A Word From Our Department Head...
Dr. Kevin Heinz
The Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University “Creates and Implements Knowledge That Improves Lives.” We are proud to show you how we are doing in executing our mission by sharing with you our numerous teaching, research, extension, and community outreach activities performed by our talented and vibrant faculty, staff, and students.
Due to the dedicated work of our newsletter co-editors, Ms. Carla Smith (Assistant to the Department Head), Ms. Rebecca Hapes(Senior Academic Advisor), and Mr. Rob Williams (Web Designer), we will bring to you 3-4 newsletters to keep you up-to-date on the activities of your Department of Entomology.
Feel free to let me know how we are doing by sharing your thoughts with me in an email (KMHeinz@ag.tamu.edu). I look forward to hearing from
you
as we share our accomplishments
in the forthcoming issues.
Thailand-Bound: Grad Student Wins Fulbright Grant
Michelle Sanford
Entomology grad student Michelle Sanford will be taking mosquito research to another level—globally.
Sanford will be the first recipient this year from Texas A&M to take the prestigious Fulbright Grant to allow her to study mosquitoes in Thailand.
Sanford received the grant in July. The grant is offered annually to students that are seeking research opportunities overseas.
Fresh Faces For A New Year: Department Hires New Faculty
The Department of Entomology proudly announces the newest faculty members, Dr. Jeff Tomberlin and Dr. Micky Eubanks.
Tomberlin received his Ph.D. in entomology from the University of Georgia and a masters in entomology from Clemson. He previously served the Department as an assistant professor and extension specialist located
at the Agricultural Research and Extension Center
in Stephenville.
Hats Off To A Student Favorite: Olson Retires After 37 Years of Service
Dr. Jim Olson
The Department of Entomology will be bidding farewell to a leader and well-liked faculty member, Dr. Jim Olson.
Dr. Jim Olson, professor and medical entomologist, retired August 31st after 37 years of teaching and research for the department.
Olson’s mosquito research program in Texas began with the 1971 outbreak of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis in several parts of Texas.
August Grads Enjoy Pre-Graduation Reception, Fellowship
Travis Cody and Nicole Alexander
Thirteen students from the Department celebrated this big step with thousands of others in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, as well as the colleges of Geosciences, Architecture, Engineering, Medicine and Mays Business School.
Before commencement began, friends and family gathered in the Entomology conference room for cake and appetizers during a reception in their honor.
Extension Welcomes New Staff; IPM Agent Wins National Award
David Kerns
Christian Nansen
The Texas Cooperative Extension extends its welcome to faculty members David Kerns and Christian Nansen, as well as congratulates Glen Moore for receiving a prestigious award for outstanding programs by a national organization.
Nansen and Kerns are based out of the Lubbock office of the Texas Cooperative Extension.
Amarillo Extension Staff Member Retires After 32 Years Of Service
Carl Patrick
Patrick held his position at the Texas A&M University System Agricultural Research and Extension Center for more than 32 years.
In those years, he has been instrumental in working with the community in pest management and other agricultural issues affecting the area.