Goal 4: Promote Diversity and Inclusion
Metric 4-1. Ensure that all educational and administrative units implement strategies to achieve inclusive excellence.
Metric 4-2. Increase the proportion of students from diverse ethnic groups and other underserved populations.

 

Goal 5: Improve the Quality of Life of Kentuckians through Engagement, Outreach, and Service
Metric 5-1. Increase the number of faculty and staff reporting outreach and engagement activities on the Engagement Measurement Instrument (EMI) to 1,000.
Metric 5-2. Increase outreach, service, and engagement contacts made with individuals in providing university knowledge and expertise to improve lives and benefit communities.

 

The Department of Entomology supports the mission and vision of the University of Kentucky and embraces the core values of the University.

 

Mission of the University of Kentucky

 

The University of Kentucky is a public, land grant university dedicated to improving people's lives through excellence in education, research and creative work, service, and health care. As Kentucky's flagship institution, the University plays a critical leadership role by promoting diversity, inclusion, economic development, and human well-being.

 

Vision

The University of Kentucky will be one of the nation's 20 best public research universities.

 

Values

The University of Kentucky is guided by its core values:

 

C. Addressing the Goals of the College of Agriculture outlined in “The Land-grant Vision: College of Agriculture Strategic Plan 2009-2014”.

 

The Department of Entomology will make significant contributions to the following college goals and key indicators for the College of Agriculture.
Goal 1
Prepare Students for Leadership in an Innovation-Driven Economy and Global Society Key Indicators for the College:
Increase the number of graduate degrees awarded by an average of 5% per year.
Goal 2
Promote Research and Creative Work to Increase the Intellectual, Social and Economic Capital of Kentucky and the World Beyond its Borders
Key Indicators for the College
Goal 3
Develop the Human and Physical Resources of the College to Achieve Top 20 Stature Key Indicators, by 2014 the College will have:
Goal 4
Promote Diversity and Inclusion
Key Indicators, by 2014 the College will have:
Goal 5 Improve the Quality of Life for Kentuckians through Extension, Outreach and Service Key Indicators, by 2014 the College will have:

 

D. Vision and Goals for the Department of Entomology

 

Goals:

We strive to be among the strongest research, extension, and graduate education programs in Entomology in the nation.

 

Within the Department we maintain a high quality program by:

 

Members of the Department foster a creative environment for scholarly activities. Our scholarly focus is driven by the pursuit of fundamental knowledge and an applied mission to deliver new technologies and knowledge. The Department provides the intellectual environment for new discoveries and the application of knowledge to improve the quality of life. We adapt to new opportunities and challenges as they arise, e.g., novel insect-vertebrate interactions, new invasive species, or the planting of insect resistant transgenic crops. The influence of our activities extends beyond the University of Kentucky, through our teaching, outreach, and the strengths of our graduate students.

 

The Department of Entomology, through its extension programs, fosters the adoption of Integrated Pest Management and sustainable agricultural practices while promoting the wise stewardship of the commonwealth's natural resources. We ambitiously pursue an extramural funding base that includes competitive federal grants, and we seek funding for the formation of endowed chairs and graduate student fellowships.

 

Interdepartmental Activities of the Department of Entomology

The involvement of Entomology faculty as instructors and advisors in the undergraduate Agricultural Biotechnology program is an example of our involvement in interdepartmental teaching programs. In addition, Dr Bruce Webb served as the Director for ABT between 2006 and 2009. Members of the faculty have been actively involved in the annual Center for Ecology, Evolution and Behavior (CEEB) Research Symposium at the University of Kentucky. The role of entomology faculty in teaching courses that contribute to a number of majors is highlighted in Section III. Faculty also provide leadership for programs in integrated pest management, pesticide safety education, IR-4 programs for minor use crops, and the Kentucky Forest Health Task Force.

 

III. Degree Programs Within the Department of Entomology

 

Undergraduate Education

The Department of Entomology offers a major in Entomology as an individualized program within the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (http://www2.ca.uky.edu/academics/ugd/entomology) and an undergraduate minor in Entomology. The requirements for the minor in Entomology are described at: (http://www.uky.edu/Registrar/Major-Sheets/minorsCurrent/agr/ent.pdf).

 

Insect Biology (ENT 110) currently fulfills a natural sciences requirement for the University Studies Program (USP) at the University of Kentucky. General Entomology (ENT/BIO 300) fulfills a requirement for the Biology major as well as a natural sciences requirement for the USP. In addition, our faculty offer courses that serve students from several undergraduate programs including Plant and Soil Sciences, Forestry, Horticulture, Animal Science, and Natural Resources and Conservation. Several faculty members of the Department of Entomology actively participate as instructors and advisors in the Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Biotechnology (ABT) program (http://www2.ca.uky.edu/academics/ugd/agriculturalbiotechnology) and an Entomology faculty member taught genetics (BIO 304) in alternate years through Fall 2008. Faculty also mentor undergraduate students through independent study projects and research experiences.

 

Student Credit Hours and Course Evaluations for faculty in the Department of Entomology

For the academic years 2003-04 through 2008-09, the average number of student credit hours for courses listed as Entomology (ENT) was 1,044 ± 58 per academic year (Table 1). The student credit hours resulting from ENT 110 (Insect Biology) represents an average of 46 % (±3) of the total student credit hours in Entomology for the academic years 2003 to 2009. The total contact hours do not include ABT, Biology courses and Gen 100 sections taught by Entomology faculty or students enrolled in ENT courses that are co-listed with Biology and Forestry. For example, Chuck Fox taught Biology/ENT 304 (Genetics) in 2004 (N=165), 2006 (N=182), and 2008 (N=162). Reddy Palli taught ABT 460 (Introduction to Molecular Genetics) in 2007 (N=31) and 2009 (N=25) and James Harwood taught ABT 301 (Writings and Presentations in the Life Sciences) (N=14) in 2009. John Obrycki taught a section of Gen 100 in 2006 (N=25) and co-taught a section in 2008 (N=25). Additionally, these summarized student contact hours do not reflect the added faculty time working with students in laboratory sections of several entomology courses (e.g., ENT 300, ENT 320, ENT 402).

 

Table 1. Student credit hours (SCH) in the Department of Entomology; 2003-2009. Student credit hours for the Department of Entomology (ENT) by semester, course level, and academic year. Data from UK Institutional Resource, Planning and Effectiveness webpage (http://www.uky.edu/IRPE/students.html)

 

Semester	Course Level	03-04	04-05	05-06	06-07	07-08	08-09
Fall
	100-299	225	225	225	225	234	237
	300-499	177	150	171	165	117	153
	500-599	64	44	68	64	33	56
	600-799	122	93	127	83	131	132
	Fall Totals	588	512	591	537	515	578
Spring
	100-299	243	237	240	240	243	240
	300-499	47	67	69	89	48	59
	500-599	42	39	54	33	-	39
	600-799	163	154	168	119	161	124
	Spring Totals	495	497	531	481	452	462
Summer 8-week
	300-499	3	3	-	-	3	-
	600-799	9	-	5	1	-	-
	Summer Totals	12	3	5	1	3	0
Semester Totals
	100-299	468	462	465	465	477	477
	300-499	227	220	240	254	168	212
	500-599	106	83	122	97	33	95
	600-799	294	247	300	203	292	256
	Course Level Totals	1095	1012	1127	1019	970	1040

 

Faculty in the Department take pride in their teaching and are dedicated to this aspect of their profession. This dedication is reflected in the results of student/course evaluations for entomology (Table 2). With few exceptions, the semester averages for value of course (item # 20) and quality of teaching (Item # 21) in undergraduate and graduate courses in entomology are consistently between 3.0 and 4.0 (good to excellent). Several courses and instructors are consistently evaluated above 3.5.

 

Table 2. Teacher and Course Evaluation Results for Department of Entomology; Fall 2003 – Spring 2009.

Semester averages (SD) for questions 20 (overall value of course) and 21 (overall quality of teaching); Scale 1 to 4 (poor to excellent). Source: University of Kentucky Institutional Research: (http://www.uky.edu/IRPE/ir.html)

Year Semester	Question 20	Question 21
	Value of Course	Quality of Teaching
2003 Fall	3.5 (.6)	3.6 (.6)
2004 Spring	3.5 (.6)	3.7 (.5)
Fall	3.5(.7)	3.6 (.6)
2005 Spring	3.5 (.7)	3.6 (.7)
Fall	3.5 (.6)	3.6 (.6)
2006 Spring	3.6 (.6)	3.7 (.6)
Fall	3.2 (.9)	3.4 (.8)
2007 Spring	3.5 (.7)	3.7 (.6)
Fall	3.4 (.7)	3.6 (.7)
2008 Spring	3.2 (.8)	3.5 (.7)
Fall	3.5 (.7)	3.7 (.6)
2009 Spring	3.5 (.6)	3.7 (.5)

 

Graduate Education
The Department of Entomology offers graduate work leading to the Master of Science (Plan A -- Thesis and Plan B -- Non-thesis) and the Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The graduate student handbook is updated as needed and is available on the Department’s website (http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/dept/gradprogram.asp). Individual graduate programs are planned by students in consultation with their advisor, and advisory committee, and the Director of Graduate Studies. Study and research are available in various areas of entomology including applied entomology, araneology, behavior, 10 biochemistry, biological control, ecology, genetics, plant resistance, insect biology, medical and veterinary entomology, molecular biology, physiology, systematics, and taxonomy. The discipline of entomology, similar to all agricultural and biological sciences, has evolved significantly during the past two decades and continues to undergo rapid changes. To increase flexibility in the core curricula, the PhD and MS core curricula are the responsibility of the graduate faculty in Entomology, which represents a change from prior responsibility at the Graduate School level.

