Entomology Stridulations: Autumn 2025

header image

Newsletter Editor: Erin Parker

Autumn Semester Recap

From the Chair, Jamie Strange, PhD, and the Associate Chair, Pete Piermarini, PhD
The Department of Entomology had an exceptional summer and fall, highlighted by academic milestones and national recognition. We celebrated four new B.S. graduates, three M.S. and MPHM graduates and welcomed three students advancing into our Ph.D. program. Our students and faculty earned more than a dozen top honors at the Entomological Society of America (ESA) national competition, including multiple first-place awards in oral and poster presentations across undergraduate and graduate categories. Faculty secured innovative research grants addressing critical issues in pest management and pollinator health, reinforcing our leadership in science and service. Of note, Dr. Kelley Tilmon delivered the prestigious Founders’ Memorial Award by the Entomological Society of America and was named a Distinguished Professor of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences by our college. We also honor Pollinator Education Program Director Denise Ellsworth, retiring after 32 years of inspiring extension education and stewardship. From major research initiatives to dynamic outreach through the United Titanium Bug Zoo and BUGmobile, our department continues to advance knowledge, sustainability, and community engagement, underscoring our commitment to our mission: excellence in research, education, and extension.

Awards and Honors

Undergraduate Honors and Awards

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Entomology Major

Rachel Green, Advisor: Raczkowski
Ashely Hamby, Advisor: Raczkowski
Starla McCoy, Advisor: Klinger
Bee Suchan, Advisor: Raczkowski

Entomology Undergraduate Awards

Dr. Kayla Perry presents Ashely Hamby with the Research Award certificateRachel Green, Advisor: Raczkowski, Metamorphosis Award
Ashely Hamby, Advisor: Raczkowski, Research Award
Starla McCoy, Advisor: Klinger, Outreach Award
Bee Suchan, Advisor: Raczkowski, Academic Rigor Award

Entomological Society of America Student Competition

Cesia Cerrato, Mentor: Perry (Visiting Scholar), 2nd place Poster: P-IE and SysEB, Biodiversity, Behavior, and Conservation
Rex Harvey-Thurston, Mentor: Goodell (EEOB), 1st place 10-minute Oral Presentation: P-IE and SysEB, Biodiversity, Conservation, and Pollination

CFAES Research Forum and Poster Competition

Rhose Demarest, Mentor: Short. 2nd place, Mosquito-microbiota interactions and implications for mosquito control

Graduate Student Honors and Awards

Master of Science, Entomology

Aaron Tayal, Advisor: Perry, Thesis: Long-term impacts of forest disturbances on plant and insect communitiesA person smiling for a photo

Transition from M.S. to Ph.D. program in Entomology

Lily Johnson, Advisor: Johnson
Nicki Joseph, Advisor: Short
Yamikani Ng’ona, Advisors: Michel & Cañas

Master of Plant Health Management

Sarah Gartland, Advisors: Ward, Perry, Johnston. Final PrA group of people in a roomoject: Consultation Report for Pandy’s Garden Center, “Cultivation Guide and Pest Management Strategies for Alocasia, Philodendron, and Bougainvillea”
Kendall Lovejoy, Advisors: Tilmon, Ward, Johnston. Final Project: Evaluating the Impact of In-Furrow Insecticide on Asiatic Garden Beetle Growth and Development

Department Of Entomology Student Research Competition

Jessi Raubenolt, Advisor: Ward & Perry, DeLong, Oral Presentation
Breh Ruger, Advisor: Leach, DeLong, Poster
Angel Haller, Advisor: Michel, Root Agricultural Entomology
Erika Wright, Advisor: Gardiner, Root Urban Entomology
Hannah Dehus, Advisor: Ward, Jones Urban Entomology, Oral Presentation
Paola Feliciano Camacho, Advisor: Piermarini, Jones Urban Entomology, Poster
Luke Hearon, Advisor: Johnson, Rothenbuhler Bee Research 

Entomological Society of America Student Competition

Graduate Poster

Meghan Jerke, Advisor: Perry, 1st place: P-IE, Forestry and AgroecosystemsA group of people standing in front of a large sign
Breh Ruger Advisor: Leach, 1st place: P-IE, Honey Bee and Native Pollinator Ecology
Danna Vera, Advisor: Michel, 2nd place: PBT, Evolution, Genetics, and Physiology

