico. While studying in Wyoming, she carried out undergraduate research investigating how the diversity of Rocky Mountain tall-forb communities affects local bee community composition. Kamaile is excited to work with the New Mexico Department of Agriculture to monitor pests and managed bees. Kamaile enjoys hiking, climbing, taking pictures, and training animals in her free time.