 

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Graduate program in Entomology is based on the recommendation of the Entomology Graduate Program Committee. Minimum admission requirements include an overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 and an overall graduate grade point average of 3.25. Applicants whose native language is English must score at least 1050 on the combined verbal and quantitative portions of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test. Those whose native language is not English must have a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 79 on the TOEFL-iBT. A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) may be used in lieu of a TOEFL score. They must also have a score of 550 or above, on the quantitative portion of the GRE. The Program requires three letters of recommendation. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. These minimal requirements may be waived in exceptional cases if sufficient additional evidence is presented regarding the ability of the student to do graduate work. Admission to the Graduate Program in Entomology does NOT automatically guarantee financial assistance to the student.

 

Degree Requirements

 

During their first year of graduate studies, M.S. (Plan A) and Ph.D. students are required to prepare a formal written research proposal encompassing a thorough literature review, clear statement of objectives, and materials and methods of the project. A research proposal seminar will be presented to the Department upon completion of the written research proposal. An exit seminar, usually presented during the last semester of the student's tenure, is required for M.S. (plans A and B) and Ph.D. students. August graduates will present their seminar in the preceding spring. M.S. students using the Plan B option will be required to provide a detailed outline of their practicum to their Advisory Committee. The practicum must be a minimum of 3 credit hours (maximum of 6 credit hours) and may consist of library research, special problems, internships, etc., as agreed upon by the student and major professor, and approved by the Advisory Committee. M.S. and Ph.D. students will be required to post a formal notification of scheduled examinations on the notice board in the main departmental office two weeks prior to the examination date.

 

All M.S. and Ph.D. students must satisfy the following core course requirements:

 

Core Area 1: Insect Behavior, Ecology, Evolution and Systematics.

ENT 564 Insect Taxonomy
ENT 568 Insect Behavior
ENT 607 Advanced Evolution
ENT 625 Insect-Plant Relationships
ENT 660 Immature Insects
ENT 665 Insect Ecology
ENT 667 Invasive Species Biology

 

Core Area 2: Insect Molecular Biology, Physiology and Genetics.

ENT 635 Insect Physiology
ENT 636 Insect Molecular Biology

 

Core Area 3: Pest Management and Applied Ecology.

ENT 530 Integrated Pest Management
ENT 561 Insects Affecting Human and Animal Health
ENT 574 Advanced Applied Entomology
ENT 680 Biological Control

 

In all cases, an equivalent graduate level course from another institution is acceptable upon approval of the Advisory Committee. Such approval will not decrease the minimum number of credits required, but simply will permit the student to take other courses.

For a complete list of Entomology courses see:
http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/dept/courses.asp

Detailed information on the graduate program in Entomology can be found at:
http://www.research.uky.edu/gs/bulletin/bullinfo.shtml

 

Graduate students in Entomology pursue research M.S. or Ph.D. degrees in one of three broad areas of emphasis:

 

Insect Molecular Biology, Physiology and Genetics

This area trains students to use insects as model systems to understand the general principles of molecular biology, physiology, and genetics. Areas of strength

 

Faculty in this area:
Stephen L. Dobson, Charles W. Fox, Kenneth F. Haynes, S. Reddy Palli, Bruce A. Webb, Jennifer A. White, Xuguo Zhou

 

Insect Behavior, Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics

Students use insects to understand general principles of biology. This program provides preparation for a competitive position in academics or industry, wherever a strong foundation in basic biology is required.

 

Areas of Strength

 

Faculty in this area:

Robert J. Barney, Grayson C. Brown, Stephen L. Dobson, Charles W. Fox, James D. Harwood, Kenneth F. Haynes, John J. Obrycki, S. Reddy Palli, Daniel A. Potter, Lynne K. Rieske-Kinney, John D. Sedlacek, Michael J. Sharkey, Bruce Webb, Thomas Webster, Jennifer A. White, and Kenneth V. Yeargan

 

Pest Management and Applied Ecology

Students are prepared for careers in agricultural, urban, horticultural, or forest pest management. The program provides preparation for a competitive position in academics, government agencies, extension or industry.

 

Areas of strength

 

Faculty in this area:
Robert J. Barney, Ric T. Bessin, Grayson C. Brown, Stephen L. Dobson, Douglas W. Johnson, James D. Harwood, Kenneth F. Haynes, John J. Obrycki, S. R. Palli, Daniel A. Potter, Michael F. Potter, Lynne K. Rieske-Kinney, John D. Sedlacek, Michael J. Sharkey, Lee H. Townsend, Thomas Webster, Jennifer A. White, Kenneth V. Yeargan, and Xuguo Zhou

 

Departmental Facilities

 

Modern computer, microscope, video, chromatographic and molecular equipment, along with laboratory and greenhouse facilities, are available to support graduate and undergraduate student research projects. A broad array of equipment is available to complement studies in molecular biology and physiology, including: real time PCR, a cell culture facility, GC-MS, Capillary Electrophoresis, SEM, Confocal and Photomicroscopes, scintillation counters, ultracentrifuges, and DNA sequencers. The University has an advanced genomics technology center and proteomics and micro-array facilities that are available for use. In addition, faculty and students at the University have access to thousands of acres of forests, grassland, and farmland for research sites.

 

Assessment of Graduate Education

 

The University of Kentucky graduate program in entomology is one of the healthiest in the country. When divided by tenure-track faculty, the number of graduate students and post-docs in the Department (Table 3) reflects a very productive graduate program (averaging over 2 (students/post-docs) / faculty / year).

 

In 2007 and 2008, 110 and 137 PhD degrees in Entomology were awarded in the United States. This represents an average of 3.5 PhD degrees / year / institution for 35 programs reported in the annual Council of Entomological Department Administrators survey. During the past 6 years, the Department of Entomology at the University of Kentucky has awarded an average of 4.5 PhD degrees per year (Table 3). Data are not available nationally for Masters degrees awarded, but the graduate program in Entomology at the University of Kentucky averaged 5 MS degrees in Entomology per year from 2003 to 2009.

 

Table 3. Enrollment and Degrees Awarded - Department of Entomology; 2003-2009

 

Enrollment

	2003/4	2004/5	2005/6	2006/7	2007/8	2009
Master of Science	14	14	8	11	12	8
Doctorate	16	23	25	23	27	20
Post-Doctorate	7	7	7	11	8	12
TOTAL	37	44	40	45	47	40

Degrees Awarded By Year

	2003/4	2004/5	2005/6	2006/7	2007/8	2009
Master of Science	3	11	4	5	1	6
Doctorate	3	2	4	4	4	10
Total	6	13	8	9	5	16

 

In 2009, all full-time graduate students in the Department of Entomology were supported by graduate research assistantships or fellowships from a variety of funding sources. Seventeen students (61%) were supported by grant funds. Seven students (25 %) were supported by federal funds, either Hatch or multi-state projects and four students (14 %) were supported by Fellowships.

 

One quantitative measure used to assess the quality of a graduate program is the GRE scores of students enrolled in a graduate program. From 2003 to 2008, the average combined GRE (verbal, quantitative, analytic) scores for students enrolled in the graduate program in Entomology increased from 1588 to 1766 (Table 4). The GRE scores for students enrolled in the graduate program in Entomology compare favorably to the average GRE scores for students enrolled in all graduate programs in the College of Agriculture (Table 4). In 2009, the average GRE writing score for students enrolled in Entomology was 4.31 compared to a College of Agriculture average of 3.86.

 

Table 4. Sum of GRE scores for students enrolled in the Graduate Program in Entomology; 2003-2008. GRE data for enrolled graduate students in Entomology and in the College of Agriculture from: http://www.research.uky.edu/gs/GraduateSchoolReports/GREReport/GREReport.html

 

Year	Number of Students Enrolled in ENT	Average Total GRE for Entomology Students	Average Total GRE (College of Ag)
2003	26	1588	1604
2004	30	1639	1609
2005	27	1670	1653
2006	27	1675	1630
2007	35	1721	1610
2008	35	1766	1630

 

The exceptional productivity of graduate students in the Entomology program may be partially attributed to the careful mentoring provided by the faculty (Tables 5A and 5B). In the Graduate Student Productivity Report for 2005 (Graduate School Reports Website), the Department of Entomology was considered one of the top 10 graduate programs at the University of Kentucky, based on total numbers of graduate student publications and presentations. The Graduate School has not updated this graduate student productivity report for 2006-08.

 

Table 5A. Productivity of Graduate Students in the Department of Entomology as measured by publications and presentations (2003-05). Relative productivity of Entomology graduate students compared to all graduate students in the College of Agriculture. [Data are from the Graduate School report: http://www.research.uky.edu/gs/GraduateSchoolReports/GraduateStudentProductivity/ GraduateStudentProductivity97-05.pdf]

 

Year	Entomology Students’ Publications/ Presentations	Percentage of College of Ag Publications/ Presentations
2003	69	22%
2004	59	19%
2005	58	24%

 

Table 5B. Summary of Entomology Graduate Student Productivity, 1997-2008. Numbers of refereed publications and presentations at regional, national, or international meetings on which at least one Entomology graduate student was an author. These data were compiled by Dr. Ken Yeargan, DGS for Entomology 2002-09.

 

Calendar Year	# Publications	# Presentations
1997	19	28
1998	8	21
1999	12	42
2000	18	27
2001	19	25
2002	21	49
2003	24	45
2004	19	40
2005	23	35
2006	25	47
2007	20	35
2008	22	60

 

 

IV. Departmental Web Resources

 

The Department of Entomology maintains several distinct web resources on multiple servers, including Extension Entomology Programs, Integrated Pest Management Programs, and the Kentucky Critter Files. Our web page not only serves as our primary interface within and outside the department, these web resources significantly enhance our extension, research and graduate education activities within the Department. These resources are all linked through our main departmental website, located at http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entomology.php.

