- Author: Kathy Keatley Garvey
Squirm, maggots, squirm!
If you look behind the scenes of the entomological activities at the 108th annual UC Davis Picnic Day on Saturday, April 23 at Briggs Hall, you'll see a Department of Entomology and Nematology doctoral candidate coordinating everything from Roach Races to Maggot Art.
“I'm really excited to get our events up and running again after two years," said Danielle Rutkowski, the UC Davis Graduate Student Association (EGSA) coordinator of the department's Picnic Day activities at Briggs Hall (with forensic entomologist and faculty member Robert Kimsey).
COVID-19 pandemic cancelled the in-person UC Davis Picnic Day in both 2020 and 2021, but not 2022, nor the renewed enthusiasm.
“Coordinating events has been challenging, mostly because I've only been to one in-person Picnic Day myself!" said Rutkowski, who enrolled in the doctoral program in 2018, and is advised by associate professor Rachel Vannette and UC Davis distinguished professor Richard Karban.
"But it's been fun to work with other graduate students and the entomology club to get our exhibits from previous years back together. This is the first Picnic Day for many students in the department, so I want to make sure it's a fun experience for volunteers as well as visitors.”
Entomological activities at Briggs Hall will include Bug Doctor and Doctor Death booths; displays featuring honey bees, ants, mosquitoes, integrated pest management, forest entomology, medical entomology and agricultural entomology; and EGSA's insect-themed t-shirt sales, as well as the crowd-pleasing Roach Races and Maggot Art. And more. (See schedule at Briggs and Bohart Museum of Entomology.)
“The Roach Races are a definite favorite of the public; they're really high energy and a lot of fun," Rutkowski said. "And the (American) roaches are from a colony that the entomology club cares for, so they can return home after a hard day of racing. Maggot Art is another popular event among visitors, and we order the maggots from a bait supplier.”
Rutkowski says there are plenty of events “that I haven't seen before, and I'm looking forward to being a part of them this year. We'll have a lot of displays set up in Briggs 122, which I'm excited to see. We'll be bringing back some previous displays on forest entomology and medical entomology, as well as some new displays on agricultural entomology and caterpillar biology.”
Her research is funded by a three-year USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) pre-doctoral fellowship of $180,000; it provides tuition stipends and research funding to study the impacts and mechanisms of fungicide and bee-associated fungi on bumble bee health. Her other grants or scholarships include a 2020 Academic Senate grant of $25,000 to research the effects of fungicide on the health and microbiome composition of bumble bees; three George H. Vansell Scholarships (2019, 2020 and 2021 totaling $8950) to study the effects of fungicide on the health and microbiome composition of bumble bees; and a 2018-2020 UC Davis Eugene Cota-Robles Fellowship of $95,200.
Danielle holds a bachelor of science degree from Cornell University in entomology and biological sciences, with a concentration in ecology and evolutionary biology. She graduated in May 2018 summa cum laude with distinction in research.
At Cornell, Rutkowski did independent research with Professor Jennifer Thaler, carrying out an independent honor's thesis research project on ecological interactions between insect herbivores, plants, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Rutkowski also worked with Thaler on numerous other projects, studying interactions between potato plants, Colorado potato beetles, and their predators, as well as projects studying the interactions between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, tomato plants, and insect herbivores. She also worked with Professor Richard Lindroth at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, investigating how genotype and environmental conditions interact to affect the growth, defense and insect community of aspen trees.
Active in the Entomological Society of America (ESA), Rutkowski presented her research at the annual meetings in 2017, 2018 and 2021, and received the President's Prize (first place) in both 2017 and 2021. Rutkowski has also served as a member of the UC Davis graduate student group, Equity in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Entrepreneurship (ESTEME), planning activities and lessons for middle school students in the Davis area.
But for now, Danielle Rutkowski is juggling (1) her research on bumble bees (2) her dedication to her academic studies and (3) her mentoring and student teaching with (4) her commitment to public service: coordinating the highly popular Roach Races, Maggot Art and other entomological activities at the UC Davis Picnic Day's campuswide open house.
