Who is Tops in the Field of Entomology?

Posted by Growing Produce Staff|September 9, 2019

The Entomological Society of America (ESA) recently announced the winners of its 2019 awards. The annual program recognizes scientists, educators, and students who have distinguished themselves through contributions to entomology and crop protection solutions.

Some of the top professional award winners for 2019 include:

Distinguished Achievement Award in Extension: Dr. Surendra Dara
Dara is an Entomology and Biologicals Advisor with the University of California Cooperative Extension. Dara’s research and Extension program creates innovative solutions for sustainable crop production and protection, and he reaches out to the agricultural community locally, regionally, and internationally. He has nearly 25 years of experience in IPM and microbial control, working on 17 species of invasive pests and diseases and several endemic species throughout his career.
Award for Excellence in Integrated Pest Management: Dr. Silvia Rondon
Rondon is a Professor and Extension Entomology Specialist at Oregon State University affiliated to the Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center and the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. She has brought more than $36 million in private, state, and federal grants through her collaborations nationally and internationally. Rondon is currently working toward improving management of Lygus bugs, leafhoppers, and other pests affecting irrigated crops.
Distinguished Achievement Award in Teaching: Dr. Allan Felsot
Felsot is a Professor in the Department of Entomology in the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences at Washington State University. Felsot’s philosophy of teaching promotes skeptical inquiry to challenge “authority” through examination and communication of evidence-based information.
Nan-Yao Su Award for Innovation and Creativity in Entomology: Dr. Gerhard Gries
Gries is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Simon Fraser University (British Columbia, Canada). He has received more than $11 million of research support as a principal investigator and currently runs a large laboratory with 13 graduate students, three research associates, and many undergraduate students, often recruited from his Insect Biology class.