We are among the strongest research, extension, and graduate education programs in Entomology in the nation. Within the Department we maintain our high quality by:
- Establishing a creative environment that fosters productive faculty, staff, and students
- Developing high impact extension and research programs that address the changing needs of the citizens of Kentucky, the nation, and the world
- Creating and fostering quality graduate and post-doctoral training programs by recruiting and training outstanding individuals, who are highly competitive for quality professional positions.
- Maintaining a balance between applied and fundamental research programs
- Striving for an extramural funding base of competitive federal grants, that is complemented by other appropriate funding sources.
- Supporting high publication productivity in respected peer-reviewed journals
- Maintaining insect identification laboratories to support county extension programs and needs of clientele
Our scholarly focus is driven by the pursuit of fundamental knowledge and a mission to deliver new technologies and solutions to insect-related problems. The Department provides the intellectual basis 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 use of insect resistant transgenic crops. Our influence extends beyond the University, through our teaching, outreach, website, and the strengths of our graduate students. Through our extension programs, we foster the adoption of sustainable resource and integrated pest management practices, promote pesticide safety and stewardship of the Commonwealth's natural resources. We ambitiously pursue an extramural funding base and we seek funding for the formation of endowed chairs and graduate student fellowships.
The Department of Entomology addresses the goals in the University of Kentucky 2003-2006 Strategic Plan and the College of Agriculture Strategic Plan 2004-2006.
Goa1 I. Reach for National Prominence
Objective: The Department of Entomology will be one of the nation's best Graduate programs in Entomology
Key Indicators: By 2006, the Department will:
- (1) be among the top 20 Entomology programs in the country, based on nationally accepted ranking assessments
(2) continue to place our graduates in significant professional positions in industry, academia, and federal and state agencies.
Goal II. Attract and Graduate Outstanding Students
Objectives: The Department will continue to provide undergraduate instruction in Entomology, and the agricultural and biological sciences, and to promote undergraduate research experiences.
Key Indicators: By 2006, the Department will:
- (1) maintain current undergraduate student contact hours and advising levels
(2) maintain active participation in undergraduate research opportunities
(3) maintain a diverse offering of undergraduate and graduate courses.
Goal III. Attract, Develop and Retain a Distinguished Faculty
Objective: Maintain a creative environment for faculty to pursue their ideas.
Key Indicators: By 2006, the Department will
- (1) add two faculty members in targeted areas of opportunity
(2) provide nationally competitive salaries and program support to attract and retain the highest quality faculty.
Goal IV. Discover, Share and Apply New Knowledge
Objectives: The Department will maintain its productivity and level of external grant funding. Develop nationally recognized fellowships to attract highly qualified doctoral students. Develop programs to encourage graduate student productivity.
Key Indicators: By 2006, The Department will:
- (1) maintain our current level of funding and strive to maintain over 50 % of external grant funding yearly from federal competitive sources
(2) maintain our current level of scholarly publications
(3) enhance our graduate program with a goal of graduating five PhD students each year
(4) increase our current number of doctoral students and postdoctoral scholars
(5) maintain our Top 10 status at the University of Kentucky for graduate student productivity as measured by graduate student presentations and publications.
Goal V. Nurture Diversity of Thought, Culture, Gender, and Ethnicity
Objectives: The Department will create an open and supportive environment that encourages diversity in philosophy and approach, and will strengthen our collaborative relationships with Kentucky State University.
Key Indicators: By 2006, the Department will
- (1) increase the number of L.T. Johnson Fellows from 2 to 3
(2) foster and support a diverse environment within our research, teaching, and extension programs.
Goal VI. Elevate the Quality of Life for Kentuckians
Objectives: The Department of Entomology will focus on issues that affect the quality of life within the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the nation, and the world. The Department will integrate our research and extension programs to address the changing needs of the citizens of Kentucky and deliver programs that promote the adoption of sustainable agricultural, urban, and public health management practices and conservation of natural resources.
Key Indicators: By 2006, the Department will:
- (1) increase the number and quality of entomology fact sheets available on the department's website and maintain their prominent listings on the World Wide Web
(2) maintain the number of programs that enable urban and agricultural clientele to effectively manage insect pests
(3) maintain the number and scope of programs on the appreciation and understanding of insects by the citizens of Kentucky.