Kansas State University

K-State entomology students buzz with excitement after winning big at regional meeting

Submitted by Department of Entomology

The entomology department at Kansas State University made a strong showing at the recent North Central Branch of the Entomological Society of America in Fort Collins, Colorado. With more than 7,000 members worldwide, the society provides students with valuable opportunities for professional development and networking.

Sabita Ranabhat, co-advised by entomology professor Kun Yan Zhu and adjunct professor Rob Morrison with the USDA, won the prestigious and competitive North Central Branch Graduate Student Scholarship. Her research focuses on postharvest management and food security. She's specifically working on how to integrate a novel tactic, namely long-lasting insecticide netting, into integrated pest management programs for food facilities.

Several students, faculty and colleagues from the USDA's Agriculture Research Service presented their research through posters or oral presentations with some earning top rankings. View the full PDF program.

Joseph Castaldi, undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor's degree in medicinal biochemistry, won second in the B.S. Posters II category for his work, "Diurnal flight response by stored product insects to two automated remote traps baited with a multispecies lure."

Rachel Johnson, entomology doctoral candidate advised by Zhu, won third in the Ph.D. Poster Session for her work, "Comparing the RNAi efficiency of long double stranded RNA and RNA microspheres in suppressing gene expression in the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella."

Andres Holguin-Rocha, entomology doctoral candidate advised by YoonseongPark, won second in the  Ph.D. Papers Session I for his work "4 Characterization of the primary endosymbionts in the salivary secretion of the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum)."

Rupinder Singh, entomology doctoral candidate advised by co-advised by Erin Scully and Zhu, and won third in Ph.D. Papers Session II for his work "The role of sorghum polyphenolics in mediating tolerance to warehouse beetle, Trogoderma variabile, Dermestidae."

Camp Sketchapod, three-day arthropod scientific illustration experience, hosted by entomology department head and professor Brian McCornack and supported by communications and marketing specialist Crystal Ly was awarded the Certified Entomologists of Mid-America Educational Project Award. Registration is open to anyone 18 or older until May 5. You don't have to be a part of the entomology to participate; all skill levels and backgrounds are welcome to learn something new.

Finally, the K-State Entomology Games Team coached by entomology professor and graduate program director Gregory Zolnerowich, consisting of graduate students Johnson, Festus Ajibefun, August Brunette, and undergraduate student Dani Otten, placed second in the Entomological Society of America Entomology Games competition and will represent the department at the national meeting in the fall. The Entomology Games provide an opportunity for student teams from different universities to compete in a college bowl-style contest testing their knowledge of entomology facts with the top two teams from each branch division advance to the national competition. The Entomology Academic Teams will compete in the games and debates on the national stage in Phoenix, Arizona at Entomology 2024. 

To stay in the loop about all the buzz-worthy happenings at the entomology department, follow the department on Facebook, X, or Instagram at @KStateEntom.