 

Main Departmental Website. From 2003 to Apr 2007, our departmental website was housed on the main campus servers at www.uky.edu. During each of those 52 months, our site was among the top twenty sites (measured by total number of hits) of all sites hosted by www.uky.edu, and in 40 of those months our site was within the top 10 most active sites. In May 2007, our site was redesigned and moved to the College of Agriculture servers at www.ca.uky.edu. Since the College of Agriculture began tracking usage of our web site (at http://www.ca.uky.edu/internal/reports/) in May 2007, at least 2 pages from our site have appeared each month in the top 10 of their monthly list of most popular sites (based on number of hits). In 23 of those 30 months, 5 or more of our pages have been in the top 10 most active sites for the College of Agriculture.

 

During the 2007 redesign of our website, Mr. Blake Newton built Google Analytics into the site. This software package allowed us to gather more detailed statistics about the use of our site than ever before. For instance, from Oct 31, 2008 – Oct 31, 2009, our site received 2,078,456 pageviews from over 200 countries and all 50 states. The most-visited page during that period was ef636.asp (Bed Bugs), with 176,258 views. We regularly use these statistics as a guide for improvements to our website. In particular, we used Google Analytics to determine our most-visited pages when we created a selection of Spanish translations of insect factsheets in 2007-08. We are also able to measure and compare the impact of our site over time. For instance, comparing the period of Oct 31, 2008 to Oct 31, 2009 with the same period the previous year, visits to our site by Kentuckians increased 7.8%.

 

The main departmental website contains basic departmental information such as personnel, contact information, and application materials for prospective students. However, our metrics indicate that our collection of 230 ENTfacts are by far the most-visited content. ENTfacts are online factsheets (available in both HTML and PDF formats) that provide topic-specific information and recommendations for Kentucky agricultural professionals, gardeners, homeowners, consumers, and others who are impacted by insects and arthropods. Between Oct 31, 2008 and Oct 31, 2009, each of the top 50 most-visited pages within our site were ENTfacts. During that same period, total visits to ENTfacts accounted for 1,859,279 of 2,078,456 total pageviews (90%) within our website.

 

Many of our ENTfacts are also highly-ranked by search-engines. For instance, a search for "bed bugs" on www.google.com shows our page as the 3rd highest-ranked entry. The summary below shows Google rankings for our top-five most visited pages during Oct 31, 2008 – Oct 31, 2009 (as searched on Nov 16, 2009):

 

Page	Content/search terms	Google rank
ef636.asp	bed bugs	3
ef611.asp	carpenter bees	1
ef604.asp	termite control	1
ef621.asp	fruit flies	1
ef603.asp	carpenter ants	2

 

Websites have been established to provide specific information on the status and distribution of invasive arthropods in the Commonwealth, including the emerald ash borer and hemlock woolly adelgid.

 

Kentucky Critter Files. The Kentucky Critter Files (located at http://www.uky.edu/Ag/CritterFiles/casefile/casefile.htm) is an on-line field guide to the insects, spiders, and other arthropods that are most-commonly encountered by Kentucky youth and 4-Hers. Since Jan 2007, when we built Google Analytics into the site, the Kentucky Critter Files has received over 2,169,759 pageviews. From Oct 31 2008 – Oct 31 2009, the site has received 668,789 pageviews. Many of the Critter Files pages are highly-ranked by Google. The summary below shows Google rankings for five of the most-visited Critter Files entries during Oct 31 2008 – Oct 31 2009 (as searched on Nov
16 2009):

 

Page	Content/search terms	Google rank
wolf.htm	wolf spiders	6
pisaurid.htm	fishing spiders	3
cobweb.htm	cobweb spiders	3
assassin.htm	assassin bugs	2
funnel.htm	funnel weaver spider	1

 

 

V. Research Programs

 

Highlights of programs within the Department of Entomology

 

Entomology faculty respond to the needs of the citizens of Kentucky. These highly visible research programs are a critical aspect of the mission of the Department of Entomology.

 

Natural Resources

 

Behavioral and ecological questions in forest ecosystems are addressed in the context of herbivore-plant relations, feeding guild interactions, and interactions among plant stressors. How disturbance forces directly and indirectly impact arthropod abundance, herbivory and herbivore success, and forest community dynamics are evaluated, as are evaluating species’ invasability from a suborganismal to community/ landscape level. Current research emphasis focusing on the highly invasive hemlock woolly adelgid, which is threatening the sustainability of eastern Kentucky’s hemlock forests, and a globally invasive gall wasp, which impacts nut production and threatens the feasibility of forest restoration efforts (Rieske-Kinney).

 

Community Entomology (urban, recreational, home and garden)

Agricultural Entomology -- Sustainable IPM

Fundamental / Translational Research

 

A developing research program seeks to understand mechanisms of foraging by generalist predators and identify their role in biological control. Through the integration of molecular techniques, behavioral studies and field experiments, members in this laboratory delineate trophic connectivity and measure the intensity of specific predator-prey interactions. Understanding those forces that regulate the abundance of these important natural enemies can ultimately provide information that discerns the role of prey biodiversity and habitat management on predation dynamics. (Harwood)

 

A variety of post-genomics technologies including RNA interference, microarray, quantitative real-time PCR and a model insect pest, the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum were used to study the function of gene products that play key roles in hormonal regulation of development, reproduction and insecticide resistance. These studies identified nuclear receptors, transcription factors; G-protein coupled receptors, and P450s that are essential for insect development, reproduction and survival. Experiments are in progress to develop methods including screening for small molecule blockers and feeding RNA interference to block the function of the identified gene products in pest insects. (Palli)

 

Endosymbiont ecology - Bacterial endosymbionts are common among insects, and affect many aspects of the ecology, evolution and behavior of their hosts. Our laboratory focuses on host-symbiont interactions within introduced arthropods, to understand the relevance of symbionts for both pest invasiveness and biological control. (White)

 

The invasive mosquito Aedes albopictus (the Asian tiger mosquito) is a significant biting pest throughout much of the United States, including Kentucky. A better understanding of Ae. albopictus behavior will allow the development of improved methods to control this mosquito. A component of this program is utilizing novel insect marking technologies to track their dispersal, population size and survivorship. (Dobson)

 

A developing research program is combining the power of genomic, proteomic, and bioinformatic research tools with the biological disciplines of toxicology, physiology, and sociobiology to address biological questions with practical implications. Specifically, the directions of this research program will fall into two areas, sociogenomics and metagenomics. Eusocial Hymenopterans (ants, bees, and wasps) are a poster child for sociogenomic studies, whereas eusocial Dictyopterans (wood-feeding termites and cockroaches) are often delegated to "the other eusocial insects" receiving minimal attention. The goal for this program is to inventory and functional characterize genes/gene networks/pathways/genetic tools that orchestra the complex social life of Dictyopterans at the molecular level. Additionally, several cellulase-producing insect model systems are under consideration for metagenomic sequencing. The goals for the metagenomic projects are to i) inventory novel lignocellulase encoding genes, ii) identify "core" lignocellulases critical for biomass enzymatic pretreatments, and iii) develop biofuel/industrial potential. This fundamental research program is tied to technology transfer to improve insect pest management. (Zhou)

 

Insect behavior and chemical ecology – This program investigates fundamental questions concerning how insects communicate using chemical signals. We have a long-term interest in the evolution of multi-component pheromones in moths, with a focus on a model species, Trichoplusia ni. More recently, we have developed a new focus on the bed bug, Cimex lectularius. Studies of this species include identifying chemical signals mediating aggregation, determining the geographic distribution of resistance to insecticides, and exploring mechanisms of host-finding behavior. (Haynes)

 

 

VI. Extension Programs

 

Present Status

The Department of Entomology has five Extension Entomology Faculty and two extension specialists. One Extension Entomologist and an Integrated Pest Management Specialist, both with 100% extension appointments, are assigned to the Research and Education Center (REC) in Princeton, KY. Academically and administratively they report to the Department of Entomology on the Lexington campus. The five Extension entomologists routinely collaborate on educational programs and research projects. In addition, research faculty and their graduate students are often involved in cooperative work with the Extension entomologists.

 

Leadership responsibilities for specific areas are generally divided as follows.

UK-Entomology Extension Group

 

Dr. John Obrycki, Chairman of Entomology
Administration
State Entomologist

 

Dr. Lee Townsend, Extension Coordinator
Pesticide Safety Education (PSE = PAT)
Medical /Veterinary
Shade trees, ornamentals, forest, including invasive species – EAB, HWA
Forages
Tobacco
Biocontrol - thistle

 

Dr. Doug Johnson (Only Off Campus Entomologist)
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Pest Management Centers (PMC)
Small Grains
Soybeans
Grain Sorghum
Stored Grain

 

Dr. Ric Bessin
Minor Use Pesticide Clearance Program (IR-4)
Corn
Fruits / Nuts
Vegetables
Sustainable Agriculture

 

Dr. Mike Potter
Structural Pest Control
Home Owner Pest Control
Turf & Ornamental
Medical

 

Dr. Jen White
Greenhouse Pest Management

 

Dr. Janet Lensing
Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS)
Introduced / Exotic Pests

 

Patty Lucas (MS) IPM Specialist

 

Blake Newton (MS) , PSE, Youth

Darlene Thorpe, Staff Assistant

 

In addition to commodity research/education efforts, extension entomology specialists provide leadership for four major federal programs: Integrated Pest Management, Pesticide Safety Education, Minor Use Pesticide Clearance Program and the Pest Management Centers. Also, the department operates an Insect Identification and Recommendation Laboratories in Lexington and Princeton, as a service to all Kentucky clients.