![The making of a Maggot Art masterpiece: art is created by dipping maggots into non-toxic, water-based paint. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey) The making of a Maggot Art masterpiece: art is created by dipping maggots into non-toxic, water-based paint. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/entomology/blogfiles/90199.jpg)
![Visitors enjoy creating Maggot Art, suitable for framing. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey) Visitors enjoy creating Maggot Art, suitable for framing. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/entomology/blogfiles/90200.jpg)
![Run, roaches, run! Enthusiasm reigns supreme at the Roach Races. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey) Run, roaches, run! Enthusiasm reigns supreme at the Roach Races. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/entomology/blogfiles/90201.jpg)
- Author: Kathy Keatley Garvey
The 108th annual UC Davis Picnic Day will include scores of insect-related displays and activities sponsored by the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology. Entomological events will take place at Briggs Hall; the Bohart Museum of Entomology (Academic Surge Building on Crocker Lane); and in the courtyard of Green Hall (formerly Life Sciences).
Free and open to the public (as is parking), it will be the first in-person Picnic Day in nearly three years. The theme is "Rediscovering Tomorrow."
Danielle Rutkowski, doctoral candidate in the lab of associate professor Rachel Vannette, is planning and coordinating the UC Davis Graduate Student Association (EGSA) events.
"We're all so excited that it's in-person again," said Jill Oberski, EGSA president. "Grad students usually run most of the entomology exhibits, but most of the younger graduate students have never been to a 'real' Picnic Day—so we finally have the chance to pass the experience on to them. It's always crazy and exhausting but it's so much fun, and a really great opportunity to engage with the public."
EGSA will be selling a number of t-shirts, both classic attire and new designs. New designs are "UCD Amblypygid," designed by Emma Jochim of the Jason Bond lab (it's EGSA's first arachnid shirt) and the limited-edition 'Mosquito Picnic' for Picnic Day 2022, designed by Oberski. "And we have stickers, masks, and several years' worth of back stock we would love to sell!" Oberski noted, adding that EGSA takes both cash and credit cards. Some of the classic T-shirt designs, such as The Beetles, sell fast. The link to EGSA's online store: https://ucdavisentgrad.
The list of insect-related events includes:
Bug Doctor
In front of Briggs Hall
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Meet an entomologist and talk about insects! Even bring some from your home or garden for identification! The line-up: three doctoral candidates: Xavier Zahnle of the Jason Bond lab, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Zachary Griebenow of the Phil Ward lab, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Jill Oberski of the Phil Ward lab, 3 to 5 p.m.
Doctor Death
Briggs Hall 122
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Meet forensic entomologist Bob Kimsey of the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology and learn how how insects are used in forensics! Kimsey is also the faculty chair of the department's Picnic Day.
Honey Bees and Honey
Briggs Hall Courtyard
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Learn about honey bees and the honey production process.
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Briggs Hall Entryway
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Popular insect-themed t-shirts such as ‘The Beetles' are on sale via the Entomology Graduate Student Association.
Lil' Swimmers and Fly-tying
Briggs Hall
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
See live insects from streams and ponds from lab of professor Sharon Lawler, and learn the art of fly-tying for fly fishing from members of the Fly Fishers of Davis.
Maggot Art
Green Hall Courtyard
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Children (and grown-ups) can create art using live maggots dipped in non-toxic, water-based paint. (See news story)
Ants
122 Briggs Hall
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Phil Ward lab will get you interested in ants. They'll have posters and photos (some from noted photographer and UC Davis alumnus Alex Wild, curator of entomology at the University of Texas, Austin). Got a question about ants?
Forest Entomology, Medical Entomology, Agricultural Entomology
122 Briggs Hall
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Learn the roles of insects in forest entomology, medical entomology and agricultural entomology. Check out the displays and talk to the entomologists. Among those participating: Agricultural Extension specialist Ian Grettenberger, assistant professor, and his lab will be there, as will forest entomologist and graduate student Crystal Homicz.
