Yan Zhang is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Horticulture at the University of Georgia’s Griffin campus, working in Dr. Ping Yu’s lab. Her research focuses on integrated pest management strategies for controlling the invasive thrips, Thrips parvispinus, in ornamental greenhouse production systems. Through her work, she evaluates how horticultural practices such as mulches, pruning, and fertilizer management can reduce pest populations and maintain plant quality. Her goal is to develop practical and sustainable pest management strategies that support growers and promote ornamental crop production.