 

There is a critical need to balance the responsibilities for Extension education with the increasing demands of research to answer clienteles’ questions. Applied research is needed to supply information for educational programs and the time needed for this work and to obtain extramural funds to support it, continue to increase.

 

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Integrated Pest Management encourages the balanced use of cultural, biological and chemical measures that are most appropriate to a particular situation in light of economic, social, and environmental factors. County extension agents, producers of agricultural and horticultural crops, and persons who recommend, sell or apply agricultural chemicals need to have a working knowledge of IPM concepts and processes. Additionally, it is important that non-Ag consumers of Ag products understand and value the benefits of IPM to food safety and the environment and that Ag producers/businesses understand that the ultimate consumer of Ag products places a value on the environmental effects of production as well as the product.

 

Historically extension IPM programs have been supported by Smith/Lever 3(d) formula funds. These funds served as the seed support around which working groups were developed. These working groups sought other funding to operate their programs. At the end of federal fiscal year 2008 these funds became fully competitive. UK-IPM was successful in obtaining FY09 funding at a slightly higher rate than what the formula would have provided. At this writing we are preparing an application for a three-year IPM project for Kentucky.

 

From its very inception Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Kentucky (KY) has been taught and demonstrated in its very broadest since. UK-IPM is currently active in all field crops, vegetable and fruit crops, ornamental crops, and Master Gardner Programs. Additionally, there are special efforts in pest diagnosis and identification.

 

County Level Programs - These programs are conceived, planed and implemented at the county level. Though they often do involve state level people, the flow of ideas is from local community out to the state. Three examples of these county level programs are:

 

Improving vegetable insect pest and beneficial identification for homeowners (Daviess Co.)

Combating Organophosphate resistant codling moth and Oriental fruit moth in commercial apple orchards (Graves, Warren, and Larue Counties).

Private applicator training programs on DVD, along with other training materials are developed and delivered to each county. They are used by county extension agents for ag and natural resources to train approximately 3,000 applicators each year.

 

Resident Instruction – Individuals working with IPM concepts cooperate in a number of formal classes. The instructors of the class listed below have long been associated with IPM programs in Kentucky. Additionally, they rely on experts from various departments to fulfill a portion of their class schedule, thus continuing the team approach.

 

PLS-490C Certified Crop Advising. Dr. Larry Grabau (Agronomy, Production Res/Inst) deals with the art and science of professional crop management consulting.

ENT-530 Integrated Pest Management taught by Dr. Grayson Brown (Entomology) deals directly with the basic concepts and functions of IPM programs.

PLS 531 Plant Pest Management is being taught by Dr. J.D. Green, a weed scientist in the Department of Plant and Soil Science. This offering focuses directly on the "field experience" segment of IPM.

ENT-630 Advanced Applied Entomology taught by Dr. Grayson Brown (Entomology). This class will deal with more advanced and complex IPM concepts.

SAG 101 - Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture. Dr. Krista Jacobsen. Will incorporate IPM principals.

 

PLS /SAG 386, Plant Production Systems. Drs. Krista Jacobsen & Mark Williams, will incorporate IPM principals.

The following are examples of the impact of IPM programs:

 

Commercial Production of Ornamental Plants
Growers stated that they are realizing an increase in plant quality leading to higher returns due to adoption of IPM techniques. Growers averaged an increase of approx. $2300 due to information gained, such as the ability to identify insects and diseases, spraying for borers at the appropriate time, preserving beneficial insects, and tracking water and substrate pH and fertilizer, both of which can predispose a plant to insect and disease problems when at non-optimal levels. With 79 grower-participants this means an economic value of $179,000 for the state of Kentucky. One central Kentucky grower stated that his nursery will save $1500 from information on one pest alone, the shoot boring caterpillar.

 

Commercial Vegetable Demonstration, Daviess Co. KY
One grower indicated that by reducing his sprays 15% - 20% he was able to eliminate 2 sprays over 116 acres. The elimination of two sprays over the growing season resulted in a savings of $20/acre, which totaled $2,320 over the total 116 acres.

 

Plant Disease Diagnostic
A client survey indicated that the diagnostic responses and information they received favorably impacted the pest management decisions they made. An estimated 650,000 acres of soybean were NOT sprayed with a fungicide as a direct result of soybean rust surveillance and disease diagnostic activities associated with this project. This has tremendous environmental and economic implications for Kentucky.

 

Fertility Success
Results have shown that improved nitrogen management techniques can increase overall nitrogen use efficiency by approximately 20%, leaving less N for environmental contamination and reducing the number of trips over the field. In addition, improved N management resulted in approximately $30 per acre of additional income for the producer as a result of increased yield.

 

Insect Trapping
Surveys of Kentucky Certified Crop Advisors found that they use insect pest flight data to make scouting decisions that resulted in information that was used to make control decisions. Additionally, the information alerted them to problems they would otherwise have missed. Using the information saved consultants on average 2.5 hours for each event. A survey of active KY Crop Advisors found 24 percent of those responding indicating they used the trap data during the 2008 season to help them make a decision not to spray a crop resulting in 20,875 acres of field crops not being sprayed with an insecticide. Also, during 2008 fifteen counties in Kentucky confirmed damages caused by armyworms. In those counties, 3,700 acres were checked as a result of the issued warnings. The warnings saved approximately 64,000 bushels of corn, 150 tons of pasture and 7,275 bushels of wheat or approximately $389,000.

 

Teaching Growers to Use Refuges with Bt Corn
Insect management in field corn has undergone one of the most rapid and dramatic changes in recent agricultural history. Producers have moved from a threshold-based pest management system using broad-spectrum insecticides, to a preventive system of Bt corn and seed treatments for insect control. Because all of the corn seed is now treated with a single class of insecticide and Bt corn represents the majority of our acreage, resistance management is now a heightened concern. A recent survey of corn producers at regional meetings indicated that as many as 40% of our growers may not be using refuges of adequate size to effectively manage resistance. Resistance management is explained to growers at state, regional, and county-based educational programs.

 

County based vegetable programs
Scouting-based vegetable insect and disease management programs have been used the past two seasons in Lincoln and Casey Counties to aid vegetable producers at a local auction increase produce quality and yield while keeping pesticide applications and costs to a minimum. It is estimated that this has saved growers at least $50 per acre.

 

IPM Web Pages
The IPM program maintains web pages at: http://www.uky.edu/Agriculture/IPM/ipm.htm. These pages in conjunction with other areas of expertise provide an open gateway to interested individuals. The increase in “hits” as a measure of use over the years is one way to gauge the effects of these pages. The site serves as a portal to pest management information that resides on many other servers, serving many allied programs. In years past we have received ca. 250,000 hits per year. Recently our ability to measure use has changed, and we can no longer evaluate the number of individual “hits” However, we do know that more than 450 unique individuals (read addresses) are accessing this site. Starting on July 27, 2009 Google Analytics was added to the IPM web site to allow for more current tracking and site usage information. Using Google Analytics, we identified the visits to the IPM web site from July – November 2009 as originating from 34 different states and 36 countries.

 

4H/Youth Education Programs

YOUTH EVENTS The Entomology Department creates displays and gives presentations at youth events across the state. Mr. Blake Newton, an extension specialist in the Department, coordinates this active youth education program. Since 2003, we have made more than 14,000 contacts at museums, schools, science festivals, and other venues. Annual events include the Raven Run night Insect Walk and Bugs-All-Day at the Lexington Explorium, each of which attract about 200 attendees each year.

 

COMMUNITY-BASED SCIENCE PROJECTS Starting in 2005, the Department began working closely with the Tracy Farmer Institute on a series of year-long community based science (CBS) projects. So far, these grant-funded (USDA and NSF) projects have engaged over 500 K-12 students from six Kentucky counties in long-term studies of a variety of entomological topics, including Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome and Invasive Species.

 

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES Several training opportunities have been provided for Kentucky 4-H Agents and K-12 teachers by the Department of Entomology and the availability of these opportunities is increasing. 4-H Entomology in-service training sessions were offered to agents in 2004, 2007, and 2008. Since 2005, K-12 teachers enrolled in the CBS projects (above) attend a week-long workshop each summer. In 2004, we created Braille and low-vision insect-study guides for K-12 teachers, and workshops were conducted in support of these materials in 2005. Scheduled for 2010 are three water-investigation workshops for Kentucky 4-H agents.

 

Insect Identification Lab

Identification of arthropods (approx. 700/year) submitted by county extension agents, specialists, private individuals and businesses is an important part of the extension entomology program. The lab participates in the Southern Plant Diagnostic Network, a web-based approach to problem diagnosis that contributes data to national bioterrorism and national security efforts. The insect identification lab also cooperates closely with the Plant Disease and Diagnostic Lab, Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center, UK Medical Center, and county health departments.

 

 

VII. Regulatory Programs

 

The Office of the State Entomologist is responsible for the licensing of businesses and individuals that buy, sell, ship, or distribute nursery stock for commercial or monetary gain in Kentucky. This includes, but is not limited to, nurseries, garden centers and landscapers. We conduct annual inspections of nurseries and assist nursery owner/managers with their pest problems. 895 nursery dealers were licensed in 2009; 396 nurseries were licensed in fiscal year 2009-2010.

 

Members of the State Entomologist Office also handle Phytosanitary Certificate Applications for individuals who ship any plant or plant products out of Kentucky. This includes international movement of plants and plant products and domestic shipments within the United States.