Caterpillar Biology
122 Briggs Hall
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Grace Horne, a graduate student in the laboratory of Emily Meineke, assistant professor of urban landscape entomology. will display hornworm caterpillars and pupae, and she'll discuss butterfly and moth biodiversity and biology, including urban biodiversity and their interactions with their host plants.
Mosquito Control
In front of Briggs Hall
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Learn about how to control mosquitoes and protect yourself. This booth is staffed by the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District.
Briggs Hall Courtyard
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Talk with expert entomologists about safely controlling pest insects.UC IPM will give away lady beetles, aka ladybugs.
Butterflies and Change (Bohart Museum of Entomology)
East Academic Surge Entrance
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
What's happening with California's state insect, the California Dogface Butterfly? And learn about monarch butterflies. Plus, view the Bohart Museum of Entomology's never-before-seen, student-created traveling, display exhibits.
Cockroach Racing
In front of Briggs Hall
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Entomologists will race cockroaches on tiny tracks to the delight of the crowd. Be there to cheer your favorites.
The 2022 Picnic Day, billed as one of the largest student-run events in the nation, will showcase more than 200 events. Picnic Day chair Amanda Portier and vice chair Jesse Goodman announced that "we strive to bring together people from Davis and beyond to celebrate all that our community has to offer." The schedule includes displays, animal events, performers, and parade floats.
For the complete schedule, access this link. "Please be prepared to show an approved UC Davis Daily Symptom Survey for entrance into some indoor events," the website points out. "For those who are not UC Davis students or employees proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test from the last 72 hours may also be required. Screening is at the discretion of individual exhibits and animal events."
![Doctoral candidate Zachary Griebenow of the Phil Ward lab answered questions as the Bug Doctor at a recent Picnic Day. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey) Doctoral candidate Zachary Griebenow of the Phil Ward lab answered questions as the Bug Doctor at a recent Picnic Day. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/entomology/blogfiles/90138.jpg)
![Maggot art is a popular activity at UC Davis Picnic Day. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey) Maggot art is a popular activity at UC Davis Picnic Day. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/entomology/blogfiles/90139.jpg)
![Professor Sharon Lawler discusses insects residing in streams and ponds. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey) Professor Sharon Lawler discusses insects residing in streams and ponds. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/entomology/blogfiles/90143.jpg)
![Cockroach races draw scores of visitors--and Cockroach races draw scores of visitors--and](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/entomology/blogfiles/90147.jpg)
![Steve Dreistadt of UC IPM answered questions about insects at a recent UC Davis Picnic Day. Steve Dreistadt of UC IPM answered questions about insects at a recent UC Davis Picnic Day.](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/entomology/blogfiles/90149.jpg)
- Author: Kathy Keatley Garvey
The hybrid meeting (both in-person and virtual) took place Oct. 31-Nov. 3 in Denver.
Several of the UC Davis highlights, as previously featured on the Department of Entomology and Nematology website:
- UC Davis distinguished professor Frank Zalom, integrated pest management (IPM) specialist and a past president of ESA, was celebrated as an Honorary Member of the ESA, an honor bestowed for his “long-term dedication and extraordinary contributions." (See more here.)
- UC Davis doctoral alumnus Kelli Hoover, a Pennsylvania State University professor internationally known for her research on invasive species, including the Asian longhorned beetle, gypsy moth and spotted lanternfly, was honored as a newly elected Fellow of ESA for her excellence in research. (See more here.)
- Danielle Rutkowski, doctoral candidate in the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology, won a President's Prize in a graduate student competition for her presentation on "Fungicide Impacts on Bumble Bees are Mediated via Effects on Bee-Associated Fungi" in the category, Plant-Insect Ecosystems: Ecology 3." She studies with community ecologist Rachel Vannette, associate professor, and is also advised by community ecologist and professor Rick Karban. (See more here.)Doctoral candidate Danielle Rutkowski with her President's Prize. (Entomological Society of America/ Photography G)
- Maureen Page, with the lab of pollinator ecologist Neal Williams, professor, UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology, won the second-place award in a graduate student competition for her presentation on "Optimizing Pollinator-Friendly Plant Mixes to Simultaneously Support Wild and Managed Bees." She competed in the category, Plant-Insect Ecosystems: Pollinators. (See more here.)
