About the Department
Our mission is to conduct outstanding research on insect science that will improve human health, quality of life, and the sustainability of our food and ecosystems.
Entomology is the study of insects. It is an interdisciplinary life science that contributes much to our understanding of life, our environment, and the well-being of our society. Insects are the predominant species on Earth, representing the greatest biodiversity with more than one million known species. Not surprising, insects significantly affect human civilization, whether the impact is positive, such as pollination of our food plants, or negative, such as competition with our food supply or carriers of major human diseases.
We have developed strong entomological programs and traditions in teaching, outreach, and research. Prospective graduate students will find information on our educational programs, curriculum, and research opportunities. If you need information on the management of insect pests, numerous fact sheets are available that address your specific needs.
Research in the Department of Entomology addresses diverse questions and uses a wide variety of experimental approaches and methodologies. Nevertheless, what bonds us is an interest in understanding fundamental and applied biological questions from the level of the molecule to the level of the population and the community. Knowledge of entomology is expanding at a rapid pace, creating great possibilities for innovative research at the interface of life sciences research. Penn State offers exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary research through interaction with intercollege programs in Ecology, Plant Physiology, Genetics, and other life sciences.
If you want to discover more about entomology at Penn State, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.
Latest News
March 28, 2024
Mushroom Mystery: Getting to the Root of It
This is the third short news article written by students, during the professional development class of Spring 2024, about each other's research.
Read MoreMarch 26, 2024
Hughes named recipient of Kopp International Faculty Achievement Award
David Hughes, Dorothy Foehr Huck and J. Lloyd Huck Chair in Global Food Security and professor of entomology in the College of Agricultural Sciences and biology in the Eberly College of Science, is the recipient of the 2024 W. LaMarr Kopp International Faculty Achievement Award. The award recognizes faculty members who have contributed significantly to the advancement of the international mission of the University.
Read MoreMarch 22, 2024
Manipulating Cover Crop Soil to Study Tritrophic Interactions
This is the second short news article written by students, during the professional development class of Spring 2024, about each other's research.
Read MoreMarch 14, 2024
All in the Family: Within-Population Transmission of Dengue Virus in Mosquito Communities
This is the first short news article written by students, during the professional development class of Spring 2024, about each other's research.
Read MoreDepartment of Entomology
Address
501 ASI BuildingUniversity Park, PA 16802
- Email entomology@psu.edu
- Office 814-865-1895
- Fax 814-865-3048