The LSU AgCenter has named Tara Smith research coordinator at its Sweet Potato Research Station in Chase, La.

Smith will manage the day-to-day operations of the station as well as continue as the LSU AgCenter state sweet potato specialist and coordinator of the Sweet Potato Foundation Seed Program.

Smith’s major research interests include integrated pest management of sweet potato insects, particularly soil insects, as well as collaborative research in the areas of sweet potato production and disease and weed management.