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GRADUATE STUDENTS

Without a doubt, graduate students are one of the major strengths of the Department of Entomology. At present, there are 28 students (11 M.S. and 17 PhD) enrolled in the Department (Figure 1). This enrollment is slightly below average for the past ten years (32.1 students), and well below peak enrollment of 44 students that was reached in 1994. Our current student body includes 8 international students from 6 different countries, and 20 U.S. citizens- 11 from within Louisiana and 9 from other states. The career aspirations of these students also are diverse and include academia, the government, consulting, industry, and extension. Historically, graduates of the LSU Entomology program have been very successful in finding employment in these sectors (Table G1).

The overall excellence of LSU-Entomology graduate students is reflected in the numerous awards they have received (Table G2). The faculty is especially proud of their performance at regional and national meetings of the Entomological Society of America, where their excellence in research and speaking skills have been recognized and rewarded. In 5 of the past 6 years, LSU-Entomology students have won or placed in student competitions for paper or poster presentations. In addition, LSU students have received the Robert T. Gast Award 5 times in the past 10 years, and have won (or received Honorable Mention for) the President’s Prize in 6 of the past 10 years.

Results from a recent survey (Appendix 2) suggest that the reputation of individual faculty members is a leading reason our students chose to study Entomology at LSU, and the faculty are perceived by students as a major strength of the Department. The scope of the faculty's research programs also appears to be important to students: 50% of the students consider the Department's "reputation for strong applied programs" as its major strength. An additional 26% stated that the availability of support was a prime consideration for choosing LSU Entomology and, when asked specifically about the importance of financial support in selecting our department, over 90% identified it as "somewhat" or "very" important.

Whereas the majority of our students appear to be satisfied (or extremely satisfied) with the Department and feel they are getting the training needed to pursue their career goals, they see a number of areas for improvement. Most (65%) feel that the fellowships and assistantships they receive are insufficient. In 2000, stipends at LSU Entomology ($12,000/12,600 for MS and PhD students, respectively) were only slightly below average for the Southeast Region; however, many of our sister departments offer tuition waivers for in-state as well as out-of-state students. We currently provide waivers for out-of-state students only. In addition, many of the departments within this region provide fringe benefits (including health insurance) to their graduate students. At present, LSU Entomology does not. Stipends for both MS and PhD students were recently increased to $13,000 and $13,600, respectively.

A second area where graduate students would like to see improvement is in the types of courses that are offered. Over a quarter of the students responding to the survey saw major weakness in the Department's curriculum. Major deficiencies in this regard are the lack of formal courses in Insect Ecology and Aquatic Entomology. Other concerns were the absence of a Department library, poor graduate student recruiting, and a shortage of strong, fundamental research programs.

Louisiana State University, Ph.D. candidate, 

Major in Entomology; Minor in Agricultural Economics

Louisiana State University, M.S. degree, Major in Entomology; Minor in Agricultural Statistics

University of Florida, B.S. in Agriculture, Majors in Entomology/Nematology and Fruit Crops

National School of Agriculture, Agronomist (Honduras)

1997 –present LSU, Research Associate Spec, Dept. of Entomology

1994 – 97 LSU, Graduate Research Student, Dept. of Entomology

1991 – 94 Panamerican School of Agriculture, Zamorano, Honduras, Research and Diagnosis Assistant, Crop Protection Dept.

1991 – 91 Div. of Plant Industry, Gainesville, FL, Volunteer Assistant in a Parasite Rearing Project

Degree Program: Ph.D. candidate in Entomology, 1998 - present

Major Professor: Dr. Thomas J. Riley

Committee: Drs. R.F. Kazmierczak; B.R. Leonard; D.J. Boethel, D. Longstreth

Synopsis of Current Research: Evaluation of Bacillus thuringiensis Transgenic Field Corn for Resistance to Louisiana Corn Pests. Laboratory, field and economic-risk assessment evaluations on selected corn hybrids under southeastern U.S. conditions.

-Castro, B. A., T. J. Riley, and B. R. Leonard. 2000. Evaluation of Planting Date, Sorghum Hybrid, and Insecticide Treatment on Sorghum Midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) Management in Northeast Louisiana. J. Econ. Entomol. 93: 1199-1206.

-Basarir, A., B. A. Castro, R. F. Kazmierczak, and T. J. Riley. 2000. A Stochastic Dominance Analysis of Bt Corn Production in the Southeastern United States. Dept. of Agricultural Economics and Dept. of Entomology, LSU AgCenter, Staff Paper 2000-02, January 2000. 15 pp. Social Science Research Network Electronic Library (http://papers.ssrn.com/paper.taf?abstract_id=217533)

Selected Presentations:

-Performance of Selected Bt-Corn Hybrids for Management of the Fall Armyworm, Spodopterafrugiperda (J. E. Smith), in Louisiana. B. A. Castro, J. Riley, and B. R. Leonard. Presented at the Fall Armyworm Symposium, 74^th Annual Meeting Southeastern Branch, Entomological Society of America, Mobile, Alabama. February 27^th--March 1^st, 2000.

-New Technologies in Agriculture: Transgenic Crops. B. A. Castro. Presented to the Honduran Biotechnology Committee of the Honduran Department of Agriculture. Invited by the Sub-Director of Crop Health Section, Department of Agriculture, Tegucigalpa, Honduras. January 17^th, 2000.

Selected Awards: L. D. Newsom Award for Masters of Science in Entomology, LSU 1997-98.

Future Goals: To obtain a position in a leading company or university and do research with emphasis on Applied Pest Management of Important Crops.

 

Andrew R. Cline

-B.S. Biology (Ecology); Univ. of AL – Huntsville

-M.S. Entomology; Univ. of MO

Professional experience: Part-Time Instructor; Univ. of Al-Huntsville, Responsible for Introductory and Organismal Biology Laboratories

Degree Program: Ph.D. (1^st yr.), Major Professor: Dr. Chris Carlton

Synopsis of current research: I am currently pursuing a dissertation project focused on the phylogenetic relationships among neotropical Nitidulidae. This work has several objectives including; revision of monophyletic genera (especially the genus Pocadius) within the subfamily Nitidulinae, description of larval and adult characters for use in preparing a key to the neotrpoical Nitidulidae, and associations of host fungi specifically with members of the Agaricales, Aphyllophorales, and Lycoperdales. A treatment of the neotropical Nitidulidae has never been comprehensively completed, and remains an enigma for establishing higher level reconstructions within the Cucujoidea. This systematic treatise will alleviate the depauperate information on the family, and provide an accessible identification key for tropical researchers. Sites to be included in the study range from Mexico and northern Central America into the northern countries of South America.

