Transcript Discover Entomology

Discover Entomology
A Career,
A Hobby,
A Lifetime
What is Entomology?
• What is Entomology?
 The study of insects and related animals. Insects are
the largest group of animals in the world. Over one
billion have been identified, but there are still species
that have yet to be identified.
 The study of insects serves as the basis for
developments in biological and chemical pest control,
food and fiber production and storage,
pharmaceuticals, epidemiology, bio-diversity and
other fields of science.
Entomology is an Ancient Science
Entomology as a science dates back to
the establishment of biology as a formal
field of study by Aristotle (384-322 BC).
There are even earlier references to the
use of insects in daily life: such as the
growing of silkworms that began 4700 BC
in China, which was an important part of
peasant life in China, as early as 4000
BC. More than a hundred years ago,
entomologists formed a society, the
Entomological Society of America (ESA),
to promote the science and study of
entomology in the United States.
Why Study Insects?
• Insects are found in every ecosystem and all
forms of life are impacted by insects in some
way. Entomologists work to protect the
environment and preserve sensitive habitats.
• Entomological research is crucial to a safe,
sustainable and abundant food and water
supply. Nearly 40% of the worlds food
production is destroyed by insects each year.
Why Study Insects?
• Researchers who specialize in medical
and/or veterinary entomology work to
eradicate insect-borne diseases. Deaths
attributed to insect transmitted diseases
impact all socio-economic groups.
• Many law enforcement agencies use the
expertise of entomologists to help solve
crimes. Insect activity helps
investigators determine post mortem
interval and whether or not a body has
been moved.
Enjoy the Beauty Around Us
What does an Entomologist do?
Entomologists contribute to the betterment of
humankind by detecting the role of insects in
the spread of disease, discovering ways of
protecting food and fiber crops, and livestock
from being damaged. They study the way
beneficial insects contribute to the well being
of humans, animals, and plants. Amateur
entomologists are interested in insects
because of the beauty and diversity of these
creatures.
What Makes a Good Entomologist?
• The study of entomology requires a
curious mind, an observant behavior,
with a keen interest in biology,
zoology or agriculture.
• Even though entomology is an animal
science a strong background in plant
and/or environmental science is
helpful.
How Do I Prepare?
• Step one is to get a good
foundation that includes a
background in basic biology,
chemistry, ecology, genetics,
physical sciences, statistics
and if possible a general
entomology course at the
undergraduate level.
How Do I Prepare?
• The next step is an advanced degree
that includes coursework at the
graduate level. Typical courses taken
are Insect Ecology, Insect Physiology,
Insect Taxonomy, Biometry, and
Biochemistry.
How Do I Prepare?
• In addition to the basic courses
students take specialized courses in
applied entomology. These may
include Agricultural Entomology,
Integrated Pest Management,
Pesticides in the Environment,
Aquatic Entomology, Toxicology of
Insecticides and Herbicides provide a
strong foundation that leads to a
successful career in Entomology.
Entomology Careers
Career opportunities for our graduates include: federal
government agencies (EPA, USDA, APHIS); state
departments of agriculture and ecology, state
agricultural research stations, university extension
service, agrichemical company field representatives,
research and sales; agricultural consulting firms;
private agribusiness firms; timber and seed production
companies; international development agencies. IPM
specialists with an interest in urban entomology have
many career opportunities as pest control operators;
parkland and golf course pest management specialists;
mosquito abatement districts; weed control districts;
food processing industry; ornamental plant protection;
public health service; industrial pest control
consultant; and with the armed forces.
What Kind of Jobs are Available for an
Entomologist?
If you like to work with computers, there are jobs developing
software to aid farmers, foresters, and others in predicting
and managing insect pests.
If you like working outside, a career in plant protection or
forest entomology may be for you.
If you enjoy chemistry and physiology, you could conduct research
on pheromones, chemicals that insects emit as signals to other
insects of the same species, to discover ways to control insect
pests.
What Kind of Jobs are Available for an
Entomologist?
If you like mathematics and statistics, you can
monitor, record, and report on insect populations,
their growth, and reproduction.
If you have an interest in genetics, you can use
biological and genetic technology to improve plant
and animal resistance to insect pests.
If you are interested in integrated pest management,
you could help prevent disease and property
loss due to insects, and protect food, fuel, and fiber.
What Kind of Jobs are Available for an
Entomologist?
If you enjoy working with the public, you could work at an
insect zoo or museum, explaining the diversity of insects
to visitors. A career in Extension helping homeowners,
gardeners, agricultural producers and educating the public.
If you are interested in a law enforcement career then
forensic entomology may be for you. You could help
solve crimes by examining insects found at crime scenes.
Why Entomology at WSU?
As a specialized field of study, students at WSU have
the unique advantage of small classes with ample
opportunity to have one-on-one interactions with an
Entomology faculty and other graduate students.
Our students learn entomology from entomologists
who are actively involved with a wide variety of
research projects. Due to the close relationship our
department has with various industry leaders, we are
able to offer experience working in many locations and
areas of interest.