The vast majority of State Entomologists in the United States are associated with state governmental Departments of Agriculture. However, Kentucky statutes state that the chair of the Department of Entomology of the Agricultural Experiment Station at the University of Kentucky shall be the State Entomologist.

 

Personnel in the Office of the State Entomologist

 

Selected Examples of Pest Surveys conducted in Kentucky

 

See http://www.ca.uky.edu/caps/ for a complete list of pest surveys conducted in Kentucky through the federal-state partnership CAPS program.

 

Gypsy Moth – several thousand traps are used to sample for male gypsy moths every year in a wide area of Kentucky.

Numbers of moths captured in each county are shown in parentheses after the county name.

 

2005

2006

2007 2008

 

Pine shoot beetle surveys: 2005 – 2008

 

Since the introduction and subsequent establishment of Tomicus piniperda, the pine shoot beetle, in states immediately north of Kentucky there are concerns about the possibility that the pine shoot beetle has spread into Kentucky. The risk from nursery stock received from infested northern states creates a threat of introduction into Kentucky. Lindgren funnel traps baited with alpha-pinene (A-pinene) lure have been used in these surveys. Traps were set in tree farms, roadside areas, forested areas, and commercial nurseries along the Ohio River and were checked once every two weeks.

 

2005 2006 2007 2008

 

Emerald Ash Borer

 

Ash trees are a major component of the landscape in Kentucky, so the emerald ash borer is of particular concern both because of the prevalence of ash trees in urban and suburban areas and because lumber and wood products are among Kentucky’s top export products. In 2008 and 2009, Kentucky participated in a national Emerald Ash Borer survey using a newly-developed baited purple trap system. These traps were placed primarily in the northern part of the state but also in locations considered to be higher risk areas for the emerald ash borer, for example, campgrounds, state and national parks, and sawmills. The emerald ash borer was found in Kentucky in March 2009. A quarantine was established in north-central Kentucky to limit the spread of the emerald ash borer within Kentucky (http://pest.ca.uky.edu/EXT/EAB/welcome.html).

 

 

 

VIII. Productivity of Entomology Department

 

Extension Productivity

The Department has published over 230 Entomology fact sheets and lesson plans over the past 5 years. These valuable sources of information are disseminated at meetings and workshops throughout Kentucky, and are available electronically on the Department's website. Extension and research faculty also publish many articles in leading industry trade journals with international circulation. They are routinely interviewed by news organizations throughout Kentucky, and such national news outlets as The New York Times, Washington Post, U.S. News & World Report, and National Public Radio.

 

Newsletter
Kentucky Pest News Newsletter is a joint venture among plant pathologists, entomologists, and weed scientists in the College of Agriculture with occasional contributions from some other specialists. Extension entomologists and staff provide articles for the newsletter.

 

Pesticide Safety Education
Extension entomology specialists and staff provide leadership for this program, provide training manuals and meetings and maintain a website which provides on-line manuals and schedules of approved training and testing opportunities. Currently there are about 33,000 certified private applicators in Kentucky. 3,414 private applicators were trained and certified during the past year in 509 county-based training sessions. There are about 14,000 certified commercial and non-commercial applicators and operators in Kentucky. Entomology specialists provide initial and continuing education in an average of 12 meetings a year across the state. A Pesticide Safety Education web site has been established at http://pest.ca.uky.edu/PSEP/welcome.html.

 

A recent example of the impact of the pesticide safety education program comes from the city of Owensboro. The Department of Entomology provided a local program in the area that was attended by approximately 100 individuals. The city of Owensboro had 13 employees participate in the free training program. Compared to training costs through some of the other providers and programs, at a cost of $90 per person, this program provided at least $1,170 of training to the employees of the city of Owensboro.

 

Extension Clientele served

Each year the extension group provides thousands of consultations with householders, growers, businesses, institutions and state agencies about pest problems, pesticide issues, bites, stings, product contamination and pest-related litigation.

 

Householders (advice to thousands per year)
Kentucky Pest Control Industry
KY Housing Authorities
KY Food Processing & Pharmaceutical Industries
KY Health Departments and Health Care Industry
KY Public Schools
KY Parks & Recreation
KY Wood Products Industry
KY Correctional Facilities
KY Department of Agriculture
KY Office of the Attorney General

 

Some specific KY clientele served in the past 5 years, most in the form of on-site pest management inspections and advice included:

Ashland Oil, GTE, General Electric, LexMark, Hitachi USA, Armour, Algood & Kroger Foods, Great Harvest Bread Company, KY History Center, KY Transportation Cabinet, Fayette County Attorney’s Building, Shakertown, Ronald McDonald House, UK & Humana Hospitals, Maker’s Mark, Amazon.com.

 

Highlights of Extension Programs and Activities

 

Kentucky Pest Control Short Course

The conference, organized and hosted by our extension group, is recognized as one of the finest training events of its kind in the country. In fall 2009, over 420 individuals from Kentucky and more than a dozen surrounding states attended the meeting in Lexington, which also received national trade industry coverage by Pest Control and Pest Control Technology magazines.

 

Major Extension Programs of the Department

 

Research Productivity (Data from Ag Expt Station Summaries)

 

Between 2003 and 2008, members of the Department of Entomology maintained an excellent record of productivity (Table 6), which is among the highest departmental productivity rates for the College of Agriculture.

 

Table 6. Publications by members of the Department of Entomology; 2003-2008. Data from Annual Reports of the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station

 

Year	Books	Book Chapters	Journal Articles	Other Research Pubs	Avg. Number of Publications/tenure track faculty	Avg. Number of Publications/research FTE
2003/04	0	4	36	4	2.8 (N=16)	3.4 (N=13)
2004/05	0	6	40	11	3.6 (N=16)	5.7 (N=10)
2005/06	1	2	40	3	2.9 (N=16)	4.8 (N=9.5)
2006/07	2	4	48	13	3.9 (N=17)	6.3 (N=10.6)
2007/08	1	2	40	3	2.7 (N=17)	4.2 (N=11)

 

From 2003 to 2009, Entomology faculty, students, post-docs and staff published 4 manuscripts in high profile journals, e.g., Science, and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA and published in a wide range of high impact journals, e.g., American Naturalist, Animal Behaviour, Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology, Journal of Molecular Entomology, Molecular Ecology, Biological Control, Ecology, Environmental Entomology, Evolution, Gene, Genetics, Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Journal of Economic Entomology, Oecologia, Oikos, and Virology. In addition, one Entomology faculty member and recent graduate student were recognized as experts in their sub-disciplines by receiving an invitation to write a review article for the Annual Review of Entomology, which has the highest impact factor of all Entomological journals.

 

Between 2003/04 and 2007/08, Entomology faculty have generated over $17 million in grant funding, averaging $318,488 per Research FTE per year. Federal competitive grant sources included NSF, USDA/NRI, NIH, EPA, and USDA/BARD (Binational Agricultural and Research Development).

 

Table 7. Sponsored Project Awards for the Department of Entomology received through the University of Kentucky Research Foundation; FY 1999-2003

 

FY	Total Grant Funding ($)	Avg. Per Research FTE	% Federal Comp. Grant Dollars	Indirect Costs Generated ($)
2003/04	2,312,460	$177,882	77%	298,770
2004/05	2,451,126	$245,113	57%	214,372
2005/06	1,986,164	$208,850	54%	308,244
2006/07	2,505,347	$236,782	72%	302,586
2007/08	7,925,776	$723,815	16%	429,214

 

From FY 2003/04 to 2007/08, the percentage of awards to the Department from federal competitive sources ranged from 16 to 77 % (Avg = 55 %). The relatively low percentage in 2007/08 (16%) is due to the large Gates Foundation Award to Stephen Dobson, which was not included in the College of Agriculture dataset as a competitive federal award. For the period FY 2003 to 2008, the Department of Entomology generated over $1.5 million in Indirect Costs from grant-awarding agencies for the University of Kentucky. Over the past 5 years, there has been a significant increase in the indirect costs generated by the faculty in the Department of Entomology.

 

Another indicator of the productivity of the entomology faculty and their influence and contributions to science is based on the number of citations of their publications as summarized by the Web of Science. Between 2001 and November 2009, publications by the faculty in Entomology have been cited 15,673 times. There has been a general increase in the annual number of citations for the faculty in Entomology. This increase is expected for the senior faculty, but our newly hired faculty members have also contributed to this increase in citations. Additionally, even though our extension faculty do not have formal research responsibilities, they continue to publish in referred journals and their scientific contributions add to the departmental citations.

 

Year	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	11/2009
Citations	742	796	950	966	1243	1293	1362	1554	1528

 

Benchmark Comparisons

 

There are Departments of Entomology at 13 of the benchmark institutions used by the University of Kentucky (Table 8). Each of these 13 universities is a Land Grant Institution. Only tenured or tenure track faculty listed on the departments' websites are included in table 8 (data collected in December 2009). Nine of the 13 Departments of Entomology at our benchmark institutions are larger than the Department of Entomology at the University of Kentucky (11 if jointly appointed faculty are included in the total for the University of Arizona and the affiliates are included for the University of Illinois). Despite our relatively small size, the Department of Entomology at the University of Kentucky has been ranked as a top 10 (upper 25 %) graduate program in Entomology (among all Entomology programs) during the past three years in the Academic Analytics Ratings of graduate programs in the United States. Relative to the Departments of Entomology at our 13 peer institutions, the Department of Entomology at the University of Kentucky ranked ahead of 8 programs and below 5 programs in the most recent Academic Analytics summary for 2008.

 

Table 8. Number of faculty in Departments of Entomology at thirteen of the University of Kentucky's benchmark institutions.

