Jackie Perkins

Contact Me

Pronouns:
She/Her/Hers

Academic Specialist - Tree Fruit Integrator
Department of Entomology

Phone:
517-353-1397

Email:
albertj9@msu.edu

Degrees:
M.S. – Entomology, Michigan State University (2018)

Bio

Jackie Perkins earned a master’s degree in entomology from Michigan State University, where her research focused on integrated pest and pollinator management in fruit crops. After graduate school, she worked as a lab manager and research assistant in Dr. Rufus Isaacs’ Berry Crops Entomology Lab, contributing to a wide range of applied projects. In her current role as Tree Fruit Integrator, Perkins collaborates closely with Michigan’s tree fruit commodity groups to deliver data-driven solutions and Extension resources that address the industry’s most pressing challenges. Her appointment is split evenly between research and Extension, supported by the Michigan Apple Committee, Michigan Cherry Committee, Michigan Tree Fruit Commission and Michigan State Horticultural Society.

Concentrations

Pest management
Crop pollination
Digital resource development
Interdisciplinary applied research

Research

Perkins’ research focuses on applied, interdisciplinary issues identified as priorities by Michigan’s tree fruit industries. She works closely with industry leadership to define key research needs and coordinate efforts among MSU fruit specialists to address them. Her expertise lies in integrated pest and pollinator management, emphasizing improved crop pollination, effective pest trapping and scouting and reducing chemical inputs whenever possible.

Extension

Perkins’ outreach program focuses on bringing MSU Extension resources for fruit growers into the digital age. She is currently developing the MI Fruit Decision Tool (mifruitdecision.com), a website designed to help fruit growers make informed pest management decisions. The tool offers pest and growth stage–specific guidance along with efficacy rankings based on years of MSU chemical trials. Perkins is also developing training programs to help tree fruit growers prepare for and adapt to a changing climate.