May-June 2026

Booklice, Frost Museum, mosquitoes, pollinators, screwworm, and worms are in the news. Faculty promotions, staff inductees, Ph.D. student awards and scholarships, thrip identification workshop, and plenty of publications.

Photo Credit: Celeste/iNaturalist CC-BY-NC

Photo Credit: Celeste/iNaturalist CC-BY-NC

In the News

Booklice

Faculty and Student Highlights

Frost Museum

Mosquitoes

Pollinators

Screwworm

Worms

Promotions, Awards and Accolades

Michael Skvarla - Associate Research Professor

Dr. Michael Skvarla has been promoted to Associate Research Professor. In addition to his engagement in insect identifications, teaching, and coordinating the Great Insect Fair, Michael has also compiled an exceptionally strong and sustained record of scholarly productivity, with 79 referred publications spanning systematics, biodiversity, applied entomology, medical entomology, and citizen science!

Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture

Ray Delaney, who is a PA IPM Community Program Specialist, attended The Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture meeting back in April titled, “Glimpses of the New American Republic, America 250 Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture.” The meeting reviewed the nexus between early Republic times and the founding of PSPA with presentations on the Hessian fly infestation; the Conestoga Wagon, Market Street Bridge and the Philadelphia-Lancaster Turnpike; and PSPA members who signed the Declaration of Independence. Ray was also inducted into the Association during the meeting. He was invited to join PSPA by then President Jess McAtamney. Jess is also the Principal at Lankenau High School, where Ray has been teaching IPM to seniors the last two years. Ray originally joined PSPA to extend the Department's PA IPM program's connections within the Philadelphia community and to further his work with Lankenau and other local schools.

Ray Delaney receiving certificates for his induction into PSPA

Ray Delaney receives his certificate for induction into the PSPA from current president Michael Fidanza.

J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School Fox Scholarly & Professional Impact Award

Paige Alexander, Ph.D. student, has been selected as a recipient of the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School Fox Scholarly & Professional Impact Award for the 2025–26 academic year in the amount of $10,000. This prestigious award recognizes graduate students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, scholarly excellence, professional impact, leadership, and/or significant progress toward the successful completion of their graduate degree.

2026 AIARD Future Leader Fellow Scholarship

Grace Tiwari receiving her 2026 AIARD Future Leader Fellow Scholarship

Grace Tiwari, Ph.D. student, attended the Association for International Agriculture and Rural Development 2026 Conference in June and shared her work on fall armyworm integrated pest management. Grace was awarded the 2026 AIARD Future Leader Fellow Scholarship and will receive $5000 to advance her research at Penn State.

Upcoming Events

Thrips Identification and Preservation Techniques

Gain practical experience in identifying and curating thrips (Thysanoptera) during this hands-on, full-day workshop focused on specimen preparation, slide mounting techniques, and the use of taxonomic keys.

When: July 16, 2026 (Thursday), in State College, PA
Register for thrip identification and preservation
Registration fee: $100.00

Publications

Department of Entomology

Address

501 ASI Building
453 Shortlidge Rd
University Park, PA 16802

Department of Entomology

Address

501 ASI Building
453 Shortlidge Rd
University Park, PA 16802