Luke Nugent ’26 is a forestry major from North Haven, Connecticut. He is currently conducting research on two non-native insects threatening eastern hemlock trees, which are native to eastern North America, and are widespread in the Northeastern U.S.
COLSA: Tell us about your research in as non-technical language as possible.
Luke Nugent: My research addresses the population dynamics and associated effects of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) and the Elongate Hemlock Scale (EHS), two non-native insects that threaten Eastern hemlock trees. The research I conduct analyzes how the population density of HWA and EHS affect the health of hemlock trees by measuring their needles, crown health and other tree biometrics.
COLSA: What challenge/issue does the research you're conducting seek to address?
Luke: Hemlock Woolly Adelgid and Elongate Hemlock Scale are potent non-native insects that threaten hemlock trees, and subsequently, the forests dominated by them. Hemlock-dominated forests, such as College Woods, support a vital ecosystem that serves as a refuge for wildlife, a source of CO2 storage, and an integral biodiverse forest type in New England. My research aims to understand how these non-native insects behave on hemlocks, which better informs management techniques.
"What I love most about UNH is the community of those who are willing and happy to support the students who are the life of the university."
COLSA: What are you learning as a result of this experience?
Luke: Through many hours spent in the field, in class and online I have and still am developing my skills. Specifically, I have learned the key components of creating and executing a field study, which requires planning and revision on the fly. Indirectly I have learned to modify my thought process to reflect a scientific-oriented one. As I improve my research, I am continually surprised and delighted to learn a new perspective I can approach my understanding with.
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, a non-native insect threatening eastern hemlock trees
COLSA: Who are you working with?
Luke: Some UNH faculty I have worked with to conduct my research are Jeff Garnas, Heidi Giguere, Patty Jarema and Ranjit Bawa. Each of these professors has warmly opened their doors to listen to my ideas and questions. My advisor on this research is Michael Simmons, who has dedicated an inordinate amount of time to developing my research skills for over two years now.
COLSA: What do you think prospective students should know about UNH?
Luke:Luke: I think that prospective students should know that UNH provides many services to undergraduates in their pursuit of research topics they are interested in. I cannot say this without recognizing that "UNH" in that sentence is the massive community of dedicated professors, post-docs, master's students, lecturers and administrators who support the services provided to undergraduates.
COLSA: What do you love most about UNH?
Luke: What I love most about UNH is the community of those who are willing and happy to support the students who are the life of the university. I feel appreciated as a student who strives to participate in this community of the aforementioned professionals, and I cannot say I would be where I am without them.