Graduate 10-Minute Oral Presentation

Hannah Dehus, Advisor: Ward, 1st place: MUVE, Ecology
Lily Johnson, Advisor: Johnson, 1st place: P-IE, Agroecosystems
Shane Moran, Advisor: Wu, 1st place: P-IE, Biocontrol
Dante Centuori, Advisor: Strange, 2nd place: P-IE, Pollinators 2

Ohio Mosquito & Vector Control Association

Erick Martinez Rodriguez, Advisor: Piermarini, 1st Place: Best Student Paper Presentation

11th Symposium of Zamoranos in the USA, Organizing Committees

Erick Martinez Rodriguez, Advisor: Piermarini, President, Ohio State ZamoBuckeyes Student Association; Symposium Lead Organizer & Finance Committee
Kenya Castillo, Advisor: Leach, Competition Committee
Paola Feliciano, Advisor: Piermarini, Finance Committee
Arnol Gomez, Advisor: Leach, Competition Committee
Yenna Park, Advisor: Piermarini, Finance Committee
Danna Vera, Advisor: Michel, Competition Committee

Grant, Fellowship & Scholarship Awards

Arnol Gomez, Advisor: Leach. $195,000: Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) Fellows Future Leaders for Food and Agriculture
Dahee Ahn, Advisor: Johnson. $5,000 + lodging & airfare for American Beekeeping Federation conference: Optimizing delivery and effectiveness of entomopathogenic fungi in an IPM approach for controlling Varroa destructor and other pests in honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies, One Hive Foundation

Faculty Honors and Awards

A person standing at a podium with microphones

Luis Cañas, 11th Symposium of Zamoranos in the USA, Organizing Committee
Bruce McPheron, Professor Emeritus, CFAES Distinguished Alumni Award
Kayla Perry, CFAES Strategic Alignment for Reaching Success (STARS) 2025-2026 Cohort
Sarah Short, CFAES Strategic Alignment for Reaching Success (STARS) 2025-2026 Cohort
Kelley Tilmon, Entomological Society of America Founders' Memorial Award Lecture
Jamie Strange, The Bombus Society, 2025-2026: President; Organizing Committee
Jamie Strange, Infectious Disease Institute (IDI) Ohio State, 2024-2025: Associate Director; Chair Strategic Planning Committee, IDI Genomics and Microbiology Solutions
Jamie Strange, Council of Entomology Department Administrators, 2025- 2026: Chair; 2024-2025: Vice Chair

Grant Awards

Ashley Leach, Stop those suckers! Insecticide programming for aphids in OH vegetable production, Ohio Vegetable and Small Fruit Research and Development Program, $4,000
Seun Oladipupo, Mapping Inequities, a data-driven approach to understanding and combating Bed Bug Spread in Columbus, Ohio, SEED/SPARK, $5000
Kayla Perry & Samuel Ward, Can native natural enemies provide biotic resistance against a new invader and promote conservation of an imperiled tree species? Manton Elm Restoration, The Nature Conservancy, $74,920
Kelley Tilmon, Impact of temperature and endosymbionts on stink bug populations in soybeans, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, $392,000
Kelley Tilmon & Andy Michel, Management of soybean insect pests FY26, Ohio Soybean Council, $20,000
Sam Ward & Kayla Perry, Improving the utility of phenology models for timing management of box tree moth, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA, $50,000

Staff Honors and Awards

Nuris Acosta, Research Associate, CFAES Wooster Campus Staff Council
Nuris Acosta, 11th Symposium of Zamoranos in the USA, Logistics Committee
Cesia Cerrato, Visiting Scholar, 11th Symposium of Zamoranos in the USA, Competition Committee
Sarah DeVilbiss, Columbus Office Manager, CFAES Staff Advisory Council, 2023-2025: Chair
Jeni Filbrun, United Titanium Bug Zoo Program Manager, Secrest Arboretum Support Council
Frederico Hickmann, Post Doctoral Scholar, 11th Symposium of Zamoranos in the USA, Speaker Committee
Erin Parker, Wooster Office Manager, CFAES Staff Advisory Council
Erin Parker, CFAES Dean Reappointment committee
Janna Thompson-Chordas, Academic Program Coordinator, CFAES Web & Digital Strategy Governance committee
Janna Thompson-Chordas, Ohio Staters, Inc, Faculty/Staff Advisor
Jafina Tubbs, Research Technician, 11th Symposium of Zamoranos in the USA, Finance Committee
Scott Wolfe, Laboratory Research Operations Senior Analyst, CFAES Staff Advisory Council
Scott Wolfe, CFAES Wooster Campus Staff Council, 2025: Treasurer

