Gerald Carlson has spent his career as a Professor of Agricultural and Resource Economics at North Carolina State University. He has made significant and enduring contributions in two areas: economic and multi-disciplinary research in the economics of pest management and as a mentor to graduate students and colleagues.
Jerry initiated the field of pest management economics with his award-winning Ph. D. dissertation and a 1970 AJAE journal article. He encouraged the interest of biologists by serving as an economist on national pest management research committees, making presentations to crop protection conferences and preparing numerous publications for pest control journals and books. His willingness to bring biological science into practical economic studies has won wide support and additional research funds for agricultural economists. His area-wide research has contributed to improved cotton profitability following boll weevil eradication, scouting improvements and biotechnology introductions. His work has supported individual farmer and group decisions that account for risk and environmental quality.
By directing graduate students, collaborating with junior faculty, and participating in regional, international and departmental workshops, he has encouraged productive research in agricultural economics and pest management disciplines. Many of his students are now productive researchers, teachers, university administrators or business leaders.