Entomology

Bug

The Department of Entomology provides professional expertise concerning arthropods to the commonwealth, the nation, and the world. This includes teaching, training, and advising undergraduate and graduate students; conducting basic and applied research on arthropods and disseminating the results; providing information about management of arthropods and the usefulness of beneficial arthropods available to clientele and the public; developing management strategies to control arthropod pests in Virginia; fostering development of entomological expertise at the international level; and contributing to debate on pertinent university, state, and national issues.

Graduate Program

The department offers a Master's in Life Sciences degree with a concentration in Entomology (thesis or non-thesis), or a Doctorate in Entomology. The graduate program offers training in basic and applied entomology through a combination of graduate courses, research programs, and teaching experience. Research thesis/dissertation topics are in our focus areas.

Research

The Department of Entomology focuses on two main research areas:

  • Biomedical Research, with emphasis on insect genomics and urban/public health. This includes mosquito biology and vector control as they affect urban and public health, and human and animal disease.
  • Natural/Agro Ecosystems Research, with emphasis on IPM/Biological Control of pest problems, and environmental monitoring and protection. It includes IPM/biological control of commodity pests such as horticultural, field, and forage crops; forest and Christmas tree pests; household and structural pests; and monitoring and protection of the environment.

Extension

Extension and outreach activities focus on:

  • Production agriculture (field crops [soybeans, cotton, small grains, corn, tobacco, and forage/alfalfa], fruit, vegetables, livestock, honeybees, and Christmas trees)
  • Forest entomology (gypsy moth, southern pine beetle, and hemlock woolly adelgid)
  • Insect identification
  • Pesticide program unit
  • Urban entomology (Virginia School Integrated Pest Management and IPM in Public Housing programs)

Contact Information:

L.T. Kok, Department Head
216 Price Hall (0319)
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
(540) 231-6341
Fax: (540) 231-9131
ltkok@vt.edu

Department of Entomology Homepage