A Word From Our Department Head...
Dr. Kevin Heinz
The holiday season… that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance. It may weave a spell of nostalgia; it may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always the holidays will be days of remembrance -- days in which we think of everything we have ever loved.
There is much to celebrate upon reflection on the past year. The Department of Entomology is home to the largest numbers of students in recent history, we continue to add new faculty to our ranks, the research programs advance a number of scientific disciplines and create the foundational knowledge for new technologies, and the extension and outreach programs translate our knowledge base to improving the lives of Texans and their spheres of influence.
Christmas, Eid al-Adha, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Winter Solstice are all words that that bring joy to the hearts of our extended Aggie family. No matter how we may dread the rush, the long lists for gifts and cards to be bought and given, when these holidays come there is still the same warm feeling we had as children, the same warmth that enfolds our hearts and our homes. Appreciate and honor these feelings, and try to keep them all the year.
Remain safe in your travels and we look forward to celebrating a joyous New Year with you.
Kevin M. Heinz, Professor and Department Head
2008 Entomology Science Conference Held
Exciting entomology research was the topic at this year’s Entomology Science Conference.
Entomologists representing the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas AgriLife across the state convened at the College Station Conference Center on the week of November 5-8.
After a moment of silence in remembrance of Dr. John Jackman's passing in August 2008, Drs. Chris Sansone, Kevin Heinz and Tom Fuchs updated the group on yearly activities.(More)
Department Uses New Video Sites For Recruitment
Since late spring, the folks at Solpugid Productions have partnered with the Department in catchy, professional recruiting videos for the public to view while surfing the Web. The videos feature both faculty and students and shows in an entertaining way about what life in the Department is all about.
In addition to having the videos on the departmental site (insects.tamu.edu), we have created a space on TAMU's iTunes U site and a new YouTube channel to broadcast our recruiting efforts to the public. (More)
Fall Semester Time of Change
This fall was a semester of change as the Department welcomed Dr. Michel Slotman and Dr. Cecilia Tamborindeguy to its growing roster of faculty members.
Dr. Slotman joined in August as an assistant professor and medical entomologist. Dr. Tamborindeguy, assistant professor of plant-vector-pathogen entomology started December 1. (more)
Students Attend Special Commencement as President Bush Arrives for Pre-Graduation Convocation
For 15 students graduating this December, this will be one they will never forget.
Our students joined more than 11,000 people to hear President George W. Bush speak during a special morning convocation ceremony at Reed Arena on Friday, December 12.
Students, faculty and families were then treated to food and fellowship during the reception in the Heep Center fourth floor atrium before the 7p.m. commencement ceremony at Reed Arena.(more)
"And The Award Goes to...Entomology!" Numerous Awards Given to Faculty, Staff and Students
Congratulations to Mark Wright and Robert Jensen for outstanding service to the University as they received the 2008 President's Meritorious Service Awards.
The awards were given during the annual Holiday Coffee at the Memorial Student Center on December 1.
Sponsored by the Office of the President and the Association of Former Students, the awards are a special way for the university to honor outstanding staff members.(more)
Forensics Students Are 'Catching A Clue'
Degree Program
Gets Off To A Good Start
The Forensic and Investigative Sciences program at TAMU has received excellent responses from the public.
According to statistics, the program currently has 38 majors this fall.
Established in August 2007, the program is designed to give students a well-rounded background in the forensic and investigative sciences field.
For more information about the Forensic and Investigative Sciences program, visit the website at http://forensics.tamu.edu.
933,133 Reasons to be Thankful
Since, Sept. 1, 2008, the department has received $933,133 in new gifts, spread over several established accounts and also established one new endowment, the Roy Kendall Insect Collection Endowment.
In additon, the minimal level for establishment of the permanent Entomology Student Enhancement Endowment was reached this November. The Department looks forward to seeing this endowment continue to grow and benefit our students. Thanks to our donors for their many contributions and for making this goal become a reality.
These funds will benefit the department, its programs and its students for years to come.
If you wish to make a gift to the Department to assist others to 'Discover Entomology', please contact Ms. Roberta Priesmeyer (r-priesmeyer@tamu.edu).