- Kyle Lewald, with the College of Biological Sciences and the Integrated Genomics and Genetics Graduate Group, but a member of the lab of molecular geneticist and physiologist Joanna Chiu, professor and vice chair of the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology, won second-place in a graduate student competition for his presentation on "Assembly of Highly Continguous Diploid Genome for the Agricultural Pest, Tuta absoluta." (See more here.)
At the ESA's annual meetings, students are offered the opportunity to present their research and win prizes. There are several components to the competition: 10-minute papers (oral), posters, and infographics. First-place winners receive a one-year free membership in ESA, a $75 cash prize, and a certificate. Second-winners score a one-year free membership in ESA and a certificate.
"Each year approximately 3,500 entomologists and other scientists gather to exchange scientific information," ESA says on hits website. "A program of symposia, conferences, submitted papers, and continuing education seminars provides attendees the opportunity to hear and present research results. The meeting also provides a chance to interact informally with peers and prospective employers."
ESA, founded in 1889 and headquartered in Annapolis, Md.,, is the world's largest organization serving the professional and scientific needs of entomologists and others in related disciplines. Its 7000 members are in educational institutions, health agencies, private industry, and government. Michelle Smith of Corteva Agriscience served as the 2021 president. The newly elected president is Jessica Ware, assistant curator of Invertebrate Zoology at the American Museum of Natural History.
Below are several images shared by Photography G of Denver at the ESA meeting. More images from the ESA meeting are on Flickr.
![The Hall of Fame at the ESA meeting included images of Frank Zalom, Honorary Member, and Kelli Hoover, Fellow. (Entomological Society of America/Photography G) The Hall of Fame at the ESA meeting included images of Frank Zalom, Honorary Member, and Kelli Hoover, Fellow. (Entomological Society of America/Photography G)](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/entomology/blogfiles/87370.jpg)
![Attendees walk past The Hall of Fame at the ESA meeting. It included images of Frank Zalom, Honorary Member, and Kelli Hoover, Fellow. (Entomological Society of America/Photography G) Attendees walk past The Hall of Fame at the ESA meeting. It included images of Frank Zalom, Honorary Member, and Kelli Hoover, Fellow. (Entomological Society of America/Photography G)](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/entomology/blogfiles/87371.jpg)
![ESA winners were singled out in this wall poster at the Denver meeting. (Entomological Society of America/Photography G) ESA winners were singled out in this wall poster at the Denver meeting. (Entomological Society of America/Photography G)](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/entomology/blogfiles/87372.jpg)
![Doctoral candidate Danielle Rutkowski, UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology, is shown here delivering her presentation that won first-place, the President's Prize, in her category. (Photo courtesy of Jill Oberski) Doctoral candidate Danielle Rutkowski, UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology, is shown here delivering her presentation that won first-place, the President's Prize, in her category. (Photo courtesy of Jill Oberski)](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/entomology/blogfiles/87373.jpg)
![Doctoral candidate Jill Oberski of the Phil Ward lab, UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology, delivering her presentation on Doctoral candidate Jill Oberski of the Phil Ward lab, UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology, delivering her presentation on](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/entomology/blogfiles/87374.jpg)
![Doctoral candidate Zachary Griebenow of the Phil Ward lab giving his presentation on
Doctoral candidate Zachary Griebenow of the Phil Ward lab giving his presentation on](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/entomology/blogfiles/87375.jpg)
![Jasmin Ramirez Bonilla, master's student in the Ian Grettenberger lab, giving her presentation on
Jasmin Ramirez Bonilla, master's student in the Ian Grettenberger lab, giving her presentation on](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/entomology/blogfiles/87376.jpg)
![Doctoral candidate Lacie Newton of the Jason Bond lab giving her presentation on Doctoral candidate Lacie Newton of the Jason Bond lab giving her presentation on](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/entomology/blogfiles/87386.jpg)
![Candid image of UC Davis-affiliated graduate students at the ESA meeting (from left) Madison Candid image of UC Davis-affiliated graduate students at the ESA meeting (from left) Madison](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/entomology/blogfiles/87387.jpg)
- Author: Kathy Keatley Garvey
She and other recipients of the prestigious President's Prize, (the first-place award), each held up an empty picture frame lettered with "Student Competition Winner."