Publications: Refereed – 5 Non-refereed – 9

Presentations: Poster – 2

Grants: Mississippi Wildlife Heritage Fund – "A reconnaissance survey of the terrestrial beetle fauna of Clark Creek State Park". Amount: $3400, not funded.

Sigma Xi grant in aid of research, LSU chapter, systematics and evolution in the Nitiduline sap beetles and the Inquilinous clown beetles, pending.

2000.  LSU - Graduate School Supplement Award ($3000 / year / 3yrs.)

2000.  UMC - Stone Award for Outstanding Masters Student ($500)

2000.  UMC - Linnaean Games Team Member - 1^st place ESA NCB Meeting - March

1999.  UMC - Linnaean Games Team Member - ESA National Champions - December

1999.  UMC - Linnaean Games Team Member - 2^nd place ESA NCB Meeting - March

1999.  UMC - C.V. Riley Entomological Society Award of Merit

1996.  UAH - Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society

1992.  H.L. - Ogle Educational Scholarship ($500)

Future goals: I plan to pursue a career in academia, maintaining a strong research and teaching program. Future research would include systematic work on the neotropical Nitidulidae and Cucujoidea. Also, evolutionary studies concerned with host fungal use and exploitation. Teaching duties will hopefully concentrate on insect taxonomy/systematics, insect behavior, insect morphology, and insect plant/fungal interactions. I hope to return to the next generation of scientists the knowledge and respect for entomology that was bestowed on me by educators and advisors.

Education: B.S., M.Ed., M.S.

Professional Experience: High school biology teacher; Entomology laboratory technician

Degree Program: Ph.D.

Major Professor: Dr. D. Prowell, Austin Thompson Endowed Professor

Graduate Committee: Drs. C. Carlton, Associate Professor of Entomology, L. Hooper-Bui, Assistant Professor of Entomology, B. Platt, Professor of Plant Population Biology/Ecology 

Synopsis of current research: Protocols for restoring and maintaining endangered ecosystems have been established from historical perspectives, but it is equally important to modify regimes in response to unique circumstances resulting from modern day events, such as the introduction of exotic species. In the rapidly declining longleaf pine ecosystem, prescribed burns are employed to restore diversity of native, fire-adapted inhabitants. Exotic species can, however, complicate and/or hinder efforts to maintain native diversity. For example, Solenopsis invicta, the red imported fire ant, has been shown to decrease native insect species by 70 percent. Unfortunately, not much is known about species-specific responses to various burning regimes or the deleterious impact imposed by exotic species in those regimes. Therefore, the objectives of my research were to document native and exotic insect population responses to two fire frequencies and to record differences in native insect populations in the presence and absence of S. invicta. We found fire frequency to have a greater impact on native insect abundance than presence of S. invicta. Annual burn plots had significantly more native ants than biennial burn plots. The same results appear to be true for native beetles; however, species are still being identified. There was no correlation between insect abundance and either leaf litter dry weights or soil temperature.

Publications: 8 for M.S. and Ph.D.

Colby, D.M. 2000. Effects of fire frequency and red imported fire ants on native insects in a Louisiana longleaf pine savanna. Science to Achieve Results (STAR) Graduate Fellowship Conference Abstracts. EPA/600/R-00.

Colby, D.M., M.T. Windham, and J.F. Grant. 1996. Transportation and viability of conidia of Discula destructiva on Hippodamia convergens. Plant Disease 80(7):804-805.

Presentations: 20 for M.S. and Ph.D.

Restoration of a longleaf pine savanna: Impacts on native and exotic insects. 2000 Annual ESA Meeting, Montreal, Canada.

Effects of fire frequency and red imported fire ants on native insects in a Louisiana longleaf pine savanna. 1999 Annual ESA Meeting, Atlanta, Georgia.

Grants: STAR Graduate Environmental Education Fellowship: Environmental Protection Agency - $90,000; Baton Rouge Nature Conservancy Research Grant - $2,500; Grants-in-Aid of Research: Sigma Xi - $300

Awards: 1999, 2000 – 2^nd Place, National ESA student research competition

1993: Best Student Paper, Tennessee ESA

1993: Best Student Paper, Southeastern Branch ESA

1993: 1^st Place, Sigma Xi student paper presentations

Future goals: pursue a career in environmental policy and/or teach at a private college

1991 B.S., General Agriculture, Northeast Louisiana University-

1994 M.S, Agronomy, Louisiana State University-

1991-1994, M.S. student in the LSU Department of Agronomy.

1994-1998, Research associate in Entomology program at the LSU Northeast Research Station.

1998-present, Research associate and Ph. D. student in the LSU Department of Entomology.

Major Professor: Dr. B. Rogers Leonard

Graduate Committee: Drs. Roger Leonard (Chair), David Boethel, Eugene Burris, Richard Story (Dept. of Entomology), Charles Kennedy (Dept. of Agronomy)

Current Research: Research projects include surveys of thrips species infesting cotton seedling in Louisiana, evaluation of soil insecticides against thrips and the impact of these treatments on the thrips species composition, the influence of cover crops on the performance of soil insecticides, and the agronomic response of cotton to thrips injury.

Publications: Refereed Publications: 2, Other Publications: 43

Technical Presentations: Formal Papers: 15, Display Presentations: 8

Awards: Honorable mention Cotton Insect Research and Control Conference student paper competition Ph.D. division at the 2000 Beltwide Cotton Conferences.

First place student paper competition Ph.D. division at the annual meeting of the LA Plant Protection Association 1998.

Future Goals: To seek employment as a research or extension entomologist in the Mid-South or Southeastern United State after graduation.

