Tracey Payton

Dr. Tracey Payton holds a B.S. in Horticulture with a minor in Entomology, an M.S. in Entomology, and a Ph.D. in Entomology, all from Oklahoma State University. Her research interests include greenhouse and field production of horticultural crops, as well as the biological control of horticultural insect pests.

Dr. Payton has held several roles throughout her career, including Research Technician at the Cimarron Valley Research Station, Supervisor of Propagation and Cuttings at Bluebird Nursery, Inc., and Biological Science Technician/Graduate Student at the USDA-ARS Insect Genetics Laboratory. She also served for ten years as a Horticulturist with the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service in Cleveland County, during which time she completed her Ph.D.

While working in extension, Dr. Payton developed a strong interest in urban tree health, particularly following the destructive 2008 ice storm. Since 2018, she has been an Assistant Professor of Horticulture and Entomology at Langston University. Her responsibilities include teaching horticulture, forestry, and related subjects; conducting research in horticultural crop production and integrated pest management; and extending horticultural principles to underserved communities.

Dr. Payton has been actively involved in the Entomological Society of America for over 20 years and also contributes to the Horticulture Industry Show, the Oklahoma Nursery and Landscape Association, and the Oklahoma Native Plant Network.