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Entomology

Department of Entomology

CFAES

What is Entomology?

Department of Entomology

the study of insects and their relationship to humans, the environment, and other organisms

Human health, local and global economies, and sustainable food and water supplies all depend on state-of-the-art knowledge about insects, their integral roles in ecosystems, and their effective management. 
Insects outnumber all other life forms combined. Although less than 5% are pests, they consume about 20% of the world's crops. Throughout history, insects have killed more people than war.  Fortunately, many more species of insects are beneficial, helping to control pests, recycle nutrients, and pollinate crops.  

Entomology is Fulfilling land grant missions: Teaching, Research, and Extensionwhy ENT
  • Research using insects as model systems to further fundamental understanding of molecular biology, physiology, genetics, ecology, and evolution. 
  • Teaching important critical thinking skills through undergraduate degrees (major and minor) and graduate degrees (masters and Ph.D)
  • Reaching out to our stakeholders with our extension and outreach educational programs to provide non-biased, research-based information to help protect crops, natural resources, structures, and human and animal health. 
Entomology IS Investigating the impact of insects
  • Pollination, biological control, and other beneficial services as well as contributing to environmental biodiversity
  • Sustainable production of our vitally important corn, soybean and wheat industries in Ohio;
  • Growing and emerging industries of fruit, vegetable, horticultural and specialty crop production, which increases the availability of nutritious foods and food security
  • Disease transmission and the health of animals and humans;
  • Healthy soils and agricultural production across urban and rural communities, and
  • Food systems and how these can be transformed for better resiliency and sustainability