Why Entomology at WSU
• The M.T. James Entomological
Museum is one of the largest in
the western states, with holdings
of over 1.28 million specimens. It
is used as a reference source for
students and researchers
throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Why Entomology at WSU?
Our students get real world experience
MS Grad Student Dan Skoczylas does field
research in the Prosser area. His work
focuses on the Vet Entomology area.
Summer 2007
Grad Student Andrew Rodstrom and
Lab Helper do field research in
Boardman, OR, hybrid poplar fields.
Summer 2007
Why Entomology at WSU?
• Our relationship with the
University of Idaho’s Department
of Plant, Soils & Entomological
Sciences, just 8 miles away,
allows us to offer a wide array
of courses and work on joint
research projects.
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You will have the opportunity to
work with world class faculty and
other graduate students who have
won numerous awards from
professional societies statewide,
nationwide and are recognized
world-wide for their contributions.
Why Entomology at WSU?
Because of our size you can
have the flexibility to implement
your specialized research
project with the guidance of the
faculty and collaboration with
other students.
Our students are involved with
the community. The WSU
Entomology Club organizes and
hosts an annual Insect Expo,
sharing the wonderful world of
insects with children and adults
alike. Our students also enjoy
social events throughout the year.
It’s not all work. There is time to play.
Our students and
Dept. Chair get
ready for the
annual 100K relay
race.
PhD Student Shawn
Steffan starts the first
leg of the race
PhD Student Ash Sial
Finishes the race
How to Grow a Honey Bee Beard
Graduate Masters Students
Sam Hapke and Ben
Horwath experimented
growing a bee beard and a
fine job they did.
Sept. 2007
Our Apiculture Program in Action
Scenes from one of the beekeeper’s
short courses. The Apiculture Program
students have a lot of interaction with
beekeepers at locations all over the state.
Ben Horwath gets ready run
some DNA analysis
Financing Your Education
• Nearly all of our graduate students programs
of study are financed by graduate research
assistantships. Students on assistantships
receive a tuition fee waiver, a half-time salary to
cover basic living expenses and are covered by
a medical care plan.
We also have students study with us on
programs financed by the foreign governments,
the US Military and other organizations.
A Career in Entomology can take you
Anywhere – Far or Near
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Ross Miller, PhD, USDA Entomologist, Univ of Guam
Tomislav Curkovic, PhD, Faculty Univ. of Chile
Azhar Ismail, PhD, Director General, Malaysia Cocoa Board
Hernan Norambuena, MSc & PhD, Agricultural Research Institute,
Temuco, Chile
Mee Young Song, Faculty, So. Korea University
Ludger Wennemann, PhD, Researcher Giessen Univ, Germany
Dario Fernandez, INTA Researcher, Argentina
Jeong Joon Ahn, MS, So. Korea Univ, PhD Program
Xin Chen, PhD, Texas A&M
Lu Guoping, MS, Forest Entomologist, PR China
Susana Acheampong, PhD, Ministry of Agriculture & Lands, Canada
Malika Bounfour, PhD, Ministry of Agriculture, Morocco
Hugo Aguilar, MS, Dept. of Agronomy, Univ. of Costa Rica
Yi ‘Charlie’ Chen, PhD, Dept. of Biology, Alderson-Broaddus College
Partial List of our graduates
A Career in Entomology can take you
Anywhere – Far or Near
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Patricia Johnson, MS, US-Forest Service, LaGrande, OR
Christian Storm, MS Lodi Wine Grape Commission, CA
Tim Waters, MS & PhD, WSU Extension, Franklin Co., WA
Diana Johnson, MS, Forensics, New Jersey State Police Crime Lab.
James Strange, PhD, USDA/ARS Bee Lab, Utah State Univ.
Deirdre Prischmann, PhD, Faculty South Dakota State Univ.
Dale Whaley, MS, WSU Extension, Douglas County
Hans Loechelt-Yoshioka, USFDA, Bothell, WA
Chase Metzger, MS, WSU Extension, Long Beach, WA
Glen Thayer, MS, Pacific Biocontrol Corp, Wenatchee WA
Neal Kittelson, PhD, Idaho St. Dept. of Lands
Ben Horwath, MS, Genetic Testing Labs
Gretchen Snyder, PhD, WSU-Insectary/Quarantine Facility
Shawn Steffan, PhD, Researcher WSU-Wenatchee TFREC
Dan Skoczylas, MS, Chemical Company Representative
Sam Hapke, MS, Researcher The Evergreen State College
Todd Murray, MS, WSU Extension, Skamania Co.
Partial List of our graduates
Career in Entomology can take you
Anywhere – Far or Near
• Cory Straub, PhD, Research Associate, Univ of
Wisconsin
• Wade Peterson, MS, US Army
• Eugene Hannon, MS, Fresno County, CA,
Agricultural Commissioners Office
• Ricardo Ramirez, PhD, Entomology Dept., Utah
State University
• Shawn Steffan, PhD, USDA at the Univ. of
Wisconsin
Discover Entomology
A Career,
A Hobby,
A Lifetime