Images from the ESA meeting are online on Flickr at https://www.flickr.com/photos/
Rutkowski delivered her 10-minute presentation on "Fungicide Impacts on Bumble Bees are Mediated via Effects on Bee-Associated Fungi" in the category, Plant-Insect Ecosystems: Ecology 3." She studies with community ecologist Rachel Vannette, associate professor, and is also advised by community ecologist and professor Rick Karban.
At the ESA's annual meetings, students are offered the opportunity to present their research and win prizes. They can compete in 10-minute papers (oral), posters, or infographics. First-place winners receive a one-year free membership in ESA, a $75 cash prize, and a certificate. Second-winners score a one-year free membership in ESA and a certificate.
Rutkowski's abstract:
"Native bees including bumble bees are important pollinators but face threats from multiple sources, including agrochemical application. Declining bumble bee populations have been linked to fungicide application, which could directly affect the fungi often found in the stored food and GI tract of healthy bumble bees. Here, we test the hypothesis that fungicides impact bee health by disrupting bumble bee -fungi interactions. Using two species, Bombus vosnesenskii and B. impatiens, we test the interactive effect of the fungicide propiconazole and fungal supplementation on the survival, reproduction, and microbiome composition of microcolonies (queenless colonies). We found that both bee species benefitted from fungi, but were differentially affected by fungicides. In B. vosnesenskii, fungicide exposure decreased survival while fungal supplementation mitigated fungicide effects. For B. impatiens, fungicide application had no effect, but fungal supplementation improved survival and offspring production. Fungicides altered fungal microbiome composition in both species, and reduced fungal abundance in B. vosnesenskii microcolonies, but not in B. impatiens, where instead fungal addition actually decreased fungal abundance. Our results highlight species-specific differences in both response to fungicides and the nature of fungal associations with bees, and caution the use of results obtained using one species to predict the responses of other species. These results suggest that fungicides can alter bee- fungi interactions with consequences for bee survival and reproduction, and suggest that exploring the mechanisms of such interactions, including interactions within bee-associated fungal communities, may offer insights into bumble bee biology and bumble bee conservation strategies. (Paper co-authors are associate professor Rachel Vannette, Eliza Litsey and Isabelle Maalouf)
Rutkowski completed her bachelor's degree at Cornell University, where she studied how the relationship between mycorrhizal fungi and their host plants impacts insect herbivores. On the Vannette lab website, she specifies that she studies "how bumble bees interact with the microbes, particularly fungi, in their environment, and how these relationships impact bee health."
Vannette describes her lab as "a team of entomologists, microbiologists, chemical ecologists, and community ecologists trying to understand how microbial communities affect plants and insects (sometimes other organisms too). We often study microbial communities in flowers, on insects or in soil. We rely on natural history observations, and use techniques from chemical ecology, microbial ecology and community ecology. In some cases, we study applied problems with an immediate application including pathogen control or how to support pollinators. Other questions may not have an immediate application but are nonetheless grounded in theory and will contribute to basic knowledge and conservation (e.g. how can dispersal differences among organisms affect patterns of abundance or biodiversity?)"
