Texas A&M Entomology Research Network

Rob Williams

Loriann Garcia Receives 2015 Distinguished Grad Student Award

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Loriann Garcia standing with her award with flowers in the background. Photo by Rob Williams.
Loriann Garcia. Photo by Rob Williams.

COLLEGE STATION, Texas—Congratulations to Ph.D. student Loriann Garcia on receiving the Distinguished Graduate Student Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Garcia was honored with the award for Excellence in Teaching during a special Distinguished Day awards ceremony that was held on April 27.

Garcia is advised by Dr. Micky Eubanks and has been a teaching assistant for several courses, including General Entomology, Evolution of Insect Structure, Host Plant Resistance, and Integrated Pest Management courses since fall of 2012. She also has been an invited lecturer for a general entomology course in Fall 2014 and an instructor for the Center for Teaching Excellence’s Teaching Assistant Institute in fall of 2014.

“Loriann is a fantastic teacher,” Eubanks said. “She is very good at engaging students. Loriann is very, very good at engaging students. Loriann is very good at gauging what a student knows and what they need to know, putting them at ease about their knowledge level and ability to learn, and making the material relevant to their interests.”

Eubanks also spoke very high of Garcia’s demeanor with her students in the classroom.

“She comes across as very humble and down-to-earth and students are really at ease with Loriann,” Eubanks said.

Associate Professor Raul Medina praised Garcia on her teaching abilities during the time she was a teaching assistant for two of his courses.

“She was reliable, responsible and caring. Students in both of my courses loved Loriann and gave her outstanding teaching evaluations,” Medina said. “The one thing that really impresses me about Loriann is her ability to address different audiences in an engaging, didactic, and effective manner.”

Garcia also served as an undergraduate research mentor for Eubanks’ lab for a year and a plant science mentor for the Botanical Society of America in 2013-2014. She also was an undergraduate mentor for the Strategies for Ecology Education, Diversity, and Sustainability for the Ecological Society of America in Portland, Ore, in 2012.

She has received numerous awards during her college career, including the Susan M. Arseven ’75 Make A Difference Award in 2015, the Presidential Volunteer Service Award in 2013, and the Westover Honors Society Fellow at Lynchburg College from 2006-2010.

Department Celebrates Rollins Urban and Structural Entomology Facility Grand Opening

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Ribbon Cutting
A ribbon cutting for the Rollins Urban and Structural Entomology Facility took place May 4 at Texas A&M University. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo)

COLLEGE STATION, Texas—More than 80 guests from the community and the university gathered in the beautiful weather to celebrate the grand opening of the new Rollins Urban and Structural Facility on Monday, May 4.

Located at the corner of F&B and Agronomy Roads, the 10,000-square-foot facility houses laboratories, conference rooms, offices, and training rooms that help support the vision and mission of the Department’s Urban and Structural Entomology program.

The luncheon featured several remarks by Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp, Vice Chancellor and Dean of the College of Agriculture Life Sciences, Dr. Mark Hussey, Professor and Department Head, Dr. David Ragsdale, and John Wilson, president and chief operating officer of Rollins, Incorporated.

“The Rollins Urban and Structural Entomology Facility sets Texas A&M apart from every other university and system in the nation,” Sharp said. “It provides world-class amenities to train graduate students, conduct research on insects that are pests in and around structures through the partnership with industry professionals and Texas A&M AgriLife Research. In addition it sponsors in-service training to pest management professionals throughout Texas through its affiliation with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.”

Chris Keefer giving tours
Chris Keefer, right, giving tours of the facility after the luncheon. Photo by Rob Williams.

The facility is named in honor of the O. Wayne Rollins Foundation, whose $2 million gift helped stimulate the giving that topped the $4M mark, made the long-awaited dream a reality, officials said.

“We are thankful for the Rollins family’s generous gift,” Hussey said. “The Rollins Urban and Structural Entomology Facility will ensure Texas A&M remains at the forefront of urban entomology. This state-of-the-art facility will aid our faculty, staff and students in the discovery, development and implementation of the research findings needed to control insects in and around homes and businesses.”

The endowed chair of the Urban and Structural Entomology program, Dr. Ed Vargo is proud of the facility and noted that this will help with his research to carry out the vision that previous chair Dr. Roger Gold had when the new facility was a mere drawing on paper.

“The Rollins Urban and Structural Entomology Facility played a major role in my decision to come to Texas A&M as the new endowed chair,” said Vargo. “This first-rate building, made possible by the generosity of the Rollins family and other donors, is head and shoulders above any urban entomology facility in the country. It’s an inspiring place to conduct research, mentor students and hold training sessions. It’s truly an exciting time for urban entomology at Texas A&M.”

Short tours of the facility were also given following the luncheon.

Texas Master Beekeeper Program Graduates First Class of Apprentice Beekeepers

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group of Apprentice Beekeepers
The first group of Apprentice Beekeepers. Submitted photo.