1981 Master science in plant protection, Ukrainian Agricultural Academy, Kiev

1986 Master science in plant and soil, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL

Professional experience:

-I have had an extended involvement in the structures, extension services and state agencies of the department of agriculture GOS, West Africa. Among my bestowed responsibilities can be mentioned:

-Assistant Inspector of Agriculture

-Assistant Director for fruit and vegetable production

-Phytosanitory Inspector

-Director for migratory operations

Degree Program: Ph.D. Entomology, with a minor in horticulture

Major professor: Dr. Story R. N.

Graduate committee: Drs. Johnson S.J., Hammond A. M., Henderson G., Picha D. H.

-Survey of adult Phyllophaga species in sweet potato growing areas of LA

-Determination of physical factors influencing Phyllophaga oviposition preference

-Evaluation of persistence of soil chemicals utilized in Phyllophaga control

Selected award: African graduate fellowship

Future goals: To be part of a program(s) of research-development concerning pest management in Subtropical and Tropical conditions.

1993-97 Bachelor of Biological Sciences in Horticulture, Southeastern Louisiana University

1997-‘til Masters of Science in Entomology, Louisiana State University,

Major Professor: Christopher E. Carlton, Associate Professor

Graduate Committee: Drs. Christopher E. Carlton, Associate Professor of Entomology; Dorothy P. Prowell, Professor of Entomology; Charles W. Ramcharan, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences

Currently studying the diversity of litter and ground dwelling spiders in mixed mesophytic hardwood forests in Southeast Louisiana. The main methods of collection were Berlese funnel and pitfall trapping. Objectives of this research: 1) to compare diversity in mature versus 40 year old second growth mixed mesophytic forests; 2) to provide a checklist of litter and ground dwelling spiders of mixed mesophytic forests; and 3) to identify disjunct, endemic, and new/unrecorded species of spiders.

1999 Litter and ground dwelling spider diversity of mixed mesophytic forests in Louisiana. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting,

Obtain Master of Education in Secondary Education. Teach biology on the high school level.

1991 B.S. Agronomy, Louisiana Tech University

1989 Research Technician, Product Research, Bayer Research Farm, Benoit, MS

1990 Research Technician, Cotton Breeding, Red River Research Station, Bossier, LA

1991-1995 Research Associate, Cotton Entomology, Red River Research Station, Bossier, LA

1995-Present Research Associate, Soybean Entomology, Entomology Department

Degree Program: 1996-Present

Major Professor: David J. Boethel

Determine soybean looper responses to foliar feeding on Bt-cotton; Determine the effects of weed management systems on insects in herbicide tolerant and herbicide resistant soybeans; Evaluate insecticide efficacy against field populations of soybean insect pests.

Refereed publications:

Micinski, S., R.A. Goyer, B.J. Fitzpatrick, F.D. Forrester, and P.D. Boldt. 1995. Establishment of Rhinocyllus conicus Froelich in northwest Louisiana. Southwestern Entomologist. 20:408-412.

Fitzpatrick, B.J., M.E. Baur, and D.J. Boethel. 2000. Evaluation of insecticides against soybean looper on soybean, 1999. Arthropod Management Tests, 2000. 25:307.

Fitzpatrick, B.J., M.E. Baur, and D.J. Boethel. 2000. Evaluation of insecticides against soybean looper and velvetbean caterpillar on soybean, 1999. Arthropod Management Tests, 2000. 25:308-309.

Fitzpatrick, B.J., M.E. Baur, T.S. Hall, and D.J. Boethel. 1999. Evaluation of insecticides against soybean looper on soybean in northeast Louisiana, 1998. Arthropod Management Tests, 1999. 24:286-288.

Other non-refereed publications: 22

Oral Presentations:

Seminar, Louisiana State University, Department of Entomology. 2000. "Responses of soybean looper larvae fed soybean, cotton, and Bt transgenic cotton."

Other oral presentations: 3

Future goals: Own/operate an independent farm.

BS in Entomology, Auburn University

MS in Entomology, Louisiana State University

Experience: 1995-1996, Research Assistant, Auburn University

Degree Program: PhD, Spring 1999 – Present

Major Professor: Dr. Roger Leonard

Graduate Committee: Drs. James Griffin (Weed Science, Minor Professor); David Boethel (Entomology); Michael Stout (Entomology)

Synopsis of Current Research: Research objectives are designed to evaluate of genetically modified cotton cultivars that express insecticidal proteins against bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), and larvae. These projects focus on factors associated with the plants and bollworm behavior that lead to increased levels of survival.

Publications: Refereed – 2 Non-refereed – 24

Presentations: Poster – 5 Oral – 19

-2000 L.D. Newsom Award, MS Student, LSU Department of Entomology

-2000 ESA Annual Meeting, PhD Student Paper Competition (Second Place)

-2000 Beltwide Cotton Conf., PhD Student Paper Competition (First Place)

-1999 LPPA Annual Meeting, MS Student Paper Competition (First Place)

-1999 ESA – Southeastern Branch, MS Student Poster Competition (First Place)

-1998 LPPA Annual Meeting, MS Student Paper Competition (Second Place)

Future Goals: I plan to pursue a career in an academic setting either as a research entomologist or extension entomologist. Research objectives would focus on insect pest management in agricultural systems with special interests in developing alternative control strategies (other than chemical insecticides) for insect pests. Alternatively, I would also consider working for the United States Department of Agriculture, as a private agricultural consultant, or with the agro-chemical industry.

Huazhang Huang

1991-95 Dept. of Applied Chemistry, Beijing Agricultural University; B.S., GPA 4.431/5.0.

1995-98 Dept. of Applied Chemistry, China Agricultural University. M.S. in Pesticide Science. GPA 4.56/5.0.

1999-Present. Insecticide Toxicology Lab. Dept. of Entomology, Louisiana State University.

1996-1996 Teaching courses entitled "Herbicide Bioassay" and "Experiment of Formulation Process of Pesticides."

1995-98 Participant of the project "Scientific Application of Pesticides", Supported by Chinese government from 1995-2000.

1995-98 Pesticide Formulation: (examples:20% emulsifiable concentrate (EC) of imidacloprid, 10% microemulsion of fenvalerate, and 24% water solution of methomyl).

Major Professor: Dr. James Ottea

Graduate Committee: Drs. Lane Foil, Mike Stout (Dept. of Entomology) and Robert Strongin (Chemistry Dept.)