Faculty Spotlight

A group of people in white coats in a laboratory

Seun Oladipupo, Assistant Professor of Urban Entomology

Dr. Seun Oladipupo joined Ohio State Entomology in August 2024. The Oladipupo Lab uses biotechnology to solve urban pest problems. They are interested in how bed bugs spread, what microbes they carry, and what natural defenses prevent pathogen transmission. The Oladipupo lab’s overarching goal is to develop innovative, sustainable tools for pest management that protect homes, farms, and communities. Visit u.osu.edu/bedbugs for free prevention tools and expert advice.
Read more about Dr. Oladipupo’s bed bug research and extension work by clicking here for the CFAES news article.

Outreach Highlights

Pollinator Education Programs

A person sitting on a couch with two dogsContributed by Denise Ellsworth, Director of Pollinator Education
After 32 years with Ohio State, Denise Ellsworth is retiring in December. For the last 14 years, Denise has coordinated the department's pollinator education program across the state and region. Before moving to Entomology, Denise spent 18 years as a county extension educator in the Akron/Canton area.

Delivering more than 1600 programs and presentations in her career (to more than 25,000 participants), Denise has raised awareness and inspired action on landscape sustainability and the critical role that pollinators play. From Amish farmers to backyard gardeners to the next generation of naturalists and food producers, she built advocates for the small unpaid workers and the habitat critical to sustaining our world.

In her next chapter, Denise plans to spend even more time gardening, cooking, cycling, and hiking with her dogs, as well as visiting her two grandsons in Boston and Durham.  three women gather in a meadow An avid volunteer, Denise will continue her volunteer work with hospice, the Arc of Appalachia, the Heritage Garden at the Governor's residence, and Audubon's nature camp on Hog Island in Maine.

"I've been affiliated with Ohio State for 40 years as a student and employee," says Ellsworth. "Two of my children graduated from Ohio State, and I met my husband through Extension, so I guess I do bleed Scarlet. I'm very grateful to have worked alongside so many outstanding volunteers, colleagues and friends. Go Bugs!"

United Titanium Bug Zoo

Group of students holding insectsContributed by Carrie Elvey, United Titanium Bug Zoo Community Outreach Specialist
The UTBZ has had another great year full of community partnerships. We once again partnered with the Wayne Center for the Arts to run Investigating Insects Camp - a weeklong day camp full of insects, art and theater. We kicked off our inaugural Insect Movie Night with roaring success with the Lyric Theater in Wooster. During the College of Wooster's Explore Stem Day, budding female scientists had a chance to learn about insects, conduct food choice experiments, and see how the scientific method frames the work we do.  We enjoyed working with Michelle Pham and crew from the Gardiner Lab to share our insects at the libraries in Cleveland Heights to support their urban greenspace work.   

We strive to make the bug zoo a welcoming space for everyone and to encourage all the budding "bug nerds" we meet to follow their passion. A person holding an insectThis year we had a crystalizing moment during Pumpkins and Pillbugs when our volunteers included an 8th grader with her grandma, high school students who will soon join Entomology at ATI, current EGSA students, Entomology staff and a College of Wooster student all chatting together, sharing stories, and helping each other share their love of insects with the public. 

Our private tours have also become quite popular this year, with tours being booked for birthday parties, wedding anniversaries, and "just because we love bugs".  We love these tours because participants get such an up-close and personal experience helping us feed and care for insects, talk about career in entomology, and just share fun bug stories. 

Columbus BUGmobile and Insectary

man and child looking at insectsContributed by Jeni Ruisch, Insectary and Outreach Program Director
The onset of November wraps up the busy outreach season for our Columbus outreach team. This summer was the busiest yet for the BUGmobile, and next year is shaping up to be even busier! Special thanks to our volunteers and interns for jumping in and lending a hand for our biggest events! You too are valuable members of the team. 

