Entomology and Plant Pathology
Questions Can you tell me a little bit about yourself? I am a professional student seeking a second graduate degree in entomology and plant pathology through the Herbert College of Agriculture. Professionally, I have worked as an infectious disease epidemiologist for the last eight years, but I have always been interested in zoonotic diseases. So, I started pursuing this degree because I am interested in the intersection of public health and insects as vectors of disease. What are your current interests? I am mostly interested in mosquitos, ticks, and fleas as they are transmitters of diseases like Yellow Fever, Malaria, Lyme disease, and plague (to name a few) all of which are very serious diseases investigated by public
The summer of 2022 was different for one entomology and plant pathology graduate student. Holly Brabazon, a doctoral student pursuing a concentration in bioinformatics, genomics, and molecular interactions, found herself over 2,500 miles away from Knoxville, TN, researching the pollination of Theobroma cacao, or the cocoa plant, in Belize. Cacao is mainly pollinated by biting midges, flies that are around the size of a pin head. Despite being a main pollinator of cacao, the midges often do a poor job pollinating cacao trees. “Successful cacao pollination is problematic in many regions. Only around 10%-20% of the flowers produced by a cacao tree are successfully pollinated” stated DeWayne Shoemaker, department head and professor in the Department of Entomology and
More than 1,600 people attended the Butterfly Festival at the UT Arboretum in Oak Ridge on Saturday, September 17, 2022! Guests viewed insects at the UT Insect Zoo, viewed butterflies, and participated in art activities. For more information about the 2022 Butterfly Festival, visit https://utarboretum.tennessee.edu/butterfly-festival/.
Karen Vail, Professor and Extension Specialist, spoke to WBIR News Channel on fire ants in Tennessee. To view the WBIR interview, visit https://www.wbir.com/article/news/local/tennessee-fire-ants/. For more information on fire ants, visit https://epp.clientdev.us/urban-ipm/.
Aaron Onufrak, doctoral candidate and research lab manager, recently published a paper entitled “Identification and Management Recommendations of Common Fungal Diseases of Eastern Black Walnut” (Publication W1101) alongside William Klingman, professor in the Department of Plant Sciences, and his mentor, Denita Hadziabdic Guerry, associate professor in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology. The publication introduces the Eastern black walnut and identifies key characteristics of the tree and its common fungal diseases.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture recognized some of its top faculty, staff, researchers and Extension experts at UTIA’s annual awards and promotions luncheon on August 16, 2022. The ceremony, which was hosted by UTIA Senior Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice President Carrie Castille, celebrated the accomplishments of many faculty, staff, and students. The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology is excited to announce that during the awards ceremony, Rebecca Butler, Jennifer Chandler, Rebecca Trout Fryxell, and Karen Vail were presented the Cavender Outstanding Award for Best Publication. To view their publication, visit Managing Ticks on School Grounds (PB 1895). If you would like to view the entire list of award winners, visit UTIA 2022 Awards & Promotions.
Explore BiGG Data REEU is an 8-week research training opportunity for undergraduate students in bioinformatics, genetics, and genomics. The program, which is held in the summer months, provides participants with the opportunity to gain hands-on research and leadership experience while simultaneously strengthening their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. “The overall goal of the BiGG Research Scholars Program is, therefore, to holistically prepare talented, diverse women for graduate programs and careers in BiGG.” The highly selective program is comprised of a team of faculty with active research programs focused on plants and animals, and faculty with programs focused on analysis and interpretation of BiGG data.
Bonnie Ownley, professor, graduate director, and assistant department head in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA), was selected as a 2022 American Phytopathological Society (APS) Fellow. The award recognizes Ownley’s many contributions and accomplishments in plant pathology, soil systems, biological disease control and professional service. To read more about Professor Ownley’s recognition, visit the news release UTIA Professor Selected as a 2022 American Phytopathological Society Fellow. Entomology and Plant Pathology – University of Tennessee – Posts | Facebook
On August 3rd, the 8th Annual Bed Bug, Cockroach, and Rodent Management Meeting was held at the UT Conference Center. The event, which Extension Urban Entomologist Karen Vail organized, provided pest management professionals, housing personnel, social workers, healthcare personnel, and others the opportunity to hear university researchers speak on various subjects. These topics ranged from the effects of bed bugs, cockroaches, and rodents on mental and physical health to solving bed bug and cockroach problems in multi-unit structures. If you missed this year’s meeting and would like to stay up-to-date on future events, visit Upcoming Events – Entomology & Plant Pathology (tennessee.edu). Other training opportunities for household and structural pest management professionals offered by the UT Entomology &
On June 30, the Highland Rim AgResearch and Education Center hosted the Tobacco, Beef, & More Field Day. The event brought together beef and tobacco producers to learn more about current research in their respective fields. Taylor Miller, a master’s student with a concentration in plant pathology, and her advisor, Dr. Zach Hansen, attended the event along with other colleagues. To view more photos from the event, visit Entomology & Plant Pathology (@utia.epp) • Instagram photos and videos.
