Rate My Professor Rebecca Baldwin

Rebecca Baldwin is an Associate Professor in the Entomology and Nematology Department at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. In the field of Agricultural and Veterinary Science, she holds the roles of Undergraduate Coordinator and Urban IPM Outreach Director. She earned her B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Louisiana at Monroe and her Ph.D. in Urban Entomology from the University of Florida in 2005, with a dissertation titled 'Public perceptions of urban pest management.' Baldwin joined the department in 2001, progressing through academic ranks to her current associate professor position. Board Certified Entomologist (BCE), she focuses her career on advancing entomology education and practical pest management solutions.

Her research specializations include urban integrated pest management, low-impact pesticide efficacy such as fatty acid salts against ants and cockroaches in sensitive environments like schools and daycares, and development of training materials for the pest control industry. Baldwin teaches undergraduate courses, coordinates the entomology and nematology program, and has significantly expanded enrollment by doubling the number of majors, tripling minors, and extending offerings to online students. She sponsors the UF Entomology Club, mentors students including those from underrepresented, first-generation, low-income, and disabled backgrounds, and directs outreach efforts like the UF Bugs program. Key publications encompass 'The effect of fire ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) venom on ecologically relevant soil nematodes' (2025), 'Efficacy of metal nanoparticles as a control tool against adult mosquito vectors: A review' (2022), 'Locomotion Inhibition of Cimex lectularius L. Following Topical Application of a Pyrethroid' (2017), and 'Evaluation of Cyantraniliprole and Other Commercial Fly Baits under Laboratory and Field Conditions' (2015). Baldwin's contributions have earned her the USDA National Teaching and Student Engagement Award (2022), Pi Chi Omega Award of Achievement (2024), Entomological Society of America professional recognition (2023), and Alpha Zeta Agricultural Honor Society membership (2015).