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Congratulations are extended to Dr. Chris Cutler, recipient of the 2014 Dalhousie University Faculty of Agriculture Excellence in Research Award, Department of Environmental Sciences.

Dr. Cutler came to the Agricultural Campus in 2007 and within a short period, established a strong research program in entomology and toxicology with an excellent balance between fundamental and applied research.

His research program has attracted over $1.7 million in research funding from federal, provincial government and industry, including an NSERC Discovery Grant that recognized Dr. Cutler as an emerging top scientist nationally with the Early Career Researcher Supplement Award in 2009.

Dr. Cutler’s research program at Dalhousie has made important contributions in pollinator pesticide toxicology, utilization of carabid beetle in biological control, sustainable insect management in lowbush blueberry and insect hormesis. Particularly, he has pioneered research globally in the understanding of insect hormesis, a phenomenon that involves the use of low dosage of toxicants to induce stimulatory effects in insects.

Dr. Cutler has been recognized for his impact to his field at the national level. He was recently honoured with the 2013 Entomological Society of Canada C. Gordon Hewitt Award, which is awarded annually to a person below the age of 40 who has made outstanding contributions to the field of entomology in Canada. Moreover, the Agricultural Institute of Canada also recognized Dr. Cutler as an “imminent leader who is advancing and applying innovative scientific knowledge on the sustainable use of agricultural resources” with the Sustainable Futures Award in 2010. This year, Dr. Cutler was invited by the Canadian Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry in Ottawa to give an expert witness on “The importance of bees and bee health in the production of honey, food and seed in Canada” demonstrating his recognition as a leader in entomology in Canada.

Dr. Cutler has disseminated his findings to both academics and practitioners. He has published more than 40 scholarly articles, in addition to being heavily involved in extension through regular seminars, field-days and meeting with local producer associations.  Dr. Cutler’s past and current research has positively impacted agricultural practices in the blueberry industry within the region and will ultimately enhance their competitiveness nationally and globally.

In addition to managing his extensive research program, Dr. Cutler has mentored both graduate and undergraduate students. His approach to working with students emphasizes high-quality output, excellence in writing and professionalism. He serves as an excellent role model to both aspiring researchers and new faculty members.