The Insectary is reimagining its space to host larger and more varied groups. We hope to have a usable addition to our available education space, ready to unveil in the spring.

The best part of the Insectary is the connections it fosters with various undergraduate students! While we are sad to see them go, we are so happy for those that have graduated over the last two semesters! Two women wearing bee glassesCongratulations to all those who came through the lab and learned first-hand how to take care of the arthropods and got to gain hands-on experience in outreach to the people of Central Ohio! Each one of you made valuable contributions to the care and sharing of the Insectary collection. We know you will go on to make great strides in research and teaching and have a true impact on our natural world. Don’t forget to come back and visit!

 

Entomology Student Groups

Chrysalis Highlights

A couple of people standing next to a posterContributed by Elliott Ross, Chrysalis President
The undergraduate entomology club, Chrysalis, welcomed Bella Shorr as treasurer for the 2025-2026 academic year, as well as Cecil Engelhardt as an assistant coordinator and graphic designer. We've hosted several meetings, including Halloween movie nights, trivia, and coordinated an excursion to present the Entomology department outreach to students in Springfield through a trunk-or-treat. We've had a lot of fun, and we're looking forward to the next semester ahead!

Entomology Graduate Student Association Highlights

Contributed by Dante Centuori, EGSA Presidenttwo people at a table smiling
This fall, EGSA was involved in a number of successful outreach events, primarily Pumpkins & Pillbugs at Wooster, and the Insect Film Fest in Columbus. Both events were very well attended by the public and provided a great opportunity for kids and adults to get interested in entomology and be exposed to the departments' program. EGSA students also represented the interests of students in a variety of committees, department and university wide. We had a footprint at the annual Entomology Society of America conference as well, with many members attending and staffing a table in the vendors hall. Our Instagram account was also re-started by the digital media officer Dahee Ahn, if you're interested in keeping up with our activities be sure to follow @EGSA_OSU!

Publications and Extension Activities

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

Bold indicates current dept member or student. *Indicates former advisee of Entomology faculty.

  • Acosta, N., *Lee-Rodriguez, J., Cañas, L. (2025) Protocol to establish rice root aphid colonies and experiments in greenhouse settings. STAR Protocols, 6, 104222. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xpro.2025.104222
  • Donzelli, B. R. & J. P. Strange. (2025). Mycelium as a beneficial dietary additive to support managed bumble bee development and colony growth. Journal of Economic Entomology. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toaf233
  • Gomez-Santos, A. A., & Leach, A. (2025). Reduced-risk insecticides can effectively manage thrips without compromising Orius predation in pepper production. Biological Control, 208, 105835. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105835
  • *Kelly BJ, Joseph NC, Magistrado D, Short SM (2025) The effects of mating and blood feeding on the immune defense of female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 19(10): e0013542. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0013542
  • Magistrado D, Short SM. (2025) Bacterial infection elicits the Aedes aegypti unfolded protein response. Open Biol. 11:250207. doi: 10.1098/rsob.250207. Epub 2025 Nov 12. PMID: 41218768; PMCID: PMC12606226.
  • Martín-Blázquez, R., Cameron, S. A., Calhoun, A. C., Strange, J. P., & Sadd, B. M. (2025). Pesticide and Pathogen Exposure Causes Idiosyncratic Gene Expression Responses Across Four Diverse North American Bumble Bee Species. Molecular Ecology, e70042. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.70042
  • Oladipupo, S.O., Hochstrasser, M. (2025) Deubiquitylases and nucleases in bacterial symbiont-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility. Biochem. Soc. Transac. https://portlandpress.com/biochemsoctrans/article/53/05/1365/236657/Deubiquitylases-and-nucleases-in-bacterial
  • *Senanayaka Mudiyanselage, P., Lindsey, L., Oladipupo, S.O., 2025. Does growing latitude influence soybean seed critical amino acid content? A meta-analysis. Agric. Environ. Lett. 10, e70033. https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ael2.70033

Extension Activities & Media

Subscribe to RSS - Entomology Stridulations