Kansas State University

MANHATTAN -- Barbara Amoah, Kansas State University doctoral student in entomology from Ghana, has received a 2013 Phi Kappa Phi Love of Learning Award.

The $500 awards help fund postbaccalaureate studies or career development for active Phi Kappa Phi academic honor society members. The society's mission is to recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others. Annually, the honor society presents Love of Learning Awards to more than 140 students nationwide.

"I will be using the award funds to support my travel to Austin, Texas, for the National Entomological Society of America, or ESA, conference in November," Amoah said. "This conference will provide me the platform to share my research with other scientists while interacting with and learning from others."

Fascinated by insects' interaction with humans, Amoah came to Kansas State University to learn how to reduce food security problems in Ghana and other developing countries. For her doctoral research she is investigating an integrated pest management system for mold mites. She is studying its orientation behavior by trapping and monitoring the mite in commercial settings.

"It is always very rewarding when one of our graduate students receives a national award," said Gary Clark, president-elect of the university's chapter of Phi Kappa Phi and interim dean for the College of Engineering. "We are so very proud of Barbara and her recognition by Phi Kappa Phi."

Amoah was inducted as a member of Phi Kappa Phi in 2013. She received her bachelor's degree from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana and her master's degree from the University of Greenwich in England. Amoah is the daughter of Dora Anakwah and Kwadwo Boadu Amoah, Ghana.