The Entomological Society of America (ESA) is the largest organization in the world serving the professional and scientific needs of entomologists and people in related disciplines. The ESA, currently with more than 5,700 members, is divided into five geographic branches. Three alumni who received the Ph.D. degree from the University of Kentucky, Department of Entomology, have been elected to serve as President of their respective branches of the ESA since 2007.
Dr. Larry Godfrey (Ph.D., U.K., 1984), a professor of Entomology at the University of California Davis, served as President of the Pacific Branch of the ESA in 2007-2008.
Dr. Alvin Simmons (Ph.D., U.K., 1987), a research scientist with the USDA-ARS in Charleston, SC, served as President of the Southeastern Branch of the ESA in 2008-2009.
UK Entomology Alumni (l-r): Dr. Larry Godfrey, Dr. Alvin Simmons, and
Dr. Kristine Braman
At the Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Branch of the ESA held in Montgomery, AL, in March 2009, Dr. Simmons passed the gavel to the new President of that Branch, Dr. Kristine Braman (Ph.D., U.K., 1987). Dr. Braman is a professor of Entomology at the University of Georgia.
The Southeastern Branch of the ESA has existed since 1926 and it is noteworthy
that Dr. Simmons is the first African American to serve as President of
the Branch. Dr. Braman is the second woman to serve as President of the
Branch. We congratulate these three alumni, all of whom are enjoying successful
careers and demonstrating outstanding leadership skills.
U.K. alumni, Drs. Alvin Simmons and Kristine Braman, demonstrate leadership skills at the
2009 Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Branch of the Entomological
Society of America
