Asefa Khatoon Ansari, Ph.D.

Genetics Laboratory, RM 7
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa 50011
515-598-2518
(cell) 515-509-0590
aansari@iastate.edu
e-mail: aad94c9a@westpost.net
Green Card Holder/Permanent Resident of U.S.A.

EDUCATION:
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) 1978-1984
University of Reading, United Kingdom
Applied entomology Thesis: Biology of Aphis craccivora Koch and varietal
resistance in cowpeas.
Master of Science (M.S.) 1966-1968
University of Gorakhpur, India
Zoology with specialization in Entomology

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) 1964-1966

University of Gorakhpur, India
Botany, Zoology, and Chemistry

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Visiting Research Scientist
Iowa State University
Department of Entomology
Assigned to lead a special research project, "Heritability of European corn bore
r flight behavior"
Mar. 2010- pres.
Adjunct Professor of Biology
Richland Community College, Richardson, TX
Department of Math and Health Sciences
Taught Biology Jan
2009-Mar. 2010
Associate Professor, Department Head, Acting Dean several times.
National University of Lesotho, Southern Africa
1992-2008
Department of Crop Science
As one of the founding members of the Department of Crop Science, played a key r
ole in the development of the department and faculty, and subsequently took on t
he challenge of serving as Department Head.

Undergraduate courses taught and mentorship:

* Introduction to Agricultural Zoology, Crop Pests and Control, Plant Diseases a
nd
Control, Principles of Crop Protection, Integrated Pest Management, Crop Physiol
ogy, Horticulture, Weed Science
* Field training, practical supervision
* Undergraduate project supervision
Graduate courses taught and mentorship:
* Crop Pest and Disease Management, Post Harvest Technology, Biotechnology - Its
Application in Crop Production, Selected Topics in Crop Protection, Integrated
Pest and Disease Management, Advanced Weed Science, Horticulture (Pest Aspects)
* M.S Research supervision
Committee Memberships:
* Elected member of the ZERI (Zero Emission Research Initiative belonging to Uni
ted Nations Development Program) National Technical Committee (2000 -2008)
* University Senate
* Admission's Committee
* ASAC (Appointments and Promotion Sub-committee of Academic Staff) for Faculty
of Science
* Faculty Executive Committee
* University Housing Committee
* Faculty Research and Publication Committee
* Post Graduate Board
Visiting Scientist
North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC May 1
997-Sep 1997
Department of Entomology
Conducted research under guidance of Prof. George G. Kennedy on the pathogenic e
ffects of the tomato spotted wilt virus on its vector (thrips)
Entomologist Specialist 1990-1992
United Nations
Lesotho Agricultural Research Station, Maseru
* Identified different types of insects, established and maintained insect diagn
ostic lab
* Identified and studied the biology of economically important pests in Lesotho
* Trained technicians for crop protection taught diploma students and oversaw th
eir academic affairs and extension work.

Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, and Department Head 1981-1987

University of Sokoto, (Osman Danfodio University) Nigeria
Department of Crop Science
* Taught Introduction to Plant Pathology and Entomology, Principles of Plant Dis
ease Management, Pests and Diseases of Major Crops, Applied and Economic Entomol
ogy, Integrated Pest Management, Crop Protection
* Guided students' research activities and supervised field training programs
* Trained technicians in the area of crop protection
* Founding member of the department, served on team to develop undergraduate Cro
p Science curriculum. Member of University Senate.
Committee membership
* Farm Sales Produce Committee
* Admissions Committee
Research Fellow 1978-1981
International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria
Screened cowpea germplasm for resistance to cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch,
and studied the biology of cowpea aphid. This research formed the basis of a br
eeding program for aphid resistance in IITA.
SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS:
* Developed a technique to see the flight behavior of bean cut worm. (Sept 20
10)
* Developed a harness for attaching European corn borer adults to flight mills w
ithout interfering with wing movement, and which later can be removed from the i
nsect without injury to allow further experimentation. Iowa State University, (
March 2010).
* Worked on the population genetics of European corn borer.(April-August 2010)
* Led team that produced oyster mushroom for the first time in Lesotho in a way
that avoids environmental pollution. The research was conducted using corn stalk
and brewery waste as the growth medium. The plan was to bring a white revolutio
n to Lesotho because the country has only 10% arable land and the climatic condi
tions are harsh. April 2006
* Conducted research on the transfer of resistance factors in cowpea by grafting
resistant and susceptible cowpea varieties, the first time this was accomplishe
d in cowpeas. International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, 1981.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

