Entomology and Plant Pathology
We are thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Frank Hale, professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, for being honored with the prestigious Richard E. Caron Outstanding Entomologist Award! This recognition honors the late Dr. Richard E. Caron, a remarkable Extension entomologist in the department from 1981 – 1991 who dedicated his career to developing ecologically sound IPM programs for cotton and soybean. Dr. Hale’s outstanding contributions to the field of entomology make him a deserving recipient of this distinguished award. Congratulations, Dr. Hale!
In The Conversation, entomology professor, Dr. Scott Stewart, discusses the invasive species, fall armyworms and control measures. The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is an annual problem and has been invading lawns and fields across the United States. These species destroy lawns by feeding and chewing holes in leaves. To the eyes of many, these fall armyworms come across as worms. However, the fall army worm is a striped caterpillar. In the Summer, the entire lifecycle of the worm is about 30 days, and twice the amount of days in the Fall and Spring. To read the full article, visit www.theconversation.com/the-fall-armyworm-invasion.
In a display of creativity, artistic talent, and patience, the undergraduate students of “A Bug’s Life” (FYS 129), led by Dr. Jerome Grant, embarked on a remarkable endeavor to infuse life into the ionic UT’s Rock. Their mission? To transform the Rock into an extraordinary bug-filled painting that would captivate all who saw it. With boundless enthusiasm and a shared love for the insect world, these students proved that BUGS ROCK!
Entomology and plant pathology graduate students Matthew Longmire and Kassie Hollabaugh accompanied by their advisor Professor Jerome Grant had the incredible opportunity to participate in the 2021 Down on the Farm event at the Tennessee Valley Fair in Knoxville. During the event, sponsored by the University of Tennessee Extension, the group shared their extensive knowledge of entomology to young attendees. Despite the necessary modifications made in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s event attracted approximately 200 eager students. With their passion for entomology and dedication to education, Matthew, Kassie, and Professor Grant left an indelible mark on the young minds that day, fostering a deep appreciation for agriculture, farm safety and more. To learn more about
Would you like to learn more about pest management and other information that relates to the growth of your crops? On Saturday, September 18, 2021, the EPP Graduate Student Association (GSA) will be attending the Market Square Farmers’ Market in Knoxville, TN, to improve grower awareness and use of research-based information in pest management. To learn more about the entomology and plant pathology department, pest management and more, stop by their tent between 9 AM EDT – 12 PM EDT. Flyers, informational packets, and EPP swag will be available. To learn more about Market Square Farmers’ Market, visit www.nourishknoxville.org/market-square-farmers-market.
The EPP Diversity and Inclusion Committee has invited Manuel Lluberas, a public health entomologist, to speak about his extensive experience in the control of insects of public health and veterinary importance obtained during the past three decades on September 16, 2021 at 1:00 PM EDT. He served twelve years as medical entomologist and medical intelligence officer for the US Navy attached to the US Marines and have been Executive Director for Public Health for H. D. Hudson Manufacturing Company over twenty-six (26) years. Manuel has provided technical assistance on the design, implementation, evaluation, and technical capacity building on integrated vector management to private and public entities and UN agencies in sixty-three (63) countries in three (3) continents. Some
September 15 – October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month. Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the history and culture of Hispanic and Latino Americans and their ancestors who came from the Caribbean, Central and South America, Spain, and Mexico. The achievements of the American Latino community are celebrated nationwide through festivals, community gatherings, and more. The University of Tennessee will be holding events for students and the public throughout the month and these events can be found here. On September 23rd, 2021, Dr. Juan Jurat-Fuentes, professor in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, will discuss the history of Argentine tango music and dance. This event is free and open to the public.
In 2021, the SEC Emerging Scholars Program was established to provide professional development and networking opportunities for current doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers who are considering careers in higher education. The Emerging Scholars Program encourages top scholars to seek employment and mentorship within the SEC. Each SEC member school was tasked with selecting up to 10 individuals to participate in the first workshop. The University of Tennessee had 45 outstanding nominees, and 10 were selected. Julian Cosner, a Ph.D. student under the tutelage of Dr. Grant, has been announced as one of the 10 participants! This is an impressive accomplishment. Congratulations Julian! To learn
Rufus Akinrinlola, a Ph.D. student under the tutelage of Heather Kelly, professor and Extension specialist, and Zach Hansen, assistant professor and Extension specialist, has been announced as a recipient of the Corteva DELTA grant! The Corteva Developing Emerging Leaders and Talent in Agriculture (DELTA) program provides support to diverse talent and their research focusing on sustainable and reliable food production. Rufus participated in a research symposium, showcasing his research in nematode populations in soybeans and how they affect cover crops and Nitrogen fixation. For more information about Corteva, visit www.corteva.com. Congratulations Rufus! Well-deserved.
