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
October 18, 2024
From Catwoman to Han Solo, newly discovered wasps named after famous thieves
Twenty-two new species of gall wasps have been identified and named for the first time, thanks to new research led by a Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences graduate student.
Read MoreOctober 18, 2024
Penn State entomology graduate student identifies 22 new species of gall wasps
Twenty-two new species of gall wasps have been identified and named for the first time, thanks to new research led by a Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences graduate student.
Read MoreOctober 11, 2024
Penn State researchers earn funding for sustainable weed and insect management
Three Penn State research teams have received awards totaling $1.78 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture to investigate climate-smart approaches to pest control in agriculture.
Read MoreOctober 10, 2024
University fellowships awarded to 110 graduate students
The J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School at Penn State named 110 graduate students as recipients of the 2024-25 University Graduate Fellowships and Distinguished Graduate Fellowships. The students were honored on Oct. 3 at a reception held at the Bryce Jordan Center.
Read MoreDepartment of Entomology
Address
501 ASI Building453 Shortlidge Rd
University Park, PA 16802
- Email entomology@psu.edu
- Office 814-865-1895
- Fax 814-865-3048