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
April 16, 2024
Tick Talk: Monitoring the Gulf Coast Tick in Pennsylvania
This is the sixth short news article written by students, during the professional development class of Spring 2024, about each other's research.
Read MoreApril 11, 2024
Spring ‘Night at the Museums’ event will be held on Thursday, April 25
The Penn State Museum Consortium will hold the spring 2024 "Night at the Museums" on April 25. Participating museums on the University Park campus will be open from 4 to 8 p.m. This is a chance for students, staff, faculty and the community to visit a variety of unique and interesting museums across campus. Admittance to the museums is free and open to the public.
Read MoreApril 5, 2024
Ants in Pennsylvania Farms - Antastic or Antagonists?
This is the fifth short news article written by students, during the professional development class of Spring 2024, about each other's research.
Read MoreApril 2, 2024
College of Ag Sciences recognizes graduate student excellence during ceremony
Graduate students in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences were lauded for their achievements during the 2024 Graduate Student Award Celebration, hosted by the Office for Research and Graduate Education and held March 20 on the University Park campus.
Read MoreDepartment of Entomology
Address
501 ASI BuildingUniversity Park, PA 16802
- Email entomology@psu.edu
- Office 814-865-1895
- Fax 814-865-3048