Synopsis of Current research: Development of Diagnostic Tools for Resistance Management of Tobacco Budworm, Heliothis virescens.

-Monitoring of pesticide resistance and preliminary studies on mainly resistance mechanisms of citric spider mite, Chinese Pesticides, No. 9, 15-18, 1996.

-Rearing and toxicity evaluation of Liriomyza, Mik, Chinese Pesticide Science and Administration. Vol.19, 22-24, 1997.

-Integrated Control of Liriomyza trifolii in abroad. Chinese Pesticide Science and Administration. Vol. 18, 19-20. 1997.

Honors

1993-President Scholarship, (only 15 students awarded annually over 6000 students of Beijing Agricultural University).

1994, 1995, 1997-Booming Pesticide Industry Scholarship (only 3 to 5 students awarded annually among 60 students majoring in Applied Chemistry.)

1991-1995-First Class of Scholarship

Future Goals: Probing the interactions between chemicals (insecticides, synergists, adjuvant) and insects, looking for effective tools of resistance management, investigating interactions between chemicals and organisms existing in the chemical-contaminated environment (Human, animals or mammals and benefit insects, and so on) by the tools of chemistry, biochemistry, genetic engineering, insecticide or environmental toxicology, immunology, computer science.

1999 Bachelor of Science (Agronomy), Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, Louisiana.

2000- present Master of Science (Entomology), LSU, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

1997-1999: Deltapine Seed (Scott, Mississippi). Summer intern-research assistant agronomist monitoring cotton and soybean variety plots in Louisiana and Arkansas. Particular interest in transgenic Bt cotton variety performance compared with conventional standards and experimental varieties. Responsibilities included gathering plant map and yield data and interaction with producers.

2000-Present: Department of Entomology, LSU, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Graduate Research Assistant. Responsibilities- Aid in conducting field research evaluating Integrated Pest Management regimes in cotton, soybeans, and corn. Examined effects of the cotton aphid on cotton plant development and yield as well as population resurgence following selected insecticide treatments.

Major Professor: Dr. B. Rogers Leonard, Professor of Entomology.

Graduate Committee: Drs. B. Rogers Leonard (Chair); Dr. Boyd Padgett, Richard Story; and Mr. Eugene Burris

Synopsis of Current Research: Current research includes monitoring cotton aphid Aphis gossypii,(Glover) populations and determining effects on cotton plant development and yield. I am also evaluating cotton aphid population resurgence following selected insecticide treatments. Other interests include determining an economic threshold for cotton aphids and determining the impact of fungicides on the entomopathogenic fungus Neoygites fresenii.

Future Goals: I am entertaining the thought of seeking a PhD. in entomology or another agriculture related field. I am interested in aiding producers and hope that the knowledge and research skills that I am attaining at this time will lead me to a career that allows me to do such.

1999 Fall-present LSU, Insect Biochemistry and Toxicology

Experience:

Worked in the greenhouse and nursery as a pests and diseases manager for two years

Jim Ottea

Research Work:

Genetic regulation of metabolic detoxifying enzymes in insects

Future Goals:

Work in research and development both as a scientist and an administrator

1987 B. A. Biology/Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

1995-present Graduate Research Assistant. Department of Entomology, LSU.

1992-1993 Field Researcher, Center for Conservation Biology, Stanford University, CA.

Degree Program: May 2001 anticipated. Ph.D. Entomology, LSU

Major Professor: Dr. Dorothy Prowell.

Graduate Committee: Drs. D. Prowell, C. Carlton, T. Riley, F. Sheldon

Current Research: Phylogenetic analysis of euptychiine butterflies (Satyrinae: Euptychiina) using morphological and molecular characters, and the evolution of life history traits relating to diet and development.

-Murray, D. L. Immature stages and biology of Taygetis Hübner (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae). Proc. of Entom. Soc. Wash., 2000. Accepted December 2000.

-Murray, D. L. 2000. A survey of butterflies at Jatun Sacha Biological Station, Ecuador. J. Res Lepid. 35&36: 1-19

-DeVries, P. J., R. Lande, and D. L. 1998. Associations of co-mimetic ithomiine butterflies on small spatial and temporal scales in a neotropical rainforest. Biol. J. Linn. Soc. 67(1):73-85.

-DeVries, P. J., D. L. Murray, and R. Lande. 1997. Species diversity in vertical, horizontal, and temporal dimensions of a butterfly community. Biol. J. Linn. Soc. 62(3):343-364.

-DeVries, P. J., Chacon, I. A., and Murray, D. 1992. Towards a better understanding of host use and biodiversity in riodinid butterflies (Lepidoptera). J. Res. Lepid. 31(1-2):103-126.

-D. Murray. Phylogenetic relationships among euptychiine butterfly genera using morphology and molecular data. XXI International Congress of Entomology, 2000, poster session.

-D. Murray. Terrestrial indicator groups and their utility in conservation. Southeastern Branch of the Entomological Society of America, 1999, presentation.

-D. Murray. Natural history and evolution of euptychiine butterflies. Entomological Society of America, 1998, poster session.

-D. Murray. Butterflies as indicators of edge effects. Ecological Society of America, 1998, presentation.

-D. Murray. Systematics and evolution of the euptychiine butterflies. Institute of Ecology,

University of Georgia at Athens, 1997, invited speaker.

-Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, 1998, Short term fellowship, $1,500.

-Organization of Tropical Studies, 1997, OTS Fellowship, $900.

-Association for Women in Science, 1997, Predoctoral Award, $1000.

-Sigma Xi, Louisiana State University Chapter, 1997, Grant-in-Aid, $300.

-Entomological Society of America, 1998. Second place, Systematics and Evolution section.

-Entomological Society of America, 1997. First place, Behavior and Ecology section.

Future Goals: Tenure-track position at a university.

1997 – Present: Doctor of Philosophy Candidate, Entomology major, weed science minor, LSU, Baton Rouge, LA. Dissertation: Selected Sugarcane Cultural and Management Practices: Impact on Soil Insects Ecology and Sugarcane IPM. Activities: Studies of the ecological relationships and impact of soil insecticide use in Louisiana sugarcane-to-sugarcane IPM. Major Professor: Dr. T. E. Reagan, Professor, Dept. of Entomology.

