I work as an applied ecologist investigating plant-insect interactions, and more generally tri-trophic interactions in biological control systems of weeds, insects, and plant pathogens. As an ecologist, I find that there are a huge number of systems that provide interesting questions to study. The challenge is to find those systems that can provide answers that are most important and relevant to society. My approach is to use ecological theory in combination with solid empirical data to generate better management strategies for weed and insect pests in both natural and managed systems.