Awards

Teel Wins Distinguished Achievement Award In Teaching from ESA

July 28, 2016 by Rob Williams

Dr. Pete Teel close up — Dr. Pete Teel. Photo by Rob Williams

Congratulations to Professor and Associate Department Head for Academic Programs Dr. Pete Teel for winning the Entomological Society of America’s (ESA) Distinguished Award In Teaching for 2016. This is the highest level of achievement from the ESA bestowed on its members.

The award is presented annually to members of the ESA that have achieved success throughout their career in teaching. Teel has been honored for his 38 years of teaching undergraduate and graduate entomology courses.

Teel currently teaches the Occupation and Professional Development course (ENTO 482), where students learn how to prepare themselves for entry into either graduate school or employment. He also teaches a graduate course in acaralogy (ENTO 617) where students learn about the systematics, morphology and

Dr. Pete Teel teaching — Dr. Pete Teel demonstrating the Tick App during a session of the Tick Identification and Foreign Animal Disease Awareness workshops.

physiology and management of ticks and mites.

He also has directed the development and implementation of a 12-credit-hour undergraduate certificate in public health Entomology. This certificate program has 129 students enrolled from various colleges.

In addition to his role as classroom instructor at at Texas A&M, Teel has developed and taught various tick identification workshops for inspectors with the Texas Animal Health Commission and USDA working with statewide tick surveillance programs, as well as a forensic acarology workshop for the North American Forensic Entomology Association.

Teel has contributed to several programs on tick biology, ecology, and management for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and has at the annual Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course held every summer. Every spring, he directs a 4-H and FFA Entomology clinic that helps youths with identifying insects, preparing them for the upcoming area and statewide contests during the summer.

Teel serves as the Associate Department Head for Academic Programs and Associate Director of the Forensic and Investigative Sciences program.

“I am deeply honored to be selected as the recipient of the Distinguished Achievement Award in Teaching for the Entomological Society of America,” he said. “I am very proud to be able to bring this home to our department as recognition of our outstanding teaching program.”

The award will be presented in September during the International Congress of Entomology meeting in Orlando.

Harris Receives Ta-que-ne-whap Award for Leadership and Service

June 1, 2016 by Rob Williams

Marvin Harris for WordPress — Dr. Marvin Harris. Submitted photo

TYLER, Texas–The Department of Entomology would like to congratulate professor emeritus Dr. Marvin Harris as he received the Ta-que-ne-whap Award from the Southwestern Branch of the Entomological Society of America during its annual meeting in February.

Established in 1977 by the branch’s Executive Committee, the award honors members who have contributed exceptional leadership and service to the Branch over their lifetimes. Harris, a Professor Emeritus of Entomology at Texas A&M University, received the award for his outstanding efforts in the organization.

A joint research (Texas A&M AgriLife Research) and teaching (TAMU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences) appointment during most of his career allowed participation that focused on basic and applied entomology primarily involving pecan insects and teaching and mentoring students at all levels.

This program facilitated developing and applying new knowledge in the classroom, scientific forums and the pecan agroecosystem, serving as major professor for 40 students who received degrees to date, teaching 2-4 courses annually that reached 800+ students in all, and interacting with colleagues and pecan producers to bring science to agriculture. Dr. Harris also served as an advocate for students, particularly undergraduates, on using professional societies to “Transition Their Educations Into Careers” as preparation for life after graduation.

Harris served as the ESA Chairman of Section F in 1984, Chairman and organizer for 1st and 2nd Robert H. Nelson Symposia, and Chairman of Publications Council in 1985. Harris also served as the Governing Council Representative of the American Registry of Professional Entomologists (ARPE) from 1985-1988, the Southwestern Branch Representative to the Governing Board in 2003-2009, and the Chairman of the editorial board of Insecticide and Acaracide Tests of ESA in 1986. Harris was the Chairman for the Continuing Education Committee of the ARPE in 1987, and the Examiner for Pest Management Category of Certification for ARPE from 1986-1988.

Harris received numerous awards, including an honorary member of the Entomological Society of America, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Superior Service Award in 2011, and the IPM Teacher Award in 2008.