* Developed an Integrated pest management program on storage pests in Lesotho.
* Achieved pest control by using Melia azadarach leaves and seeds on different c
rops
* Used microorganisms for effective control of insect pests on different crops.
* Conducted research on the control of insects with marigold plant extracts.
* Conducted research on management of pesticide resistance
* Conducted research on the biology and ecology of different insect pests
* Conducted research on host plant resistance to insect pests, and screened a nu
mber of varieties of legumes and cereals with different levels of resistance.
* Conducted research on habitat management with bana grass, later used in insect
pest management program for corn
* Screened varieties of soybean for aphid resistance
* Presented research results and published papers in national and international
peer reviewed journals
* Taught and trained the technical staff at all levels
* Wrote projects and received funding from different national and international
organizations
o University of Lesotho, biology of insect pests
o GTZ, for establishment of Crop Protection Department in the Agricultural Resea
rch Institute in Lesotho
o SADC, biological control of wheat aphid
o United Nations, mushroom farming in Lesotho
o USAID, survey and study biology of different stem borer species in Lesotho
* Worked with:
o multidisciplinary and multicultural teams at all institutions listed above
o external stake holders in different projects
o budget development and management
o meeting project dead-lines, including readiness to travel when needed

CERTIFICATIONS:
* Executive leadership course from University of Cornell, August 2009
* Dispute Management, National University of Lesotho, August 2006
* Human Resource Development Program, National University of Lesotho,
July 2005
* Mushroom Farming, United Nations Development Program, Sep 2001
* Management of Stem Borers, USAID, 2000
* Program Development and Planning of Storage and Management of Grains, Centre f
or Pacific Development and Training, Australia 1990

AWARD:
* Ford Foundation, partial funding for Ph.D. Program.

PUBLICATIONS
PEER-REVIEWED JOURNALS
Ansari, A.K., Tlalli R.G , van den Berg, J. (2002) Lepidopterous stem borers of
maize
and sorghum in Lesotho. Proceedings of the Final Workshop of the Southern Africa
n Management Program, pp. 17-20.
Ansari, A.K., van Emden, H.F; and Singh, S.R. (2000) Presence and role of chemic
al toxin in feeding of cowpea aphid, Aphis craccicora Koch on six highly resista
nt varieties of cowpea Vigna unguiculata (L). Walp UNISWA Research Journal of A
griculture, Science and Technology 4: 100-1-5.
Ansari A.K., van Emden H.F. and Singh S.R. (1996) Differential reaction of two b
iotypes of cowpea aphid (Aphis craccivora Koch) to cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L)
Walp UNISWA Research Journal of Agriculture, Science and Technology 1: 28-34.
Ansari, A.K. (1998) Insect pests of cruciferous crops grown in Lesotho. African
Crop Science 3: 1153-1157.
Ansari A.K., van Emden H.F. and Singh S.R. (1990) Significance of temperature ch
anges in the stability of aphid resistance in cowpea. Proceedings Aphid Plant I
nteraction: Populations to Molecules. International Symposium, August 12-17, St
illwater, OK.
Ansari A.K., van Emden H.F. and Singh S.R. (1990) Significance of plant age as a
contributing factor in the stability of aphid resistance in cowpea. Proceeding
s Aphid Plant Interactions: Populations to Molecules. International Symposium,
August 12-17 Stillwater, OK.
Ansari A.K., van Emden H.F. and Singh S.R. (1990) Identification of cowpea varie
ties resistant to a second aphid biotype (Biotype B). Proceedings Aphid Plant In
teractions: Populations to Molecules. International Symposium, August12-17, Stil
lwater, OK.
Ansari A.K., van Emden H.F. and Singh S.R. (1989) Graft transmissibility of resi
stance to cowpea varieties to cowpea aphid. Bulletin of Entomological Research
79: 393-399.
Ansari, A.K., van Emden H.F. and Singh S.R. (1989). Varietal resistance of cowp
ea to cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch. Insect Sci, Applica. 13: 199 - 203, I
CIPE. Nairobi.
Ansari, A.K. (1989) Insect pests of dry season crops in Fadama at the University
of Sokoto. Nigerian J. of Science and Technology 4: 78-88.
Ansari A.K., van Emden H.F. and Singh S.R. (1987). Influence of temperature and
relative humidity on the biology of cowpea aphid. Nigerian Journal of Basic and
 Applied Science 1: 75-82.
Ansari A.K., and Singh I.J. (1986) Agro-economic aspects of cowpea production in
north west. Nigeria Tropical Grain Legume Bulletin, No.32: 72-77.
Kumar, R., Ansari A.K. (1974) Biology, immature stage and rearing of cocoa capsi
ds: Zoological Journal of Linnean Society, London 54: 1-29.
OTHER TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS
Insect Pests of Lesotho (book, in preparation)
Mofubetsoana S. and Ansari A.K. (1994) Post harvest management and insect pest o
f food cereal and legumes in Lesotho. A training manual for agricultural educat
ional school and field agriculture staff. Published by CIDA - UNDP/OPS Agrotech
. ISBN 0-7974-1417, pp. 68.
Marlow, A.G., Motsoane, and Ansari A.K. (1991) Production of quality vegetable s
eedling transplants. 1991, No.RD.B.56), pp. 51.