1994-1996: Master of Science, LSU, Baton Rouge, LA. Entomology major, Thesis: Measurement of Sugarcane Canopy Penetration and Insecticide Efficacy of Aerial Sprays. Major Professor: Dr. T. E. Reagan, Professor, Dept. of Entomology.

1989 – 1993: Bachelor of Science, Nicholls State Univ., Thibodaux, Louisiana. Biological Science major, Chemistry minor.

1999 - Present: Agricultural Consultant, Calvin Viator Agricultural Consultants, Thibodaux, Louisiana. Responsible for providing full consulting services to sugarcane growers in the Abbeville and Lake Charles, Louisiana areas including insect, weed, disease, soil, and harvesting management.

1972 – 1989: Service Manager, The Felicity Company, Houma, Louisiana.  Provide and supervise farm, industrial, and construction equipment repair and service for an equipment dealership

1962 – 1972: Oilfield Worker and Engineering Assistant, Texaco Producing Department, US East, Houma, Louisiana. Worked in drilling and production field operations and in the petroleum engineering department (both reservoir and production equipment sections)

Number of Publications: 15

Number of Presentations: 3

Personal

Future goal: To help an American farmers grow a better crop more economically.

1997 B.S., Northeast Louisiana University. Major, Ag-Business, Minor, Agronomy, Ag-Economics, and Agriculture

Research Associate/Certified Ag Crop Consultant - LDAF, Sugarcane IPM, and economics of field crop pest management in LA.

1999-Present Louisiana State University, Department of Entomology, and Sugar Research Station– Baton Rouge, LA. Research Associate

1998 – 99 Louisiana State University, Department of Ag-Economics – Baton Rouge, LA. Research Associate

1996-98 AMS, Inc. (Crop Consulting), Clayton, LA. Crop Consultant

Field Scout, April 1990-1996.

Major Professor: Dr. T. E. Reagan (Gene)

80% Research Associate and Graduate Student for Dr. T. E. Reagan in the sugarcane program in the Department of Entomology, which includes biological control enhancement, pesticide application technology, variety resistance development, and implementing a narrow range/minimum risk environmentally positive IPM system.

20% Entomology responsibility in the Sugar Research Station at St. Gabriel, LA (Dr. Kenneth Gravois, Head) charged with making evaluations and recommendations for treatment and management of insect problems of various project leaders who have sugarcane at the station; and also conducting the variety evaluations in accordance with guidelines of Dr. T. E. Reagan’s program to assess all cultivars at early stages of the variety release program against the sugarcane borer Diatraea saccharalis (F.).

Louisiana Agricultural Consultants Association (LACA) (associate member)

Posey, F. R. and T. E. Reagan. 2000. Insecticidal Control of the Sugarcane Borer – Aerial Application Test, 1999. Arthropod Management Tests 25 (F160): 323.

Posey, F. R. E. A. Ostheimer, and T. E. Reagan. 2000. Wireworm Control and Impact on Sugarcane Borer Infestations, 1999. Arth. Management Tests 25 (F161): 323.

Posey, F. R. and A. Bechtel. 1999. Projected Costs And Returns - Cotton, Soybeans, Corn, Milo, and Wheat, Northeast Louisiana and Red River, 1999. A.E.A. Information Series No. 172 and 173.

Future Goal: To continue to serve the Louisiana agricultural community with the LSU AgCenter.

2001- Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA., Master of Science in Entomology, graduation anticipated

1999 Missouri Western State College, St. Joseph, MO., Bachelor of Science in Biology, Emphasis area: Conservation and Wildlife

1996 Management. Minor: Chemistry. College of Lake County, Grayslake, IL., Associate in Science

Major Professor: Dr. Linda Hooper-Bùi

Graduate Committee: Drs. Richard Story, Seth Johnson

Synopsis of Research: I am currently investigating the efficacy of insecticide barrier treatments on red imported fire ant activity around eastern bluebird boxes. Additionally, I am testing the effect of barrier size width insecticide applications on foraging capabilities and survivability of Solenopsis invicta. My other research interests include abiotic influences on rating systems used in population assessments of fire ant mounds and the effect of area wide fire ant management on fire ant populations and other ant species.

August 8-10, 2000. Orkin Regional Managers Meeting. Palace Casino Resort,

Biloxi, MS. Orkin Regional Manager: Jim Berry

FMC Sponsor: Hank Robison, Barry Swartz

Oral Presentations:

Pranschke, A. M. and L.M. Hooper-Bui. Effects of red imported fire ant suppression on populations of other ant species. Presented 2/28/00 at the 74^th annual Meeting Southeastern Branch ESA. Mobile, Al.

Pranschke, A.M. and L.M. Hooper-Bui. Influence of abiotic factors on brood location in fire ant mounds. Presented 12/13/99 at The ESA Annual Meeting. Atlanta, GA.

Pranschke, Anthony M., Robert Poirer II and John Rushin. Preliminary survey of forest regeneration at Bluffwoods Conservation area, Compartment 1, Buchanan County. Presented 2/1/99 at the Missouri Natural Resource Conference. Osage Beach, MO.

2000 Graduate Travel Funds Grant.

2000 Judith A. Tryon Graduate Scholarship.

1999 Judith A. Tryon Graduate Scholarship.

1999 Griffin, L.L.C. Fire Ant Graduate Student Fellowship.

1999 MWSC Scholastic Excellence Award.

1999 John Yancey Award for High Achievement in Biological Sciences.

Student Research Mentorship Program (Spring), MWSC.

Undergraduate Research Summer Institute, MWSC.

Future Goals: To research and develop management strategies for the red imported fire ant in a research based organization or institution.

2000-present Graduate student in the School of Library and Information Science, LSU

1992-97 Ph.D. in agricultural entomology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural, University, Coimbatore, India; Thesis: "Studies on South Indian Tetranychidae", taxonomy, demecology, and integrated management of red spider mites.

1985-1987 MS in Agricultural entomology, Annamalai University, India; Thesis:"Host Plant Resistance in cotton accessions to whitefly, Bemisis tabaci Gennadius". 

1981-85 BS in Agriculture, Annamalai University, India.