 

Institution	Number of faculty in Department of Entomology
Michigan State University	29
North Carolina State University	32
Ohio State University	28
Pennsylvania State University	26
Purdue University	27
Texas A&M University	50 (on and off main campus faculty)
University of Arizona	15 plus 7 joint appointments
University of Florida Entomology and Nematology	36 (Gainesville faculty, which includes nematologists)
University of Georgia	35 (three locations)
University of Kentucky	17
University of Illinois	11 plus 17 affiliates
University of Maryland - College Park	21
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities	17
University of Wisconsin - Madison	14

 

 

IX. Diversity of faculty, staff, and students

 

The members of the Department of Entomology are committed to building on the strengths of a diverse group of faculty, staff and students. Of the 28 students currently enrolled in our graduate program (2009-10), 14 are female (50%) and 4 (14 %) are international students. The Department of Entomology also has a focus on training Kentucky students; 6 (21 %) of our graduate students are from Kentucky. The staff in the Department is balanced between males and females. The diversity of the faculty in the department has increased due to our recent hires, who added to the number of women and international citizens in the Department.

 

 

X. Fostering a professional and creative environment

 

All members of the Department work towards creating a professional and creative environment. Examples of the types of activities within the Department include:

 

 

XI. Efforts to maximize program effectiveness

 

During the past 6 years several new initiatives have been established in the Department of Entomology to enhance effectiveness of our programs. Examples include a graduate student publication scholarship program designed to encourage students to publish their studies in a timely manner. The Clarke-Knapp Endowment Fund has been established to support graduate student travel to scientific meetings to present research results. A Distinguished Alumni Lecture Series has been established to invite successful alumni of the Department of Entomology to present a seminar and meet with current graduate students. This program not only highlights our successful graduates from the Department, it also highlights the faculty mentors within the Department. The Bobby Pass Research Professorship was established in the Department in 2008. This endowed Professorship is currently held by Daniel Potter, Full Professor in the Department of Entomology. An Urban Entomology Graduate Fellowship was established in 2005 to attract an outstanding PhD student to our graduate program. The current recipient of this Fellowship, Alvaro Romero, will graduate in December 2009 and we are advertising for a new student to fill this Fellowship. In 2007 and 2009, two groups of graduate students and faculty have made field trips to the monarch butterfly overwintering sites in Mexico.

 

 

XII. Goals and plans for the Department of Entomology

 

Plans for the Department of Entomology

 

The Plan for the Department of Entomology is to continue to foster a dynamic, synergistic, creative environment for research, teaching, and extension. Within the Department there exists a very healthy collegial environment for graduate student training, research and extension. We embrace new technologies and discover new knowledge to follow our intellectual pursuits and address societal issues. Our new discoveries will be applied in mission-oriented programs through technology transfer activities. Our new knowledge and information will be transferred to students and the public through progressive programs and through our integrated programs in research, teaching and extension. The Department will develop a new strategic plan by March 2010.

 

It has been a long-term goal of the Department of Entomology to be brought together in one building. Progress has been made to consolidate the department, and most faculty, staff and students are now located on the second and third floors of the Agricultural Science Center North and in a section of the seed house in the greenhouse complex. However, three research programs remain in the Dimock Building. Despite the splintering effects of two locations for departmental personnel, we have maintained a strong esprit de corps and highly productive programs. The current situation is not ideal, thus, a long-term goal for the Department of Entomology is to be housed in a modern facility similar to new Plant Sciences Building.

 

 

Appendix 1A. Strategic Plan for the Department of Entomology University of Kentucky (PDF)

 

 

Appendix 1B. Department of Entomology Implementation Plan based on recommendations of the 2003 Review Committee.

 

*Source of Recommendation (E = External Review Committee recommendation)
** Accept Recommendation (A=Accept)

 

Departmental responses to recommendations summarized in last column of table.

 

Facilities available to the department for all its missions should be improved.	* E	* * A	Improve facilities in the Dept of Entomology	Develop plans for systematic improvement of facilities for all missions of the department. Discuss plans with the Dean to identify funding.	Labs for new faculty upgraded; lab renovations in Animal Path completed; Sci II underway
Consideration of the addition of faculty to the department is warranted. The faculty and chair should develop a plan that establishes priorities for these positions.	E	A	To increase the size of the faculty in targeted priority areas.	Develop position descriptions that focus on targeted emerging priority areas. Provide College of Agriculture administration with rationale for these positions.	Three new faculty hired; 1 in 2007 and 2 in 2008.
The department consider a focus on hiring assistant professors in future faculty searches.	E	A	To increase the number of Assistant Professors in the Dept by hiring high quality, well trained individuals.	Develop a rationale in the Department for hiring assistant professors to add to the expertise of the faculty.	Three new Assistant Professors on the Entomology Faculty; 1 in 2007 and 2 in 2008
The quality of teaching space, classrooms and laboratories, available to the department is inadequate.	E	A	Improve the quality of teaching facilities within the department	Develop a priority list of teaching improvements with estimated costs. Work with the College of Agriculture administration to address items on this list.	Requested improvements in N-12; upgraded teaching microscopes in 2009
The department should continue or increase its involvement in the Agricultural Biotechnology Program.	E	A	The department will continue active participation in the ABT program.	Encourage Entomology faculty to participate and assume leadership roles in the Ag. Biotechnology program.	Bruce Webb served as Director of ABT from 2006-09; Several faculty involved in teaching and advising
The department should become involved in developing programs in sustainable agriculture, equine sciences, public health, and a possible School of Natural Resources.	E	A	The dept will explore opportunities to enhance its participation in these developing programs	The department will assess its role in these developing interdepartmental programs and prioritize contributions that can be made to each of these programs.	Ric Bessin is playing a role in the Sustainable Ag Program.
The department should explore means of providing graduate students with expanded opportunities for meaningful teaching experiences.	E	A	All graduate students seeking meaningful teaching experiences will be provided opportunities to participate in departmental teaching programs	Survey the graduate students to determine the types of experiences that would meet their needs. Develop several options and opportunities to enhance graduate student teaching experiences.	Overview of teaching opportunities included in the new graduate student orientation. All students who seek a meaningful teaching experience are provided opportunities
The graduate student handbook should be posted on the departmental web site and a formal graduate student orientation be instituted.	E	A	Maintain a current version of the graduate student handbook on the departmental website and establish an orientation program for incoming students.	Post a PDF version of the graduate student handbook on the departmental website. Offer a 1/2-day orientation session for incoming graduate students.	The graduate student handbook is maintained on the departmental website and updated as needed.
The department should consider creating opportunities for professional training of post-doctoral associates.	E	A	Provide high quality, creative experiences for post-doctoral associates in the Department	Survey post-docs in the Department to determine their needs. Develop a program based upon survey results.	This is an ongoing activity; but little has been accomplished
The department should examine its graduate course distribution and scheduling.	E	A	Provide offerings of graduate courses that minimize scheduling conflicts.	Examine scheduling of graduate courses in the Department	The faculty are reviewing our graduate courses in 2009-10
Graduate research at Princeton would be greatly facilitated by housing on the station.	E	A	Provide adequate housing options for graduate students who are conducting research at the Princeton Research and Education Center.	Develop a proposal to create graduate student housing at Princeton. Present plan to College of Agriculture administration.	Thanks to Nancy Cox and Doug Johnson – housing is now available for graduate students conducting research at Princeton
Individual issues of research staff quality and productivity need to be addressed.	E	A	Maintain a positive work environment that supports staff productivity.	Work with individual faculty and staff to foster productivity.	Ongoing
The department should consider the allocation of salaries for field research support personnel.	E	A	Provide support for faculty conducting field research within the Department.	Discuss needs with faculty conducting field research. Based upon discussions develop a proposal to provide needed research support.	Proposal submitted to the Dean in 2009; unlikely to be funded in current budget cycle
The department should consider addition of extension faculty and/or extension associates.	E	A	This would be a component of the objective: To increase the size of the faculty in targeted priority areas.	Develop position descriptions that focus on targeted areas of entomology. Provide College of Agriculture administration with rationale for these positions.	Proposal submitted to Dean in 2009; unlikely to be funded in current budget cycle
The department should plan for the future handling of the areas of PAT, IPM, and Pesticide Impact Assessment	E	A	Meet the expectations of these federal programs given reduced federal support provided to them.	The extension faculty will discuss appropriate means to address these federal programs in Kentucky.	Ongoing
The department should consider creating stable positions (not grant funded) in the areas of insect diagnostics and youth-4H entomology.	E	A	Continue to provide timely identification of insect specimens submitted to the diagnostic lab and high quality programs in youth - 4H entomology.	Discuss with extension faculty the needs in these areas. Develop a plan to address these needs	Ongoing; but current budget limitations do not provide flexibility for funding these positions
There is a need for additional technical support for applied research conducted by extension faculty.	E	A	Provide support for faculty conducting field research.	Discuss needs with faculty conducting field research. Based upon discussions develop a proposal to provide needed research support.	Proposal submitted to Dean in 2009
The department should explore ways to encourage extension faculty to teach and to reward them for this effort.	E	A	All Extension faculty are encouraged to participate in the teaching program.	Extension faculty regularly contribute in a variety of ways to the teaching program in the department.	Extension faculty are teaching courses and these efforts are recognized in the Dept.
The department chair should continue his efforts to develop a shared leadership style with the faculty and staff.	E	A	Foster a culture of shared governance within the department.	Continue to involve the faculty and staff in departmental committees and activities.	Ongoing
Consideration should be given for a formal process to encourage nominations of staff for recognition in the college and the university.	E	A	Recognize staff members who have are making significant contributions to the dept, college and university.	Request that the Awards Committee inform staff of recognition awards and solicit appropriate nominations.	Nominations have been submitted for staff awards
The staff would be interested in offering items for consideration at faculty meetings and to have access to the departmental meeting minutes.	E	A	Provide means for staff members to contribute to faculty meetings and have access to minutes of dept meetings.	Designate one staff member to request items from the staff for consideration at faculty meetings. Minutes of faculty meetings are available in the main office.	Ongoing; several staff members are invited to each faculty meeting.

