Programs

Program
Description
Contact
Alternative Control Outreach Network (ACORN) ACORN is a growing network of Master Gardeners, Extension Educators and University Researchers interested in reducing pesticide use in home gardens. We conduct workshops throughout the midwest to train gardeners how to conduct research that tests the effectiveness alternative tactics in their own gardens. The Alternative Control Guide is a web-based directory of alternative tactics. Cliff Sadof
Professor
csadof@purdue.edu
(765) 494-5983
Molecular Physiology Our research is focused on the genomic and proteomic response of insects to xenobiotics, such as pesticides or host plant resistance compounds. We work with several insect species, including Drosophila, cowpea bruchids, lice, and termites. Many of these projects are run in collaboration with other programs in the department, on campus, nationally, and internationally. Steve Yaninek
yaninek@purdue.edu
(765) 494-4554
Biological
Control
Our research examines basic and aoplied aspects of the impact of natural enemies on pest dynamics in several crop systems. Our basic research is focused on determining the underlying mechanisms of predator-prey dynamics at the behavioral and population levels. Our applied research includes evaluations of natural enemy efficacy in controlling target pests, developing recommendations for using biological control in specific areas, and integrating biological control into IPM systems. Steve Yaninek
yaninek@purdue.edu
(765) 494-4554
Indiana's "Most Unwanted" Invasive Plant Pest The Indiana Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey Program is a combined effort by Purdue University and Indiana state and federal agencies to conduct surveillance, detection, and monitoring of exotic plant pests of agricultural and natural plant resources and biological control agents. Survey targets include plant diseases, insects, weeds, nematodes, and other invertebrate organisms. These surveys are necessary to safeguard Indiana and our nation's agricultural and natural resources by detecting early pest infestations or introductions, which validates our trading partners concern for pest status. The ultimate goal is to further the Homeland Security Initiative by protecting Indiana's food production and natural resources from exotic invasive pests and bioterrorism. Larry Bledsoe
Center for Environmental and Regulatory Information Systems (CERIS) CERIS operates and maintains three main projects - NPIRS, EXCERPT, and NAPIS. These projects are a collection of databases on pesticide registration information, plant export/import regulations, and pest survey data. Data are received or derived principally from the US Environmental Protection Agency, US Department of Agriculture, and State Regulatory Agencies. CERIS provides the computer systems and the technical expertise in the maintenance, operation, and enhancements of these database systems. Eileen Luke
Director
eluke@ceris.purdue.edu
(765) 494-6613
Center For Urban and Industrial Pest Management (CUIPM) CUIPM was founded to enhance our department's ability to serve the educational, research, and continuing education needs for the management of pests affecting our health, property, and food supplies. The Center provides the foundation for expanding our knowledge of urban pests, developing environmentally sound technologies for pest management, delivering technical information and training programs to urbanites and urban pest managers through correspondence courses and conferences, and training scientists to undergird this process in the future. Gary Bennett
Professor
gbennett@purdue.edu
(765) 494-4564
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) The emerald ash borer (EAB) is a devastating exotic insect pest of North American ash trees. First found in Detroit in the summer of 2002, this insect has killed millions of ash trees in Michigan and has since been discovered in parts of Ohio and Indiana. If the spread of EAB is not controlled, it could eliminate ash trees as a species from North America. Sara Stack 
Exotic Forest Pest Outreach Coordinator
stack4@purdue.edu
(765) 494-0822
Educational Outreach Educational Outreach Program promotes the understanding of science based on the concept that insect science can be found in every required and elective topic in the K-12 curricula. We partner with teachers in grades K-12 to develop and present hands-on inquiry-based activities using insects as the model system. Gwen Pearson
Outreach Coordinator
gpearso@purdue.edu
(765) 494-0997
Field Crops IPM The Field Crops IPM Group provides information and conducts research on corn, soybean, alfalfa, and small grain pests (insects, nematodes, plant pathogens, weeds, and vertebrates). Here you will find integrated pest management (IPM) information including identification, biology, sampling, control strategies, and current research conducted on pests in the Midwest as well as abroad. John Obermeyer
IPM Supervisor
obe@purdue.edu (765) 494-4563