2000-present

Graduate research assistant in the School of Library and Information Science, LSU (supervisor Dr. Michael Carpenter); and ¼ time research assistant in the Department of Entomology, LSU AgCenter, LSU (assisting Dr. T.E. Reagan in manuscript preparation and sugarcane entomology research).

1988-00. 

Assistant Professor of Entomology, Tamil Nadu Agrl. Univ., India;

-Taught undergraduate courses in agricultural entomology- fundamentals of entomology (including morphology, taxonomy, anatomy and physiology), economic entomology (apiculture, sericulture, lac culture), commercial production of biocontrol agents (incl. Trichogramma spp., green muscardine fungus, and nuclear polyhedrosis viruses); assisted in maintaining computer laboratories and databases of student, research, and library information.

-Research on host plant resistance and integrated pest management in rice and coconut ecosystems.

-Plant clinic work, attending to farmers’ inquiries, consulting and field visits.

-Extension, survey, data processing, and evaluation of pest management techniques.

-Entomological Society of India

-Indian Society for Plantation Crops

-Indian Society for Biocontrol Advancement

-Indian Society for Environmental Protection

-Madras Agricultural Students Union

-Indian Scouts and Guides Association

-National Cadet Corps of India

-National Service Scheme

To continue entomology teaching with advancement in methods training.

To continue research in host plant resistance and integrated pest management.

To serve farming community through extension.

To apply information science concepts on entomology bibliographical databases.

Education: B.S. Zoology, Louisiana State University

Degree Program: M.S. Entomology

Major Professor: Dr. Hooper- Bui

Synopsis of Current Research: I am studying the endosymbionts in fire ants. I plan to identify these endosymbionts through biochemical reactions and PCR.

Selected publications, presentations, grants, and awards:

Research Assistantship (2000-present)

LA Honors Scholarship (1996-2000)

Future goals: I would like to obtain a position doing research.

Education:

BS, Biology, Washington and Lee University, Summa Cum Laude

Summer, 1994: Gypsy Moth Eradication Program in Rockbridge Co., Virginia

1995 - 1998: Research Assistant and Research Analyst, Project Performance

Corporation (environmental consulting firm)

1998 - Present: Ph.D. candidate in Entomology (Forest Entomology Laboratory)

Dr. Richard A. Goyer

Drs. Seth Johnson, Michael Stout, Kier Klepzig

Studying the biology and ecology of several species of predacious hister beetles (Coleoptera: Histeridae) associated with bark beetles in Southern pines; determining the possible biological control role of these hister beetles against the southern pine beetle and Ips engraver beetles.

Selected Publications, Presentations, Grants, and Awards:
1998 - Present: Graduate School Assistantship Enhancement Award

1999: Presentation of project overview at Southern Forest Insect Work Conference

1999: Participated in student debate at Entomological Society of America’s Annual Meeting Topic – "Current levels of pesticide residues in and on US food products are acceptably safe"

Future Goals: Entomological research and extension work relating to forest or other insect pests.

1998 B.S. Biology / concentration in Environmental Studies, Minor in French, Southeastern Louisiana University

2000 M.S. Biology, Southeastern Louisiana University

Professional Experience: I have taught introductory biology labs for two years at Southeastern Louisiana University on a teaching assistantship. I have also been an assistant instructor in a science education program for elementary and high school teachers called project CYPRESS.

Degree Program: I enrolled in the PhD program in the Entomology Department focusing on forest entomology in August of 2000 and intend to be completed for this degree by 2004.

Major Professor: Richard A. Goyer

Graduate Committee: (tentative members) Drs. Richard A. Goyer, Micheal Stout, Seth Johnson, David Boethel

Synopsis of Current Research: I am studying the effects of herbivory by the forest tent caterpillar and baldcypress tree leaf roller on their respective hosts tupelogum and baldcypress. These studies will also incorporate other ecological stresses of these forest species such as salinity, flooding and nutrient deprivation. I also plan to conduct feeding studies to determine if the FTC and FTLR development and efficiency are affected by the said adverse environmental conditions. With this I plan to develop an ecological model that describes the dynamics of these relationships.

-Souther, Rebecca F. and Gary P. Shaffer. 2000. The effects of submergence and light on two age classes of baldcypress (Taxodium distichum (L.) Richard) seedlings. Wetlands 20(4).

-I have given two oral presentations at two Association of Southeastern Biologists (ASB) conferences and one oral presentation at the Estuarine Research Federation International Conference.

-At the ASB 2000 conference, I was awarded the WILDCO award for having the best student paper in aquatic ecology.

Future Goals: After finishing my PhD at LSU, I intend to apply for a post doc position in southeastern United States to continue conducting research in aquatic ecosystems. With luck, I hope to land a tinier tract position and develop my own research program.

1985 M.S. (Insect Ecology), Nanjing Agricultural University, P. R. China

1982 B. S. (Plant Protection), Nanjing Agricultural University, P. R. China

1998-Present Ph. D. student at the Dept. of Entomology of LSU, LA, U. S. A.

1996-1997 Visiting scientist at The Dept of Entomology of LSU, LA, U. S.A.

1992-1996 Associate professor in Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jiangsu, P. R. China as a vice head of the national program "IPM on rice".

1990-1992 Visiting scientist at Auburn University, AL, U. S. A

1985-1990 Assistant professor in Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jiangsu P. R. China for insect ecology, population dynamic, IPM on rice.

Degree Program at LSU: Ph. D. Major: Entomology and Minor: Statistics.

Major Professor: Drs. James R. Fuxa, and Gregg Henderson.

Graduate Committee: Drs. Lynn R. Lamotte, Maureen S. Wright.

Synopsis of current research: My research focuses on screening and characterizing pathogenic fungi, Metarrihizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana, for the possible control of Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus. Fifteen isolates of pathogenic fungi were successfully screened by baiting techniques from 90 soil samples collected from Baton Rouge, Lake Charles and New Orleans, Louisiana. Pathogen growth rates, virulence, and reproduction of fungal conidia on termite cadavers were evaluated for each strain. Based on these results, promising isolates will be selected for further research in characterizing the interaction between termite colony and fungi, such as the pathogen transmission associated with proportion colony dosed, with termite castes, and with grooming and trophallaxis behavior. In addition, the defensive system of termites will be characterized in terms of termite defensive behavior, and antimicrobial factors.

