AgroPages-EcoPesticides hires Katherine Rodgers to lead its New Mexico development lab-Agricultural news

EcoPesticides International, Inc., which is developing microbial pest control technology to combat specifically targeted insect pests, has announced the hiring of Katherine Rodgers to lead the company’s new development laboratory in Santa Fe.

Rodgers has 25 years of experience in laboratory technology, including microbiology and analytical chemistry. In her role as laboratory technologist for EcoPesticides, she will be focused on advancing the company’s encapsulation technology to support commercialization. Rodgers will also serve as a technical liaison with the company’s test sites, which include a joint development project with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Montana. Her newly created position will be partially funded by New Mexico’s Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP) for six months.

EcoPesticides’ environmentally friendly microbial pest control technology uses naturally occurring bacteria and fungi proven lethal to insect targets like locusts. The pesticides are encapsulated in biopolymers as protection from UV rays and heat, thus extending potency and performance. These “green” pesticides do no harm to people, animals, helpful insects such as honeybees, and the environment at large.

Commenting on Rodgers’ appointment and the start-up of the wet lab, EcoPesticides CEO and President Les Stewart said the company is eager to accelerate its commercialization efforts. “The microbial pesticide market is $2 billion and is estimated to double by 2017. By 2020, the market could reach $5 billion. Capturing a strong position in the early days of this emerging market will be extremely advantageous for EcoPesticides and our investors.”

Prior to joining EcoPesticides, Rodgers served as an engineering/lab technician for xF Technologies in Albuquerque, NM, and as a biological technician for FLIR Systems and food microbiologist for Doskocils Specialty Brands, both in Albuquerque. She has held certifications in Food Microbiology (Class 1 and 2), OSHA 10 and OSHA 40, and Environmental Protection Agency: Brownfield Site Assessment. She is a past member of the American Society of Microbiology and the Association of Analytical Chemists. Rodgers earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of New Mexico.

EcoPesticides’ new wet lab is located in the Santa Fe Business Incubator, a not-for-profit economic development organization and entrepreneurial leader in Santa Fe. Since 1997, the Santa Fe Incubator has provided a supportive environment for people with the passion and tenacity to grow a business. Its 30,000-square-foot facility includes office, light manufacturing and wet lab space.