Dr. Gautam is an Entomologist at APCD since December 2023. His role is focused on developing and implementing year-round survey programs to detect any invasive and potentially destructive or harmful insect and/or pathogen affecting the citrus industry in San Joaquin Valley, California. Before joining APCD, Dr. Gautam completed two post-docs at Texas A&M AgriLife Research and the University of Georgia. At both institutions, his research was focused on understanding the ecological events that lead to the successful transmission of plant pathogens by insect and/or mite vectors. Dr. Gautam completed his Ph.D. and master’s in entomology from the University of Georgia and Cornell University, respectively. His master's and Ph.D. thesis were focused on understanding the tri-tropic interactions between plants, insects, and insect-transmitted pathogens.  Before opting for entomology in graduate school, Dr. Gautam completed a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture at Mahatma Phule Agricultural University, India. In his free time, he loves to play soccer with his son.