BRENHAM, Texas — Sixty-eight beekeepers around the state are now getting closer to becoming Master Beekeepers as the Texas Master Beekeeper Program recently held its exam day for the Apprentice Beekeeper level at the Washington County Fairgrounds on March 27th.

The day-long event was the first time the testing was administered in Texas. The Texas Master Beekeeper Program (TMBP) consists of 4 levels (Apprentice, Advanced, Master, and Master Craftsman). The day was divided into a review session in the morning and then a written and practical exam in the afternoon.

Mark Dykes speaking to beekeepers
Texas Apiary Inspection Service Chief Apiary Inspector Mark Dykes speaking to beekeepers during the review session before the exam

Mr. Dykes, Chief Apiary Inspector and TMBP board member, said that the review session in the morning was not a replacement for the training materials that are studied beforehand.

“This review session is not designed to be the only study needed to pass the exam and is more to reinforce what the participants should have already learned,” he said.

The exam included a practical, hands-on section with the hives and other equipment where the participants are tested on their skills in bee husbandry and practical beekeeping while the written portion tested the students’ knowledge of various beekeeping topics.

Once the students pass the exam, they are required to complete five public service credits in addition to their studies before they take the next level’s exam. The credits could come from such events as hosting bee-related lectures/workshops to non-beekeeping groups, holding an office in a local beekeeping association, or assisting members of a youth organization with project work.

“The Apprentice Beekeepers act as bee ambassadors to the non-beekeeper public,” he said. This in turn becomes a force multiplier for our educational efforts.”

“The Texas Master Beekeeper Program is designed to push beekeepers to become more informed in all areas of beekeeping (i.e. biology, ecology, husbandry, etc.) Education is mostly through self-study of required and suggested materials,” he said. “We hope, as the program develops, to provide many more educational opportunities for program participants”

Dykes was very pleased with the turnout and was excited about the future of the program.

“We were very happy with the turnout of the first class,” Dykes said. “Being a new program you never know how it’s going to go but the beekeepers were very interested in the program. We had 68 people test and we currently have over 200 people on the mailing list. Good numbers for a new program I think.”

For more information about the Texas Master Beekeeper program, visit the website at http://masterbeekeeper.tamu.edu.

Students Recognized During Banquet, Parents’ Weekend Convocation

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Adrienne Brundage at the podium.
Dr. Adrienne Brundage speaking. Photo by Rob Williams

COLLEGE STATION, Texas—The stormy weather did not stop families and friends from celebrating the achievements of our Entomology and Forensic and Investigative Sciences students at the 19th annual Undergraduate Student Recognition Banquet on Thursday, April 16.

Students were treated to a buffet style dinner and desserts as members of the Aggie Forensic and Investigative Sciences (AFISO) and the Undergraduate Entomology Student Organization (UESO) led the event. Dr. Adrienne Brundage provided a motivational talk about discovery of one’s career path based upon her life experiences and decisions, and provided sage advice to students. Drs. Kevin Heinz and Pete Teel announced the recipients of the Department’s suite of scholarships. The recipients for this year are:

Ryan Selking and Dr. Pete Teel
Ryan Selking receiving the certificate for the Burrus McDaniel Systematics Scholarship. Photo by Rob Williams
  • Ryan Selking – Burrus McDaniel Scholarship
  • Shelby Kilpatrick and Katrina Hicks – Len P. Quattrochi Memorial Scholarship
  • Mya Gates –Fowden G and Katherine G Maxwell Scholarships
  • Domingo Monjaras– Roger Gold Outstanding Faculty Scholarship
  • Travis Faris – Dial and Eva Martin Scholarship
  • Qifan Lin – Perry L. Adkisson Scholarship
  • Andrew Graf – Manning A. Price Memorial Scholarship
  • Judd Hatler and Adrianna Juarez– Paul Truman Riherd Scholarship
  • Andrew Evans – Dr. Roger Walker Meola Memorial Scholarship
  • Bryce Phelps- Honorah A. Doré Scholarship
  • Jeremy Arnold, Christopher Hibbert, and Riley McBroom– Department of Entomology Scholarships
Students receiving certificates
The Entomology Scholars Society members standing with Dr. Kevin Heinz and Dr. Pete Teel. From left to right: Dr. Heinz, Shelby Kilpatrick, Andrew Graf, Jakalynne Gosnell, and Dr. Teel.

Shelby Kilpatrick, Andrew Graf, Jakalynne Gosnell, and Dayvion Adams were announced as the latest cohort of the Entomology Scholars Society. These students will be enaged in a series of activities at the university, college and departmental levels assisting prospective students with campus visits, assisting new students during summer conferences with class scheduling, and by planning/conducting special programs in conjunction with departmental faculty and staff.

Dr. Micky Eubanks, right, receiving the Professor of the Year from UESO member Shelby Kilpatrick, left.
Dr. Micky Eubanks, right, receiving the Professor of the Year from UESO member Shelby Kilpatrick, left.