INVITED GUEST LECTURES:

Use of pesticides and their environmental hazard- an approach towards integrated
pest management. Delivered to Workshop on Integrated Pest Management held by S
ARCCUS (Southern African Regional Commission), Lesotho (August 1995)
Crop Protection and its Importance. Gorakhpur University (April 2007)

SOME SIGNIFICANT PAPERS PRESENTED IN WORKSHOPS AND CONFERENCES:

Ansari, A .K ,van Emden , H. F.and Singh, S.R (2009) Reproductive performance of
alatae and apterae of cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch on cowpea, Vigna ungu
iculata (L.)Walp. Meeting of Entomological Society of America, Indiana
Ansari, A.K; van Emden, H.F and Singh, S.R (2009) The effect of water stress on
the development of cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch on cowpea,Vigna unguicula
ta
(L.) Wlap. Meeting of Entomological Society of America, Indiana.
Ansari, A.K;van Emden;H.F and Singh; S.R (2009) Reproductive performance of cow
pea aphid ,Aphis craccivora Koch at different points in the birth sequence of co
wpea,Vigna unguiculata(L.)Walp. Meeting of Entomological Society of America, Ind
iana.
Ansari, A.K. - Mushroom farming in Lesotho for sustainable development: Consulta
tive Workshop of UNDP/UNOPS ZERI REGIONAL PROJECT on Sustainable Development fro
m Africa's Biodiversity, October 24-28, 2006, Windhoek, Namibia.
Ansari, A.K., Mosiuoa, B., Sekoli, S., Lebese, T. - 2006 Preliminary studies on
mushroom production in Lesotho. Combined Congress of Soil Science, Crop Producti
on, Weed Science and Horticultural Society of Southern Africa, Potchefstroom, So
uth Africa.
Ansari, A.K., van den Berg, J. & Tlali, R.G. 2001 - Survey of the important pes
ts of maize and sorghum and the farming systems in Lesotho. Entomology Congress
- University of Natal Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, July 2-5.
Ansari, A.K., K.F. Mothabeng & N.L. Tibane 2001 - Comparison of chemical and mi
crobial control of diamondback moth on cabbage. Entomology Congress, University
of Natal, Pietemaritzbrg, South Africa, July 2-5.
Ansari, A.K., K.F. Mothabeng & N.L. Thibane 2001 - Microbial control of Helicove
rpa species by Bacillus thuringiensis on maize. Entomology Congress, University
of Natal, Pietermaritzberg, South Africa, July 2-5.
Ansari, A.K., Tlali, R. 2000 - Country report on the status of stemborers in Les
otho. Planning workshop, September 10-12, 2000, Pretoria and Potchefstroom, Sout
h Africa.
Ansari A.K. 1997 - Bionomics of diamond back moth Plutella xylostella in Lesoth
o. All African Crop Science Congress, Pretoria, South Africa, January 12-17.
Ansari, A.K. 1992 - Stored product insects' biology and their control - Chemical
and non-chemical. Workshop on Post Harvest Technology and Prevention of Food L
osses - Organized by FAO, February 1992, Maseru, Lesotho.
Ansari, A.K., Qhobela M. 1990 - Country report on the status of migratory pests
in Lesotho. Workshop organized by SADC, Harare, Zimbabwe.

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
* Participated in television programs for extension services in the area of crop
protection, giving talks and recommendations to farmers for managing crop pests
.
* Helped in Soil and Water Conservation Project (SWACAP) of IFFAD in Lesotho by
giving advice on pest control for their farmers' fields (1990-2000).
* Member of ZERI (Zero Emission Research Initiative) National Technical Committe
e (2000-2008). This is a very prestigious committee comprised of a few elected
members from the country. The function of this committee is to identify projects
which are environmentally safe and can be implemented without causing pollution
. This committee is in conjunction with United Nations Development Projects. One
such project is the mushroom project, where oyster mushrooms were produced for
the first time in Lesotho using industrial and agricultural waste. Mushroom rese
arch is at the production stage. With the help of agricultural officers and exte
nsion agents the plan was to establish cottage industries in the country.
* Helped the Lesotho Ministry of Agriculture by giving recommendations on differ
ent aspects of crop protection, and by training personnel in the area of pest ma
nagement. This information was also disseminated by radio to farmers in their lo
cal language (Sesotho).
* Delivered monthly lectures and used demonstration plots to teach proper planti
ng and chemical spraying in the field to extension workers in SARDA (Sokoto Agri
culture Rural Development Authority), a World Bank funded project on crop produc
tion and protection, Sokoto, Nigeria. (1986-1988).
REVIEWED MANUSCRIPTS FOR THE FOLLOWING JOURNALS:
* University of Swaziland Journal of Agriculture
* University of Swaziland Journal of Science and Technology
* Botswana Journal of Agriculture
* Lesotho Journal of Agriculture
* Crop Protection Journal of the South Pacific ( Fiji)
MEMBERSHIP IN SCIENTIFIC BODIES:
* Entomological Society of America.
* New Zealand Plant Protection Society
* Mycological Association of Africa
* Crop Science Society of Africa