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Veteran entomologist to co-lead scientific programs alongside Research Director Dr. Balaji Aglave
Dr. Hamm brings two decades of experience in entomological research, innovation, and multiple biological systems. He earned his Ph.D. in Entomology from Louisiana State University, where he trained in Southeast U.S. crops, an MBA in International Business from the University of Delaware, and a B.S. in Biology from the University of Kansas. He has published more than 25 scientific papers and is a co-inventor of three commercial insecticides. At Ag Metrics Group, Dr. Hamm will oversee Southeast entomology and related field research programs to help advance new crop protection and biological technologies from early concept to commercial reality. His team runs insecticide development, efficacy, and grower-supported entomology trials across citrus, sugarcane, strawberries, fruiting and leafy vegetables, and tropical crops.  Drs. Hamm and Aglave examine strawberries at Florida Ag Research’s Dover, FL farm. “Dr. Hamm’s combination of scientific depth, industry experience, and leadership is exactly what our clients are looking for in a research partner,” said Dr. Balaji Aglave, Research Director at Florida Ag Research. “As a professional entomologist leading Ag Metrics Group’s Southeast entomology program, he oversees the insecticide development, insectary, and grower-supported entomological research at Florida Ag Research, designing high-value trials, generating reliable, decision-ready data, and protecting our sponsors’ proprietary information at every step.” Dr. Hamm’s work centers on high-pressure insect pest trials and practical, decision-focused insights for product development teams. These studies are conducted under rigorous, standardized methods with strict data confidentiality, so sponsors can rely on both the integrity of the results and the security of their proprietary information. He specializes in major regional pests, including Asian citrus psyllid, chilli thrips, spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, scales, mealybugs, and mango and pepper weevils. Dr. Hamm is a soft-bodied insect specialist with decades of work focused on laboratory and field trials with this important insect pest group.  Drs. Aglave and Hamm in Florida Ag Research’s Plant Pathology Lab. “With my background in global development programs, patent contributions, and advancement of new chemistries, I know how critical it is for innovators to trust their data,” said Dr. Hamm. “Florida Ag Research and Ag Metrics Group are known for tight, field-grounded science and responsive client service. I’m excited to help our partners generate clear product differentiation and move new technologies efficiently toward commercialization.”
With Dr. Hamm’s appointment, Florida Ag Research strengthens its entomology program and position as a scientific hub for the development of crop protection and biological solutions tailored to the unique pressures of the Southeast U.S. crop production environment. About Florida Ag Research Florida Ag Research, an Ag Metrics Group company, is an agricultural contract research organization specializing in field and greenhouse studies under Florida’s demanding production conditions. The company conducts efficacy, residue, agronomic, and specialty research across citrus, vegetables, sugarcane, small fruits, and other high-value crops. In addition, Florida Ag Research is deeply involved with Florida grower cooperatives, keeping their science focus and significant resources directed toward helping product developers identify opportunities and understand the numerous cropping challenges of the Southeastern U.S. marketplace. About Ag Metrics Group Ag Metrics Group is a leading American agricultural consulting and contract research organization with almost five decades of successful science investigations and grower extension activities. Serving a diverse clientele that includes product manufacturers, grower cooperatives, and governmental agencies, Ag Metrics Group operates across North America through its regional centers: Pacific Ag Research, Michigan Ag Research, and Florida Ag Research. For more information, visit www.AgMetricsGroup.com or follow them on Facebook and LinkedIn @AgMetricsGroup.  Florida Ag Research is expanding the research portfolio with dedicated field trials evaluating ripener programs in sugarcane. These studies are designed to quantify the effects on sugar content at harvest, reductions in lodging and improve plant size and stem girth.
Ripener evaluation protocols will measure:
Trials incorporate standardized sampling and laboratory analysis to accurately estimate the production value. Florida Ag Research has the capability to apply ripeners with precision while capturing detailed physiological and yield response. Our team utilizes both field-based ratings and laboratory quality analyses to provide comprehensive insights for product developers. |
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