 

 

Appendix 2A Current Graduate Students and Post-docs in the Department of Entomology (Fall 2009)

 

Ph.D. Program CURRENT GRADUATE STUDENTS Fall 2009/Spring 2010

Last Name	First Name	Major Advisor
Adkins	Josh	Rieske-Kinney
Andrews	Elizabeth	Dobson
Bixby	Andrea	Potter, D.
Boring	Andy	Sharkey
Colvin*	Sarah	Yeargan
Crain	Philip	Dobson
Deacutis	Juliane	Webb
Dodd	Luke	Rieske-Kinney
Goodman	Mark	Haynes
Hammons	Derrick	Potter, D.
Keathley	Craig	Potter, D.
Kowles	Katelyn	Harwood
Leavengood	John	Sharkey
Mains	Jimmy	Dobson
Mallis	Rachel	Reiske-Kinney
Peterson	Julie	Harwood
Redmond*	Carl	Potter, D.
Romero	Alvaro	Haynes/Potter, M.
Spelman	Michael	Webb
Suh	Eunho	Dobson
Wigginton*	John	Palli
Welch	Kelton	Harwood
Wulff	Jason	White

 

M.S. Program CURRENT GRADUATE STUDENTS Fall 2009/Spring 2010

 

Last Name	First Name	Major Advisor
Brady*	Cristina	White
Clark	Josh	Rieske-Kinney
Condra	Jennie	Potter, D.
Eskelson	Michael	Harwood
Hagan	Carla	Potter, D.
Johansen	Kacie	Sharkey
Larson	Jonathon	Potter, D.
Minter*	Logan	Brown
Vanek	Sarah	Potter, D.
Thomas	Anna	Harwood

 

VISITING GRADUATE STUDENTS Fall 2009/ Spring 2010

 

Last Name	First Name	Major Advisor	Country
Li	Xiangrui	Zhou	China
Li	Zhen	Zhou	China
Norlie	Norliemy	Sharkey	Thailand
Opatovsky	Itai	Harwood	Israel (BARD Fellow)
Shi	Jing	Zhou	China

 

* Indicates part-time student

 

Post-doctoral Researchers Fall 2009 / Spring 2010

 

Last Name	First Name	Mentor
Chapman	Eric	Harwood
Chandrasekar	Raman	Palli
Huang	Yuxin	Dobson
Kajita	Yukie	Haynes/Obrycki
Li	Yiping	Palli
Peel	Bethany	Dobson
O'Conner	Linda	Dobson
Romero	Susan	Harwood
Sheng	Zhentao	Palli
Sui	Yipeng	Palli
Venard	Claire	Dobson
Zhu	Fang	Palli

 

B.S. Program CURRENT UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS Fall 2009

 

Last Name	First Name	Major Advisor
Allen	Sean	un-assigned
Barger	Rachel	Haynes
Coy	R. Murphey	Fox
Gibson	Kenneth	Haynes
Hamilton	Brooke	Fox

 

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS CONDUCTING RESEARCH PROJECTS Fall 2009

 

Adams

Mark

Harwood

 

 

Appendix 2B

 

MS and PhD Graduates and Post-doctoral Researchers 2004-2009 Department of Entomology

 

MS Graduates	Year	Current Position
Ayayee, Paul (Rieske-Kinney)	2009	PhD Program Pennsylvania State University
Bale, Katie (Webb)	2004
Brannon, Sonja (Yeargan)	2004	PhD Program University of Georgia
Choate, Beth (Rieske-Kinney)	2005	PhD Program University of Maine
Decker, Kimberly (Yeargan)	2007
Dickey, Stephanie (Webb)	2004
DiLuna, Francis (Dahlman)	2004
Fisher, J. Ray (Sharkey)	2009	PhD Program University of Arkansas
Friley, Karen (Bessin)	2004	Kentucky State University
George, Justine (Potter, D.)	2007	PhD Program Penn State University
Hassell, Rebekah (Haynes)	2009	High School Teacher Nashville, Tennessee
Joseph, Andrew (Bessin)	2009	State Apiarist Des Moines, Iowa
Kellogg, Shelly (Rieske-Kinney)	2004	USDA Dept of Homeland Security
Land, Aerin (Rieske-Kinney)	2006	US National Park Service Everglades National Park, Homestead, FL
Lutz, Martha (Plan B) (Haynes)	2007	Instructor Blue Grass Technical Community College
Maier, Reid (Potter, D.)	2005
Margam, Venu (Palli)	2004	Post-doc Researcher Purdue University
Prater, Callie (Potter, D.)	2005	PhD Program North Carolina State University
Russell, Kathleen (Bessin)	2007	Laboratory/Field Technician Plant and Soil Sciences Department University of Kentucky
Saenz, Virna (Townsend)	2006	PhD Program North Carolina State University
Seagraves, Bonny (Potter, D.)	2006	South Dakota State University Cooperative Extension Service Brookings, South Dakota
Seltmann, Katja (Sharkey)	2004	Research Assistant and Programmer North Carolina State University
Schwrtzberg, Ezra (Brown)	2004	PhD Program Pennsylvania State University
Sun, Zhiyuan (Palli)	2009	PhD Program University of Illinois, Chicago
Trout, Rebecca	2006	PhD Program University of Arkansas
Wilkins, Tonja (Sedlecek)	2004	USDA-ARS Post-doc Researcher Yakima Research Lab, Washington
PhD Graduates	Year	Current Position
Amarillo-Suarez, Angela (Fox)	2006	Assistant Professor of Ecología y Territorio Directora Carrera de Ecología Pontificia Universidad Javeriana
Bai, Hua (Palli)	2009	Post-Doc Researcher Brown University
Bitra, Kavita (Palli)	2009	Post-Doc Researcher University of Georgia
Brelsfoard, Corey (Dobson)	2009	Post-Doc Researcher Yale University
Coleman, Tom W. (Rieske-Kinney)	2006	Entomologist, USDA Forest Service Forest Health Protection San Bernadino National Forest
Cooper, Rodney (Rieske-Kinney)	2007	USDA-ARS Research Entomologist Shafter, California
Gill, Torrence (Webb)	2007	Post-Doc Researcher Pennsylvania State University Department of Entomology
Hladilek, Erin (Wise/Arthur/Obrycki)	2009	Seeking employment
Hubbard, Jamee (Potter, D.)	2004	Assistant Professor University of Wisconsin
Khoo, Cynthia (Dobson)	2007	Post-Doc Researcher Colorado State University
Kroemer, Jeremy (Webb)	2006	USDA-ARS Post-Doc Researcher Ames, Iowa
Lensing, Janet (Wise)	2006	Coop. Agricul. Pest Survey Coordinator University of Kentucky
Moser, Susan (Obrycki)	2009	USDA-ARS Post-Doc Researcher Ames, Iowa
Nusawardani, Tyasning (Webb)	2009	Post-Doc Researcher Iowa State University
Pitz, Kevin (Sharkey)	2006	Assistant Professor University of Tennessee, Martin
Quinton, Scott (Brown)	2005
Rattanadechakul, Walaikorn (Webb)	2004
Sarmiento-Monroy, Carlos (Sharkey)	2006	Assistant Professor National University of Bogota, Colombia
Seagraves, Micheal (Yeargan)	2006	USDA-ARS Post-Doc Researcher Brookings, South Dakota
Stillwell, R. Craig (Fox)	2007	NIH-PERT Post-Doc Researcher University of Arizona
Wilkins Fisher, Tonja (Webb)	2009	USDA-ARS Post-doc Researcher Yakima, Washington
Xi, Zhiyong (Dobson)	2005	Assistant Professor Michigan State University
Zhang, Zhaolin (Palli)	2009	Post-Doc Researcher Northwestern University

 

 

Appendix 2C DEPARTMENT OF ENTOMOLOGY STAFF Fall 2009

 

NAME	TITLE	PROGRAM
Antonik, Melanie	Sr. Lab. Tech.	Rieske-Kinney
Brady, Cristina	Sr. Lab. Tech	White
Colvin, Sarah	Sr. Lab. Tech.	Yeargan
Clevinger, Celeste	Program Coor II	Dobson
Clutts, Stephanie	Sr. Lab. Tech.	Sharkey
Collins, Joe	Sr. Nursery Inspector	State Entomol
Draper-Burnett, Hannah	Information Tech.	Chair
Fath-Goodin, Angelika	Research Scientist II	Webb
Fleming, Esther	Sr. Lab. Tech.	Webb
Garrity, Katie	Temp. Tech. ParaProf.	Dobson
Harper, Carl	Sr. Nursery Inspector	State Entomol
Ison, O. Gwyn	Admin. Services. Assist.	Main Office
Kesheimer, Adam	Staff Support Associate	Main Office
Kittrell, Katie	Nursery Inspector (West KY)	Collins
Lensing, Janet	CAPS Coor.(Nursery Inspec)	Harper
Loan, J.D.	Nursery Inspector (East.KY)	Harper
Lucas, Patty	Extension Specialist	Johnson
Martinez, Natalia	Research Analyst	Dobson
McHone, Kelly	Admin. Supp. Assoc. I	Main Office
Minter, Logan	Sr. Lab. Tech.	Brown
Newton, Blake	Extension Specialist	Townsend
Ramaseshadri, Partha	Research Scientist	Palli
Redmond, Carl	Research Analyst	D. Potter
Stamper, Shelby	Research Analyst	Haynes
Thorpe, Darlene	Staff Support Associate	Main Office
Wallin, Bill	Sr. Lab Tech	Fox
Wigginton, John	Sr. Lab Tech	Palli
Yu, Dicky	Research Analyst	Sharkey

 

 

Appendix 2D. List of Faculty in the Department of Entomology (Fall 2009)

 

Name       (Rank)       Responsibility       Areas of expertise

 

Barney, R.J. (Adjunct Assistant Professor) Research
Stored-product entomology; Pest Management; Ecology and population sampling of predaceous arthropods.

