The research interests in the Gutensohn lab at West Virginia University are centered around plant-insect interactions including plant defense mechanisms against herbivores, and the respective roles of plant specialized metabolites in these interactions. Ongoing research projects focus on the biosynthesis of terpenes and cannabinoids as well as their insecticidal activities. We utilize classical genetic and metabolic engineering approaches to introduce or improve desired metabolite traits in crop plants for the development of novel and sustainable pest control strategies. Dr. Gutensohn is also involved in steering the operations of the Analytical Biochemistry Core Lab in the WVU Davis College of Agriculture.