The name of the award (Ta-que-ne-whap) comes from the southern Comanche dialect and means “Chief’ or “Captain”. The Comanche tribe dominated the heart of the Branch area prior to the arrival of the Europeans. They were fiercely independent but willing to defend their “society”, its interests and values regardless of personal risks.

The old chief symbolizes one who has lead and cared for his “society” over a long period, through good times and bad; giving of himself for the betterment of others. His long service is etched in the wrinkles of his face and brow, but his eyes look unblinkingly into the future. His full headdress depicts the many leadership roles, recognitions and honors that he has earned over the years which validate his sage words of counsel and guidance.

It should be noted that such worthy individuals as these recipients are rare and do not pass our way frequently. Therefore, it is the in- tent of the Executive Committee that this award will not be given on an annual basis but only as justified by an exceptional record of leadership and service to the Branch. The 2016 recipient is only the 10th individual recognized for the Award since its inception in 1977.

Hewlett Receives COALS Senior Merit Award

April 27, 2016 by Rob Williams

Jeremy Hewlett with Dr. Mark Hussey — Jeremy Hewlett. right, with Dr. Mark A. Hussey – Vice Chancellor and Dean for Agriculture and Life Sciences. Photo by College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Congratulations to senior Entomology major Jeremy Hewlett as he received the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ Senior Merit Award during the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Spring Convocation.

Hewlett is a member of the Texas A&M Undergraduate Entomology Student Organization and works in Dr. Micky Eubanks’ lab studying the ant-aphid mutualisms and how to use them in controlling other pests while increasing crop yield.

He also participated in certification classes and group sailing activities in the American Sailing Association and the Kemah Sailing Club in 2011-2012 and was involved with the Aircraft Owner and Pilot Association from 2008-2014. He also was a volunteer software developer from 2012 and was involved in the SANS GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst Advisory Board from 2001-2005.

Hewlett received three awards during his college career, including the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society in 2013 and the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society in 2014, as well as receiving the Houston Community College System’s Chemistry Student of the Year in 2013.

The Senior Merit Award is the highest award that is given to an undergraduate by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. To be eligible, students must be projected to graduate during the 2016 calendar year.

Undergraduates Recognized At 20th Annual Banquet

April 13, 2016 by Rob Williams

Shelby Kilpatrick, center left, receiving a certificate for the Len P. Quattrochi Memorial Scholarship. Pictured from left are: Dr. Bill McCutchen, Kilpatrick, Dr. Pete Teel, and Dr. David Reed. Photo by Rob Williams

COLLEGE STATION, Texas—Congratulations to all of the Department’s students that were recognized at the 20^th Annual Undergraduate Entomology Student Banquet on Friday, April 8.

Students and their families convened at the Thomas G. Hildebrand Equine Complex where they were treated to a barbecue dinner and desserts as members of the Aggie Forensic and Investigative Sciences and the Undergraduate Entomology Student Organization led the program.

After the welcome, UESO member Shelby Kilpatrick reported the highlights of the year’s activities for the organization while Stephanie Stratta reported highlights from AFIS and Dr. David Reed provided the keynote address.

Brandon Hoyer, center left, receiving a certificate for the Len P. Quattrochi Memorial Scholarship. Pictured from left are: Dr. Bill McCutchen, Hoyer, Dr. Pete Teel, and Dr. David Reed. Photo by Rob Williams — Brandon Hoyer, center left, receiving a certificate for the Perry L. Adkisson Scholarship. Pictured from left are: Dr. Bill McCutchen, Hoyer, Dr. Pete Teel, and Dr. David Reed. Photo by Rob Williams

This year’s scholarship recipients include:

Brandon Hoyer – Perry L. Adkisson Scholarship
Shelby Kilpatrick – Len P. Quattrochi Memorial Scholarships
Mya Gates – Department of Entomology Scholarship
Riley McBroom – Fowden G. and Katherine G. Maxwell Scholarship
Jakalynne Gosnell – Burruss McDaniel/Entomology Systematics Scholarship
Myrah Rodgers – Dr. Manning A. Price Scholarship
Renee Chu – Paul Truman Riherd Memorial Scholarship
Jorge Ordonez – Roger Walker Meola Scholarship
Zayra Ramos – Dial and Eva Martin Memorial Scholarship
Emily Parsoneault – Dr. Micky Eubanks Outstanding Faculty Scholarship
Tanner Truelove-Honorah A. Dore Scholarship