Bessin, R.T. (Professor) Extension
Field and specialty IPM Extension programs, Biotech education and Master Gardener training.

 

Brown, G.C. (Professor) Research and Teaching
Computer simulation of insect populations; Mathematical and theoretical ecology; Systems analysis in IPM.

Dahlman, D.L. (Professor Emeritus).

Dobson, S.L. (Professor) Research and Teaching
Medical/Veterinary Entomology, Evolution and Molecular Genetics; Potential of symbiotic bacteria as a means to modify natural insect populations.

Fox, C.W. (Professor) Research and Teaching
Population genetics; evolutionary ecology; behavioral ecology.

 

Freytag, P.H. (Professor Emeritus).

 

Harwood, J.D. (Assistant Professor) Research and Teaching
Arthropod ecology; molecular ecology; biological control; food web ecology

 

Haynes, K.F. (Professor) Research and Teaching
Insect behavior; Chemical ecology; Chemical signals mediating host-finding and mating behavior.

 

Johnson, D.W. (Professor) Extension
Pest Management and Extension programs related to the biology and control of insects important to field crops.

 

Knapp, F.W. (Professor Emeritus).

 

Obrycki, J.J. (Professor) Department Chair and Research
Biological control, Ecology of insect predators.

 

Palli, S.R. (Professor) Research and Teaching
Insect physiology, molecular biology, endocrinology and applied biotechnology.

 

Potter, D.A. (Professor) Research and Teaching
Behavior, ecology and control of arthropods attacking woody plants and turf; Insect-plant interactions; Urban landscape IPM.

 

Potter, M.F. (Professor) Extension
Pest Management and Extension programs related to urban and industrial pest control, and horticultural and medical entomology.

 

Rieske-Kinney, L.K. (Professor) Research and Teaching
Forest entomology; interactions between forest arthropods and forest regeneration, restoration, and sustainability; ecology and biology of forest insects; herbivore/plant relations.

 

Rodriguez, J.G. (Professor Emeritus).

 

Sedlacek, J.D. (Adjunct Assistant Professor) Research
Stored-product insect ecology; Stored-grain pest management, particularly biological control.

 

Sharkey, M.J. (Professor) Research and Teaching
Insect systematics; systematics of parasitic wasps.

 

Townsend, L.H. (Professor) Extension and Teaching
Extension programs related to the management of insect pests of tobacco, forages, and livestock.

 

Webb, B.A. (Professor) Research and Teaching
Molecular virology and development.

 

White, J.A. (Assistant Professor) Research and Extension
Interspecific interactions; behavioral ecology; biological control; endosymbionts

 

Yeargan, K.V. (Professor) Research and Teaching
Ecology of insects and spiders; Soybean and forage IPM; Biological control.

 

Zhou, X. (Assistant Professor) Research and Teaching
Insect integrative genomics

 

 

Appendix 3. Graduate Student, Staff, and Faculty Awards and Recognition 2004-09

 

2009
Graduate Students
Mark Adams, B.S. Student Competition Presentation Award, NCB-ESA
Josh Adkins, Presidential Prize, National ESA Meeting
Elizabeth Andrews, Jobbins Scholarship
Elizabeth Andrews, Presidential Prize, National ESA Meeting
Andrea Bixby, O.J. Noer Research Foundation Grant
Cristina Brady, Presidential Prize, National ESA Meeting
Sarah Colvin, M.S. Student Competition Presentation Award, NCB-ESA
Sarah Colvin, Presidential Prize, National ESA Meeting
Luke Dodd, Graduate Student Scholarship Award, NCB-ESA
Luke Dodd, Dissertation Year Fellowship, UK
Mark Goodman, Presidential Prize, National ESA Meeting
Derrick Hammons, Outstanding PhD Student Award, Gamma Sigma Delta, COA
Craig Keathley, Presidential Prize, National ESA Meeting
Logan Minter, M.S. Student Competition Presentation Award, NCB-ESA
Julie Peterson, PhD Student Competition Presentation Award, NCB-ESA
Julie Peterson: Kentucky Women in Agriculture Research Fellowship
Julie Peterson: Karri Casner Environmental Science Fellowship
Sarah Vanek, M.S. Student Competition Presentation Award, NCB-ESA
Kelton Welch: American Arachnological Society Graduate Research Grant

 

Faculty
Grayson Brown, Vice President Elect, ESA
James Harwood, Early Career Innovation Award, ESA
James Harwood, President, International Branch, ESA
Reddy Palli, Vice President, Integrative Physiological and Molecular Insect Systems Section, ESA
Reddy Palli, University Research Professor, UK
Reddy Palli, Bobby Pass Excellence in Grantsmanship Award, COA
John Obrycki, President, NCB-ESA
Michael Sharkey, President Elect, International Society of Hymenopterists

 

2008
Graduate Students
Ayayee, Paul. 2nd place oral presentation at Ohio Valley Entomological Association Indianapolis, IN. October 2008.
Hua Bai, President’s Prize 1st Place, Student Oral Presentation, National ESA meeting
Hua Bai, Dissertation Year Fellowship, UK
Juliane Deacutis, President’s Prize 1st Place Student Display Presentation, National ESA meeting
Tonja Fisher, President’s Prize 1st Place, Student Oral Presentation, National ESA meeting
Mark Goodman, Kentucky Opportunity Graduate School Fellowship, UK
Derrick Hammons, USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Graduate Student Research Grant
Derrick Hammons, American Wine Society Tennessee Chapter Scholarship in Honor of Dr. Robert Kryter, American Wine Society Educational Foundation
Derrick Hammons, American Society for Enology and Viticulture National Scholarship
Julie Peterson, President’s Prize 1st Place, Student Oral Presentation, National ESA meeting
Julie Peterson, First Place, PhD Student Competition Presentation, NCB-ESA
Alvaro Romero, President’s Prize 2nd Place Student Display Presentation, National ESA meeting
Alvaro Romero, Pi Chi Omega Scholarship; The National Pest Control Fraternity
Alvaro Romero, National Conference of Urban Entomology PhD Award
Anna Thomas: Kentucky Science of Natural History Student Research Grant
Staff
Darlene Thorpe, Outstanding Staff Award, COA
Faculty
Stephen Dobson, Bobby Pass Excellence in Grantsmanship Award, COA
Reddy Palli, Thomas Poe Cooper Distinguished Research Award, COA, UK
Daniel Potter, Fellow, ESA
Daniel Potter, Bobby C. Pass Research Professorship, UK
Daniel Potter, Professional Landcare Network National Leadership Award

 

2007
Graduate Students
Rodney Cooper, Dissertation Year Fellowship, UK
Juliane Deacutis, Graduate School Fellowship, UK
Michael Eskelson, President’s Prize 1st Place, Student Display Presentation, National ESA meeting
Derrick Hammons, Eastern Wine Industry Student Scholarship, American Society for Enology and Viticulture Eastern Section
Cynthia Khoo, President’s Prize 1st Place, Student Oral Presentation, National ESA meeting
Susan Moser, President’s Prize, 2nd Place, Student Oral Presentation, National ESA meeting
Julie Peterson, President’s Prize 2nd Place Student Display Presentation, National ESA meeting
Alvaro Romero, Jeffrey P. LaFage Graduate Student Research Award, Entomological Foundation, National ESA meeting
Barb Sharanowski, President’s Prize 1st Place, Student Oral Presentation, National ESA meeting
Barb Sharanowski, Dissertation Year Fellowship, UK
Craig Stillwell, Outstanding PhD Student Award, Gamma Sigma Delta, COA
Faculty
Lee Townsend, Outstanding Specialist Award, Kentucky Association of Agricultural Agents
Ken Yeargan, Fellow, ESA

 

2005
Graduate Students
Tonja Fisher, Lyman T. Johnson Fellowship, UK
Torrence Gill, Lyman T. Fellowship, UK
Erin Hladilek, Center for Ecology, Evolution & Behavior Fellowship, UK
Jeremy Kroemer, Dissertation Year Fellowship, UK
Aerin, Land, M.S. Student Paper Award, Ohio Valley Entomological Association, First Place for oral presentations.
Alvaro Romero, Urban Entomology Graduate Research Fellowship 2005-09

 

2004
Graduate Students
Tom Coleman, Ph.D. Student Paper Award, Ohio Valley Entomological
Association, Third Place for oral presentations.
Tonja Fisher, Lyman T. Johnson Fellowship, UK
Torrence Gill, Lyman T. Fellowship, UK
Shelly Kellogg, M.S. Student Paper Award, Ohio Valley Entomological Association, First Place for oral presentations.
Callie Prater, National Watson Turfgrass Research Fellowship, U.S. Golf Association
Michael Rogers, J.H. Comstock Outstanding Graduate Student Award, ESA
Faculty
Lynne Rieske-Kinney, Faculty Futures Award
Bruce Webb, University Research Professor, UK

 

NCB-ESA North Central Branch of Entomological Society of America

ESA Entomological Society of America

UK University of Kentucky

COA College of Agriculture