Alternate Contacts:
Larry Bledsoe
Jamal Faghihi
Food Pest Entomology The Food Pest Entomology Program focuses its effort on the pests affecting the food industry. This includes food from harvest (primarily grain), through the commercial elevator, processor, warehouse, retail market and into the kitchen. Applied research is conducted on alternatives to traditional controls including temperature modification, fumigation, and structural/packaging protection. Basic research focuses on mating and oviposition, attraction and food preferences. Linda Mason
Associate Professor
lmason@purdue.edu
(765) 494-4586
Forensic Entomology There is an increasing demand for professionals trained in the discipline and techniques of forensic science; not only in traditional crime investigation but in the spectrum of world terrorism and homeland security. Purdue’s program in forensic science is built on a solid foundation of courses in biological, chemical, and physical sciences, including a series of courses specific to forensic science and criminalistics, computer forensics, forensic entomology, forensic microscopy, environmental and health sciences, law and society, psychology, aviation technology, engineering, and a host of other courses related to forensic science education. Trevor Stamper
Clinical Assistant Professor
Director of Forensic Science
stampert@purdue.edu​
(765) 494-1262
Forest Entomology Laboratory The Forest Entomology Laboratory is broadly interested in the chemically-mediated host colonization and mating behaviors of wood-boring beetles. North American hardwood forests are increasingly threatened by a litany of indigenous and invasive wood-boring insect pests. Unfortunately, the destructive nature of many wood-boring insects is exacerbated by difficulty in controlling their populations. Because they spend the majority of their lives concealed beneath the bark of trees, these insects are physically protected from sprayed pesticides. The long term goal of our research is to develop effective pest management tactics targeting the chemically-mediated mating system of the beetles. Matthew Ginzel
Assistant Professor
mginzel@purdue.edu
(765) 494-9369
Fruit IPM
Vegetable IPM
The Fruit and Vegetable IPM program is to develop and implement IPM programs in fruit and vegetable crops. Research is conducted to develop sampling methods, economic thresholds, and control tactics, including biological, cultural, and chemical control. Recent work has centered developing alternatives to pesticides for fruit and vegetable growers. Rick Foster
Professor
rfoster@purdue.edu
(765) 494-9572
Honey Bee Behavioral Genetics and Genomics The Honey Bee Behavioral Genetics and Genomics program is interested in genetic influences on honey bee behavior, and the resistance of bees to parasitic mites. Our lab made detailed maps of the honey bee chromosomes to identify genes that influence honey bee defensive behavior, and other traits. We study the interactions between genes, environment and individuals in a social insect. We also have a breeding program to increase the resistance of bees to Varroa mites. Greg Hunt
Associate Professor
ghunt@purdue.edu
(765) 494-4605
IPM in Schools The IPM Technical Resource Center helps schools and childcare facilities in developing pest management programs that will effectively control pests while minimizing the potential for pesticide exposure of children. We provide resources, technical information, and training in Integrated Pest Management for school and daycare personnel as well as pest management professionals working in children’s environments. Tim Gibb
IPM in Schools Coordinator
gibb@purdue.edu
(765) 496-7520
Landscape Ecology Our research examines the impacts of land use at different spatial scales on insect populations and movements, and on overall arthropod biodiversity. Our main goal is to understand how to best configure landscapes at a range of spatial scales to balance human land use needs with the conservation of biodiversity. Jeff Holland
Assistant Professor
jdhollan@purdue.edu
(765) 494-5983
Landscape Entomology Laboratory The Landscape Entomology Laboratory promotes the design of indoor and outdoor landscapes that can be maintained with a minimum of pesticide use. Research, extension and teaching efforts promote the biological and natural control of pests in forests, urban landscapes, nurseries, greenhouses and Christmas trees. Special programs have been developed that address management needs for exotic pests like Gypsy Moth. Cliff Sadof
Professor
csadof@purdue.edu
(765) 494-4739
MPRINT Faculty in Purdue University's Department of Entomology, together with members of other departments in Purdue Agriculture, collaborate as a multidisciplinary team whose goal is to foster pest resistance for crop improvement using modern molecular-biological and genetic tools.
Larry Murdock
Jonathan Neal
Richard Shukle
Jeff Stuart
Christie Williams
Public Health and Medical Entomology Program Mosquitoes and ticks are arthropod vectors of disease-causing agents to humans and have a significant impact on human health throughout the world. A number of new and emerging vector-borne diseases are of public health significance in the United States. Diseases such as West Nile virus and Lyme Disease cause considerable human mortality and morbidity. Public education is the key to the prevention and control of vector-borne diseases. The goal of the Purdue Public Health Entomology Program is to reduce transmission of vector-borne diseases through public education. We offer a variety of educational materials and training opportunities to help the public learn about vectors, vector-borne diseases, and their control. We also are participating with local and state health departments in the surveillance and monitoring of vectors and vector-borne diseases in Indiana. Catherine Hill
Assistant Professor
hillca@purdue.edu
(765) 496 6157

Alternate Contact:

John MacDonald
macdonaj@purdue.edu
(765) 494 4582


Purdue Entomological Research Collections
(PERC)
The Purdue Entomological Research Collections (PERC) are an integral and invaluable part of the entomological program at Purdue in that they represent the diversity and distribution of those organisms that are in essence the subject of entomological study. W. Patrick McCafferty
Academic Coordinator
mccaffer@purdue.edu
(765) 494-4599
Arwin V. Provonsha
Curator
provonsha@purdue.edu
(765) 494-4598
Turfgrass Entomology and Applied Ecology laboratory Research in the Turfgrass Entomology and Applied Ecology Laboratory focuses on trophic interactions and their consequences/implications for turfgrass systems at ecological scales ranging from the population to the community. We are examining how soil fertility and other management practices influence the expression of endophyte mediated resistance and interactions between insect pests and their natural enemies. The primary goal of these efforts is to support the development of biologically-based pest management strategies and enhance integration of cultural, biological and chemical management tools. Applied research aims to clarify biological, aesthetic and economic trade-offs associated with divergent turfgrass management approaches. Doug Richmond
Assistant Professor
drichmond@purdue.edu
(765) 494-0399
Wildife Conflicts Infomation Hotline Indiana has a wealth of wildlife that Hoosiers enjoy and benefit from everyday, but wild animals can sometimes come into conflict with people. The Indiana Wildlife Conflicts Information Hotline can provide information on how to live with wildlife, as well as advice on how to manage conflicts with wildlife. Daniel Young
State Director Wildlife Services
daniel.r.young@aphis.usda.gov​
(765) 494-6229
Western Corn Rootworm Distribution Maps Western corn rootworm distribution maps for North America and Europe for present and past years. C. Richard Edwards
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