1. J. R. Fuxa, J.Z. Sun and et al. 1999. Stressor and rearing diseases of Trichoplusia ni: Evidence of vertical transmission of NPV and CPV. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology. 74, 149-155.
2. J. Z. Sun, Fan Jichao and et al. 1996. Studies on the insecticidal activity of imidacloprid and its application in paddy fields against the brown plant hopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Homoptera). Acta Entomologica Sinica. Vol. 39, No.1 p37-45.
3. J. Z. Sun, Zhang J. X. and et al., 1993. The flight capabilities of rice stem borer moths, Tryporyza incertulas, Chilo suppressalis, and Sesamia inferens. Acta Entomologica Sinica. Vol. 36, No. 3. p315-22..

1990.  Visiting scientist fellowship, supported by Chinese government for a sabbatical leave at Auburn University, AL. U. S. A.

Future goals: working for the research institution or industrial company either in urban entomology or plant protection areas.

M.S. Entomology Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Thesis: Plant-mediated interactions between Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus and Spodoptera frugiperda.

B.S. Biological Sciences Louisiana State University, Shreveport, Louisiana, Undergraduate Research (Dr. Beverly Burden): Effects of salt tolerant cotton on tobacco budworm

1998-present Graduate Assistant, LSU Dept. of Entomology, Responsible for greenhouse maintenance and greenhouse and field studies under the direction of Dr. M.J. Stout.

1997-1998 Laboratory Technician, Dept. of Biochemistry (Yeast Genetic Laboratory Dr. Kelly Tatchell) The Biomedical Research Institute LSU Medical Center at Shreveport , Responsible for maintaining/purchasing supplies; reorganization of laboratory; preparing laboratory stock solutions, media, and particular cell lines; backcrossing new yeast strains; dissection of yeast tetrads (micro-manipulation microscopy); transformations; differential centrifugation; electrophoresis.

Degree Program: Ph.D., Summer 2000 - Present

Major Professor: Dr. Michael J. Stout

Graduate Committee: Dr. Eric P. Webster (Weed Science, Minor Professor), The rest of the committee is yet to be determined

Synopsis of current research: I am interested in effects weeds have on insect populations. I have two major objectives for my Ph.D. to determine: 1) how the presence of weeds influence rice water weevil populations and 2) how herbicide resistant rice varieties may impact rice water weevil and fall armyworm.

Papers: Non-refereed – 3

Presentations: Poster – 2 Oral – 6

Awards: College of Sciences Research Forum, LSUS (Undergraduate Division – 1998), First place

Future goals: After completing my degree, I would like to attain a position (university or government) as a research/extension entomologist.

1983 M.S. (Biology) - Belarusian State University, Minsk, Belarus

1989-1997 Research Biologist, Inst. Zool., Natl. Acad. Sci.Belarus, Minsk, Belarus.

1984-1989 Research Biologist, Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve, Belarus.

1983-1984 Biology Teacher, Mir High School, Belarus.

Degree Program: PhD (4^th yr.)

Major Professor: Dr. Chris Carlton

Graduate Committee: Drs. Chris Carlton, D.Prowell, F.Sheldon, B.Williamson

Synopsis of current research: Current research represents a systematic revision of the genus Mesynodites s.l. and closely related genera of neotropical Hetaeriinae (Coleoptera: Histeridae) including phylogenetic analysis of all species under consideration, preparation of identification keys for all the genera and species treated, and analysis of the host associations and geographical distribution of neotropical Hetaeriinae.

Publications: Refereed – 10; Non-refereed – 26

Presentations: Oral – 8; Posters – 9

1998 Study of the Neotropical Hetaeriinae (Coleoptera: Histeridae) at the Canadian National Insect Collection. Visiting Researcher's Grant, CanaCol Foundation, Ottawa, Canada. Can $: $750

1998 Study of the Neotropical Hetaeriinae (Coleoptera: Histeridae) at the collection of the Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago. Visiting Research Scholarship, Field Museum of Natural History. $ 500.

1996-97 Survey of the status of wildlife and natural habitats and improvement of protected area network in the Pripyat River floodplain (Belarus and Ukraine) M.Otto Stiftung für Naturschutz, Germany, with A.V.Kozulin and M.E.Nikiforov. DEM 25,000.

1996 Study of the Neotropical Hetaeriinae (Coleoptera: Histeridae) at German collections. Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (436 WER 17/5/96), Germany. DEM 4,000.

Future goals: Finishing the dissertation, publishing the results, and searching worldwide for the postdoc/research/curatorial position in the area of beetle taxonomy, systematics, and/or evolution.

1998 Louisiana State University, Ph.D. Candidate Department of Entomology, Current; Overall GPA to Date: 4.0

1997 Western Washington University BA Biological Anthropology;

Degree Program: Doctoral degree in Entomology with a minor in Biological Sciences

Major Professor: Drs. Chris Carlton and C. Lamar Meek (deceased)

Graduate Committee: Drs. C. Carlton, L. D. Foil, S. E. Johnson, and C. W. Ramcharan

Synopsis of Current Research: Establish a diagnostic tool for postmortem interval estimation of suspicious wildlife deaths for law enforcement using necrophilous insects; as well as, to illustrate species and life stage interactions of all arthropods associated with wildlife carrion.

Watson, E.J., Meek, C.L., Spillman, B.L., and P.E. Bowman. 2000. Estimating postmortem intervals of wildlife carcasses using necrophilous insects. Proc. Annu. Conf. SEAFWA. (in press).

BEST PRESENTATION: 54^th Annual Conference of Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Estimating postmortem intervals of wildlife carcasses using necrophilous insects. (2000).

PRESENTATIONS:

2000 INVITED LECTURER. Forensic Entomology. Federal Bureau of Investigation Evidence Response Team Unit, Human Remains Recovery School. Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN.

2000 INVITED LECTURER. Forensic Entomology lecture and lab. Baton Rouge Police Department Training Academy

2000 INVITED LECTURER. Necrophilous insects of importance: lecture and lab. Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. New Orleans, LA.