Dr. Micky Eubanks was recognized as Professor of the Year. This award is given annually to the professor that does an outstanding job at instruction to the Department’s students. Elizabeth Lem was recognized as the AFISO Member of the Year, and Shelby Kilpatrick was recognized as the UESO Member of the Year award.

The organizations recognized Chelsea Holcomb as the Most Outstanding GraduateTeaching Assistant of the Year in Forensics and Emily Boothe for the Most Outstanding GraduateTeaching Assistant of the Year for Entomology. The AFISO 2015-16 officers were announced:

  • Emily Grimshaw-President
  • Whitney West-Vice President
  • Stephanie Stratta – Treasurer
  • Denise Carlos – Secretary
  • Adrianna Tirloni – Activities Coordinator
  • Melissa Espinoza – Treasurer

The UESO 2015-16 officers were announced:

  • Andrew Graf – President
  • Ryan Selking – Vice President
  • Robin Callahan – Treasurer
  • Jakalynne Gosnell – Secretary
  • Catherine Collins – Historian
  • Shelby Kilpatrick – Outreach Coordinator
  • Melissa Espinoza – Webmaster
Kelsey Muniz, center, standing with Dr. Bill Dugas ,left, and Dr. Mark Hussey. Photo by College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Kelsey Muniz, center, standing with Dr. Bill Dugas ,left, and Dr. Mark Hussey. Photo by College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Senior Forensic and Investigative Sciences majors Kelsey Muniz and Caitlin Otto received the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ Senior Merit Awards for 2015 during the Spring Awards Convocation on Saturday, April 18.

A native of Giddings, Texas, Muniz is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Forensic and Investigative Sciences major with the Law Emphasis Track. She is currently a member of the Aggie Forensic and Investigative Sciences Organization. As a member, she has helped with the organization’s annual bake sale fundraiser and volunteered with The Big Event in 2011. She also has been involved in several activities through her undergraduate experience, including volunteering for the Lee County Food Pantry and various functions for St. Paul Lutheran Church. In summer of 2014, she interned with the Austin Police Department as a Crime Scene Unit Intern, where she observed and assisted crime scene technicians with processing non-evidentiary items in the lab using Cyanoacrylate fuming, black powder and dye stains.

Caitlin Otto, center, standing with Dr. Bill Dugas, left, and Dr. Mark Hussey. Photo by College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Caitlin Otto, center, standing with Dr. Bill Dugas, left, and Dr. Mark Hussey. Photo by College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Otto, a native of Houston, Texas, is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Forensic and Investigative Sciences major with the Science Emphasis Track. During her career at A&M, she was a member of the Leggett Hall Council and served as its President from 2013-2014, as well as its Treasurer and Vice President in 2012-2013. Otto has been a member of the the Residence Hall Association and the Presidents Council from 2013-2014. She has also been involved with Relay for Life and has served both as a participant and as a Team Co-Leader for three years.

 

 

 

First-Ever Student-Edited Electronic Journal Released

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screenshot of website
A screenshot of the new Instars electronic journal that was launched recently

COLLEGE STATION, Texas—Students in the Department of Entomology now have another place to showcase their research as assistant lecturer Dr. Adrienne Brundage’s Entomology 481 Science Writing course released its first-ever online journal this month.

The journal, named “Instars: A Journal of Undergraduate Research,” is an open-access journal that features a compilation of research project papers that have been done by former and current undergraduate students both in the department’s Entomology and Forensic and Investigative Sciences programs.

Students served as peer editors during the planning stages last fall. Brundage said they were placed in small groups of two to three and tasked with reviewing each submission for proper content, format and grammar by using a standardized rubric for submitting papers professionally.

After the review, each group then submitted a written article analysis on each submission, basing their critiques on grammar, style and content. The article analysis was then passed onto three different groups with a final publication decision after the third review. She said that at the end of the semester, the students voted on 15 to 20 papers that were submitted to the journal as their final project.

Some of the articles in the inaugural edition featured research projects including population survey of Haematobia irritans flies on cattle, mosquito surveillance in Brazos County, ticks, and several papers on forensic entomology topics. The papers were submitted by both current and former students of ENTO 423, ENTO 208, and FIVS 435 courses.

Brundage was very pleased with the launch and is looking forward to working on the next edition.

“I’m really excited that this came together,” she said. “It shows a huge amount of work from the students, and I know that each student was very proud of what he or she contributed to this journal. I anticipate that the journal will continue to grow each semester, and I look forward to inviting submissions from any student in any of our classes.”

She also appreciated the students’ hard work and was proud of what they have accomplished during the class last semester to make the publication possible.

“The students worked very, very hard on this journal. Since it was the first issue, they had no model to follow, and had to figure out a lot of the problems themselves,” she said. “This shows how dedicated they were to this process and how much they wanted to make this product a success. I hope they are proud of their work.”

The journal can be found at https://journals.tdl.org/instars/index.php/instars