The Entomology Scholars Society for 2016-2017. Pictured are: Bill McCutchen, Dr. Pete Teel, members Katherina Kang, Dayvion Adams, Elaine Chu, and Shelby Kilpatrick, and Dr. David Reed — The Entomology Scholars Society for 2016-2017. Pictured are: Dr. Bill McCutchen, Dr. Pete Teel, members Katherina Kang, Dayvion Adams, Elaine Chu, and Shelby Kilpatrick, and Dr. David Reed

The Department also announced the 2016-2017 cohorts of the Department of Entomology Scholars Society, which is an organization developed to help current students expand their leadership and outreach skills through the enhancement of departmental functions.

These scholars serve as liaisons between faculty, staff and prospective students. Throughout the year, scholars represent the Department and its program by serving as hosts to prospective students, parents and other campus visitors. The cohorts for 2016-2017 are:

Shelby Kilpatrick
Dayvion Adams
Elaine Chu
Katherina Kang
Amy Cooper
Alexandra Williams

Dr. Aaron Tarone receiving the Professor of the Year award from Melissa Espinoza. Photo by Rob Williams.

Dr Aaron Tarone received the Department’s Professor of the Year Award while Jennifer Pecina received AFIS’ Most Hardworking and Dedicated Member of the Year Award and Luke Chambless received UESO Member of the Year.

Ashleigh Faris was announced as the Most Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant of the Year in Forensics and Derek Woller received the Teaching Assistant of the Year for Entomology. The officers for 2016-2017 were then announced during the end of the ceremony.

The 2016-2017 officers for AFIS are:

Katherina Kang – President
Ashley Yzaguirre – Vice President
Adriana Peterson –Treasurer
Jonathan Chang –Secretary
Tammy Star – Activities Coordinator
Mya Gates – Historian

The 2016-2017 officers for UESO are:

Dayvion Adams – President
Elaine Chu – Vice President
Tiffany Le-Ngoc – Treasurer
Bret Nash – Secretary
Luke Chambless – Historian
Ash Howell – Outreach Coordinator
Kaylee Carter – IT Officer/Webmaster

Students Receive Top Awards During Student Research Competitions

April 8, 2016 by Rob Williams

COLLEGE STATION, Texas–Congratulations to three of the Department’s students that received top awards while showcasing student research campuswide during both Student Research Week and the Ecological Integration Symposium held the last week in March.

Entomology major Shelby Kilpatrick received first place during the Ecological Integration for her talk titled “An updated checklist of the bees of the Commonwealth of Dominica (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Anthophila)”

Alexandria Payne received first place in the Plant Sciences, Animal Sciences, Wildlife & Fisheries Science, Entomology, Agriculture, Ecological Restoration category for her talk titled “The Effects of Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) Queen Insemination Volume on Colony Growth”.

Ph.D. student Derek Woller received second place in the Plant Sciences, Animal Sciences, Wildlife & Fisheries Science, Entomology, Agriculture, Ecological Restoration subject area for his presentation titled “Exploring the sexy frontiers of functional morphology…in 3D”

Woller was very excited to receive the award and he loved the diversity of research topics and the fact the university hosts the annual event.

“I was ecstatic when I heard the news because it was a tough competition with a lot of interesting research presentations and I’m very proud to represent the Department of Entomology,” Woller said. “I think all of us here are investigating myriad topics of great fascination that cross multiple disciplines, so any chance we get to promote what we work on and the department, in general, should be taken.”

Payne’s mentor Dr. Juliana Rangel was very proud of Payne’s hard work and dedication in her research. “I am very proud of Alex’s accomplishment at Student Research Week,” Juliana Rangel said. “This confirms that she is a really good presenter and did a great job. I am looking forward to working together this summer.”

Kilpatrick enjoyed presenting at the symposium and was proud to receive first place for her talk.

“Presenting at the Ecological Integration Symposium was a great opportunity and I really appreciate everyone who made the event possible,” she said. “It was a privilege to participate in EIS and an honor to receive an award for speaking about something I am passionate about.”

Payne was excited about winning her award and that the event helped her to increase the awareness about honey bee research in Dr. Rangel’s lab.

“I am very grateful they gave me the award and it gave me a chance to display my research,” Payne said.