2000 INVITED LECTURER. Use of insects in criminal investigations: lecture and lab. LSU Law Enforcement Department

2000 ESA Student Competition. Estimating PMI of high profile wildlife using necrophilous insects

1999 Louisiana Mosquito Control Association Annual Meeting. Necrophilous insects on wildlife carcasses

Future Goals: Immediate goals include continuing to educate FBI field agents and crime scene investigators about the value of entomological evidence in determining time of death. In addition, to continue to gain experience while working with the Coroner’s Office. Long-term goals include either becoming a FBI agent in a supervisory role or to apply for a research/professorship position.

1999 Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, La., Bachelor of General Studies with three minors in plant biology, horticulture, and entomology.

2002 Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, La. Master of Science in Entomology, graduation anticipated.

-Baton Rouge Pest Control: As an undergraduate I worked as a pest control technician full time having an established route of customers. I continue to work part time giving me 6 years experience as a PCO.

-I am currently working as a research associate for Dr. Linda Hooper- Bùi and am part of many projects involving house-infesting ants around Louisiana.

Degree Program: Masters in entomology.

Major Professor: Dr. Linda Hooper-Bùi

Graduate Committee: Drs. Tom Riley, Roger Leonard.

I am studying nutrient flow in colonies of red imported fire ants using 14-C. Comparisons in the movement of nutrients are being made between polygyne and monogyne colonies.

Once the pattern of nutrient distribution has been compared between the two forms of RIFA, common toxicants will be added to the nutrients and changes in nutrient distribution will be noted.

Oral Presentations: Include the Louisiana Pest Control Association (LPCA), on the control of house infesting ants and ESA Southeastern Branch Conference on nutrient flow through Solenopsis invicta.

Awards: I was awarded a travel grant from the ESA to study Solenopsis invicta in its native habitat the Pantanal.

Posters: I presented a poster at the International Entomological Congress in Brazil, on nutrient flow through Solenopsis invicta. I also attended the national ESA meeting in Montreal presenting a poster on nutrient flow throughout Solenopsis invicta.

Future Goals: I would like to conduct research.

B.S. Plant and Soil Science, Texas A&M University, Magna Cum Laude

Professional Experience:

-Rohm and Haas Company, Waller, Texas

-Summer Intern. Assist in field research; evaluate chemicals for weed, insect, and disease control; principal investigator in a turf phytotoxicity study.

M.S. candidate in entomology; Louisiana State University Agricultural Center

Expected date of graduation: May 2001

Major professor: David J. Boethel

Graduate Committee: B.R. Leonard (Department of Entomology), D. Blouin (Department of Experimental Statistics)

Synopsis of Current Research: A preventive management strategy, whereby insect growth regulators (diflubenzuron and methoxyfenozide) are applied to soybean before pest presence, was compared to the currently recommended IPM strategy. The effect of diflubenzuron on Copidosoma floridanum, a parasitoid of soybean looper also was determined. Additionally, diflubenzuron and boron were evaluated for their ability to "enhance" yield in Louisiana soybeans, a program currently recommended in Georgia.

-Willrich, M.M., C.G. Clemens, M.E. Baur, B.J. Fitzpatrick, and D.J.Boethel. 1999. Evaluation of insecticides for southern green and brown stinkbug control on soybean. Arthropod Management Tests 25: 314.

-Soybean Field Day: Rice Research Station, Crowley, LA, 2000. Spoke to a group of 80 producers, consultants, and industry representatives about current research and insecticide recommendations in Louisiana.

-Louisiana Plant Protection Assoc.: Baton Rouge, LA, 2000. First Place. "Insect Growth Regulators on Soybeans: Preventive Uses and Yield Enhancement".

-SEB-ESA Meeting: Mobile, AL, 2000. "Late Season Lepidopteran Pests of Soybeans In Louisiana: Evaluation of an Alternative Management Strategy". Crowley, LA, Field Day, 2000, poster. "Diflubenzuron (Dimilin 2L): Evaluation of an Insecticide for Southern Louisiana Soybeans"

Future Goals: Upon completion of a M.S. and Ph.D, my ultimate goal is to obtain a challenging career in the field of applied entomology.

Education: 1998. M.S. Zoology. Kunming Institute of Zoology, The Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Professional Experience: 1996 -1998. Graduate assistant. Worked on insect behavior ecology, host plant resistance, and IPM.

Degree Program: Ph.D. program of Entomology started at January 2000.

Major Professor: Dr. Michael J. Stout, Assistant Professor, Department of Entomology

Graduate Committee: Drs. T. E. Reagan, Dennis R. Ring, Richard T. Dunand

Synopsis of current research: Stress response of rice plant Oryza sativa L. to rice water weevil Lissorthoptrus oryzophius Kuschel and expert system for rice water weevil management.

Wei Jianing. Li Zou. Kuang Rongping. 2000. Influence of leaf tissue structure on host selection by pea leafminer Liriomiza huidobrensis (Blanchard). Zoological Studies. 39(4): 295-300 ( in English )

Zou, Li. Wei Jianing and Kuang Rongping. 1998. Biological characteristics and behavior of adult serpentine leafminer Liriomiza huidobrensis (Blanchard). Zoological Sesearch. 19(5): 384-388

Zou, Li. Wei jianing and Xiao Ningnian. 1999. The influence of leaf’s nutritive condition on serpentine leafminer Liriomiza huidobrensis (Blanchard). Southwest China Journal of Agricultural Sciences. 12. Supplement. Special issue on Liriomyza. 78-82.

Xiao Ningnian, Kuang Rongping, Zou, Li. 1999. The study on the IPM of Liriomiza huidobrensis in cut-flower greenhouses. Southwest China Journal of Agricultural Sciences. 12. Supplement. Special issue on Liriomyza. 196-203.

Shen Farong, Xiao Ningnian, Zou, Li. 1999. Economic threshold of Gypsophila elegans damaged by Liriomiza huidobrensis. Southwest China Journal of Agricultural Sciences. 12. Supplement. Special issue on Liriomyza. 105-108.

Shen Farong, Xiao Ningnian, Zou, Li. 1999. Study on the IPM of Liriomiza huidobrensis on Gypsophila elegans. Zoological Science Search of China. 1999.(4).387-390.

Future goals: Working as a research scientist at academy or industry.