Related Information:
- Three UC Davis Graduate Students Win Top Awards at ESA Competition (Danielle Rutkowski, President's Prize; Maureen Page, second-place; and Kyle Lewald, second-place)
- UC Davis Graduate Students Present Their Research in ESA Competitions (Jill Oberski, Zachary Griebenow, Lacie Newton, Lindsey Mack, Danielle Rutkowski, Maureen Page, Xavier Zahnle, Erin Taylor Kelly, Jasmin Ramirez Bonilla, Madison Hendrick, Mia Lippey, and Gabriel Foote)
![UC Davis doctoral student Danielle Rutkowski, winner of a President's Prize at the ESA meeting, is UC Davis doctoral student Danielle Rutkowski, winner of a President's Prize at the ESA meeting, is](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/entomology/blogfiles/87264.jpg)
![UC Davis doctoral student Danielle Rutkowski working in the field. UC Davis doctoral student Danielle Rutkowski working in the field.](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/entomology/blogfiles/87267.jpg)
- Author: Kathy Keatley Garvey
Three UC Davis doctoral students won major awards in the highly competitive 10-minute student speech competitions at the Entomological Society of America's annual meeting, held Oct. 31-Nov. 3 in Denver. The event involves graduate students presenting their papers or ongoing research, in collaboration with their major professors or co-authors.
Danielle Rutkowski, with the lab of community ecologist Rachel Vannette, associate professor, UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology, won the first-place award, the President's Prize, in her category, Plant-Insect Ecosystems: Ecology 3, with her presentation on "Fungicide Impacts on Bumble Bees Are Mediated via Effects on Bee-Associated Fungi." Her co-advisor is community ecologist Rick Karban, professor, UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology. Taking home second place was Kassie Hollabaugh of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Maureen Page, with the lab of pollinator ecologist Neal Williams, professor, UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology, scored second place for her presentation, "Optimizing Pollinator-friendly Plant Mixes to Simultaneously Support Wild and Managed Bees." She competed in the category, Plant-Insect Ecosystems: Pollinators. Hannah McKenzie of Ohio State University won first place, the President's Prize.
Kyle Lewald, with the College of Biological Sciences and the Integrated Genomics and Genetics Graduate Group, but a member of the lab of molecular geneticist and physiologist Joanna Chiu, professor and vice chair of the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology, won second in his category, Systems, Evolution and Biodiversity: Genetics and Molecular Biology, with his speech on "Assembly of Highly Continguous Diploid Genome for the Agricultural Pest, Tuta absoluta." Amanda Markee of the University of Florida took home first place, the President's Prize.
Danielle Rutkowski's abstract
Maureen Page's abstract
Kyle Lewald's abstract
Tuta absoluta represents one of the largest threats to tomato production worldwide. While initially contained to South America throughout the 20th century, T. absoluta were detected in Spain in 2006 before rapidly spreading throughout Europe and Asia over the next decade. To facilitate study of pesticide resistance, adaptation, and control strategies, researchers require a high quality, highly contiguous, and well-annotated genome assembly. The currently published genome assembly was generated using short-read technology for the purpose of developing molecular markers and studying population genetics; however, due to the genome's large size, heterozygosity, and repetitiveness, the assembly was highly fragmented, making it unsuitable for annotation or functional genomic studies. To address this, we extracted DNA from a single T. absoluta individual for sequencing with long-read PacBio HiFi technology to avoid assembly issues expected due to high genetic diversity and repetitiveness. We have now successfully created a diploid assembly that contains 98% of complete BUSCO groups and 99% of initial raw reads, with an N50 of 6Mb. The genome is 3% heterozygous, and is 60% composed of repeat elements, explaining the fragmented nature of the previous assemblies. By annotating this assembly with previously published RNAseq, protein, and repeat-element datasets, we expect this resource to advance efforts in understanding and developing control strategies for this invasive moth. (Paper co-authored with Joanna Chiu)
At the ESA's annual meetings, students are offered the opportunity to present their research and win prizes. There are several components to the competition: 10-minute papers (oral), posters, and infographics. First-place winners receive a one-year free membership in ESA, a $75 cash prize, and a certificate. Second-winners score a one-year free membership in ESA and a certificate.
The 7000-member Entomological Society of America, founded in 1889 and headquartered in Annapolis, Md.,, is the world's largest organization serving the professional and scientific needs of entomologists and others in related disciplines. Its members are in educational institutions, health agencies, private industry, and government.