Shaku Nair

Dr. Shaku Nair joined the Arizona Pest Management Center on July 1, 2013, as an Assistant in Extension for Community Integrated Pest Management. In this role, she works with the Community IPM Leadership Team, an interdisciplinary group of Extension and research faculty from across the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences. Together, they develop and implement priority Extension programs that support Community Integrated Pest Management statewide.

One of the team’s current priorities is advancing IPM programs for indoor and outdoor environments in and around schools. This work focuses on promoting safer, more sustainable pest management practices in spaces where children, families, staff, and communities gather.

Dr. Nair earned her Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of Georgia. Before joining the University of Arizona, she worked as a postdoctoral researcher in landscape IPM at the University of Georgia, where she conducted research on pests affecting landscapes and turfgrass systems.

In addition to her research experience, Dr. Nair (lovingly known as the Buglady) has been actively involved in teaching, Extension, and outreach activities, working with students, Extension professionals, and community partners. She has also contributed to numerous research and Extension publications and educational media.

Dr. Nair is passionate about educating communities on sustainable pest management and brings valuable expertise in research, outreach, and Extension programming to her role with the Arizona Pest Management Center.