Congratulations to the members of the Entomological Society of America recently elected to volunteer positions beginning in November 2025. The electronic ballot period for members began July 14 and was completed August 13. Below, the candidates elected to positions within the Society and several ESA Sections and Branches are listed.
All elected candidates begin their roles upon the completion of the ESA Annual Meeting, Entomology 2025, November 9-12 in Portland, Oregon.
ESA members also elected three new Honorary Members during the election period.
Below, see the elected candidates for:
- ESA Society Elections
- Early Career Professional Elections
- Medical, Urban, and Veterinary Entomology (MUVE) Section Elections
- Physiology, Biochemistry, & Toxicology (PBT) Section Elections
- Plant-Insect Ecosystems (P-IE) Section Elections
- Systematics, Evolution, & Biodiversity (SysEB) Section Elections
- International Branch Elections
- Pacific Branch Elections
- Southeastern Branch Elections
ESA Society Elections
ESA Vice President-Elect
Faith Oi 
University of Florida
Bio: Dr. Faith Oi is an extension professor at the University of Florida. She is nominated by MUVE and endorsed by ESA's Southeastern, Southwestern, and International Branches. Oi completed leadership development programs LEAD21 and LEAD IFAS. She is the director of Pest Management University (PMU), whose mission is to provide evidence-based programs on urban pest management. She leads a team of experts from industry, academia, and regulatory agencies with core values that support science and service. Awards include: Pest Control Technology-Syngenta Crown Leadership, ESA-SEB Extension Award, Florida Entomological Society (FES) Achievement in Extension, Florida Extension Service Assoc. Family & Consumer Sciences Outstanding Specialist, IPM Symposium Team Award for PMU, and FES Team Research Achievement Award. She works globally with insect science advocates.
Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Oi has actively and continually served the ESA at the Governing Board, Section, and Branch levels since 1995. Leadership and service capacities include incumbent treasurer (2 terms), member of the Executive Committee of the Governing Board (2 terms), Finance Committee, chair (2 terms), Financial Task Force Committee (current), Rules and Ethics Committee (2 terms), Professional Advancement Career Training mentor (4 cohorts), and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (chair). MUVE: Section president. SEB: chair for Nominations, Program, and Student Awards Committees. Others: She has served on the National Pest Management Association technical committee for over 25 years and in multiple roles for the National Conference on Urban Entomology as conference chair, Student Awards chair, and Planning Committee member.
Candidate statement: If elected, my goal is to focus on member needs, science, and service. ESA's strength lies in its active, volunteer members, and I am committed to ESA's mission to promote opportunities for our members to widely and passionately share insect science! How?
- I propose to broaden our support for practitioners and certification programs.
- I support member workforce and professional development, particularly in artificial intelligence.
- I will continue ESA's commitment to science and policy, which will enhance our ability to develop solutions for grand challenges such as vector-borne disease, invasive species, and food security.
- As the current treasurer, I have a deep understanding of the economic challenges we face, and I am committed to working toward a balanced budget in consultation with the treasurer and Financial Task Force for the fiscal health of the Society.
VP-Elect candidate statement on critical issues and future vision for the Society: Our discipline and membership, regardless of Branch, Section, and membership type, face the critical issues of science denialism, shifts in policy priorities, and related funding impacts. Additionally, artificial intelligence has affected virtually every aspect of our lives, positively and negatively, including our scientific process, publications, and formal and informal teaching. Finally, ESA's struggling financial health is a critical issue. We must diligently harmonize the operational and strategic budgets to more effectively leverage our resources. If we do nothing, the confluence of these critical issues will impede our abilities to 1) support changing member needs, including, but not limited to, workforce and professional development, and 2) develop collaborations with transdisciplinary partners that can provide solutions to grand challenges (e.g., vector-borne disease, invasive species, food security), complex conservation questions, and emerging issues. Our future vision for ESA must consider the fundamental question of "who we are." ESA has demonstrated success in "inward-facing" communication functions such as publications and meetings. However, science communication methods have changed, and we must explore additional avenues of sharing our science to increase our relevance and impact to a broader audience. I propose adopting the concept of "future-proofing" as a general framework to address critical issues and rapid changes affecting members. While not new, "[f]uture-proofing means designing or building technology, systems, or products in a way that ensures they remain useful and effective for our members as new technologies, trends, and needs emerge" (adapted from Mendix). I have listed what I intend to accomplish in the Candidate Statement above.
ESA Treasurer
Scott O'Neal
FSS, Inc.
Bio: Dr. Scott O'Neal conducts stored product entomology research as director of research and development at FSS, Inc. Scott earned his Ph.D. in entomology from Virginia Tech, M.S. in forensic science from Virginia Commonwealth University, and B.S. in genetics and microbiology from Purdue University. He conducted USDA NIFA-funded insect physiology and toxicology research as a postdoc at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and engaged in crop protection research and project leadership as a research entomologist at Corteva Agriscience. Scott has also gained business and financial management experience outside of ESA by founding and managing the 501(c)3 nonprofit Richmond Fencing Club, serving on the board of directors for 10 years with seven years as the executive director. He is nominated by the PBT Section and has been endorsed by FIT, MUVE, NCB, SEB, SWB, and the ECP Committee.
Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Scott has been an active leader within ESA for the last 10 years and currently serves as the first Early Career Representative on the ESA Governing Board, a term that ends this year. As a member of the Governing Board, Scott also serves as liaison to the ECP Committee and as a member of the President's Financial Task Force. Previous leadership roles include serving as chair of the ECP Committee and as ECP representative on the PBT Section Governing Council. Throughout his time with ESA, Scott has worked to increase opportunities and support for student and early career members. His efforts include introducing ESA's first "speed networking" event, launching the ECP Recognition Symposium, developing a popular workshop series at the Annual Meeting to promote industry careers, and spearheading the Bylaws change that added the ECP Representative to the Governing Board.
Candidate statement: As an engaged member and volunteer leader in ESA for the last 10 years, it has been my privilege to serve an organization that has done so much to support my personal and professional growth. During my time on ESA's Financial Task Force, I have gained deeper insight into the fiscal challenges that our organization faces if we are to ensure continued financial stability. My goal in running for the position of ESA Treasurer is to continue supporting all members by upholding the fiduciary responsibility of this office. If elected, my priorities would be: 1) to ensure ESA's long-term financial health by continuing our commitment to fiscal sustainability, 2) to evaluate and refine our budget models in support of transparency and accountability, and 3) to explore opportunities for the growth and diversification of our revenue streams to support ESA's core missions now and in the future.
Early Career Professional Elections
Early-Career Representative to the Governing Board
Jasleen Kaur
University of Florida
Bio: Dr. Jasleen Kaur is a postdoctoral researcher in entomology at the University of Florida. She has published eight peer-reviewed papers (more in progress) and reviewed 12 manuscripts for top journals, providing strong insight into the publishing landscape. Her research spans plant–insect interactions, IPM, and chemical ecology. Since 2020, she has held nine leadership roles across four organizations and served on five university committees, earning college-level recognition for her service as student senator and Graduate Student Council treasurer. As the Southeastern Branch Rep to the Early Career Professionals Committee, Jasleen champions visibility, inclusion, engagement, and professional growth of ECPs within ESA. Her global perspective and commitment to inclusive excellence shape her work and leadership in entomology.
Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Kaur advances ESA's mission through service as Southeastern Branch Rep on the Early Career Professionals Committee and ad hoc member of the Education & Outreach Committee, where she refined K-12 learning resources. She has organized three ESA symposia, judged four student competitions, and participated as a debater, four times as an invited speaker, and as a panelist at Annual Meetings as a Ph.D. student. She was competitively selected for the PACT Initiative (2022) and Bayer's B4U mentoring program (2023). As treasurer/grants chair, she managed $200,000 for two years in student travel awards. She co-led a workshop impacting more than 9,000 students and conducted outreach at 16 events. She is also slated for an interview with Entomology Today.
Candidate statement: My experience as an early career scientist fuels my commitment to ensure ESA serves and uplifts others like me. Early career professionals deserve more than a seat at the table, and we must shape the agenda and future of our Society. I will lead efforts to promote transparent decision-making, strengthen collaboration across ESA Branches, and create leadership pathways reflecting the full diversity of our membership. I have a global perspective and deep commitment to service, and I will work tirelessly to make ESA more accessible, responsive, and future-ready for all ECPs. I will listen deeply, represent boldly, and act decisively.
Medical, Urban, and Veterinary Entomology (MUVE) Section Elections
MUVE Section Vice President-Elect
Gabriel Hamer
Texas A&M University
Bio: Gabriel Hamer, Ph.D., is a professor in the Texas A&M University Department of Entomology. His research and teaching broadly investigates the ecology and control of infectious diseases of humans, wild animals, and domestic animals, with particular attention to those transmitted by arthropod vectors (e.g. mosquitoes, ticks, kissing bugs). He has studied vector-host interactions that lead to parasite amplification and increased disease risk. He also develops and evaluates vector control approaches aimed at reducing human and animal disease. He has active international collaborations in Mexico, Guatemala, Argentina, and Uganda. He is a Certified Wildlife Biologist, has over 150 peer-reviewed publications, is a subject editor for the Journal of Medical Entomology, and is past chair of the American Committee of Medical Entomology.
Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Gabriel Hamer and members of his research lab at Texas A&M University have been regular attendees of the ESA Annual Meeting and regional Branch Meetings for 15 years. He has been a past moderator of an ESA symposium. He has been a subject editor for the Journal of Medical Entomology (JME) since 2018 and organized a JME special collection published in 2024. Hamer has extensive service with other societies as well, such as the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) and the Society of Vector Ecology. Hamer was a chair of the American Committee of Medical Entomology (ACME), a subgroup with ASTMH. He previously served on the ASTMH Digital Education Committee, is currently on the ASTMH Scientific Program Committee, and is currently a member of the inaugural ASTMH Mid-Career Leadership Program.
Candidate statement: The world is facing accelerating threats from insects on humans, domestic and wild animals, and our urban environment. This pattern has merged with regulatory changes creating uncertainty and additional challenges. My goal is to join MUVE leadership at this critical time to strengthen MUVE and encourage our next generation of entomologists in our Section's fields to continue to develop professionally and fill vital positions for society. I can help maintain important MUVE initiatives such as communication by newsletters and trainee professional development given my relevant experience with these activities in other societies. Finally, ESA needs to maintain advocacy and partnering with other societies will allow a stronger voice. My affiliations with other professional societies can help facilitate these partnerships.
MUVE Section Secretary
Anna Iversen, BCE
Pelsis
Bio: Anna is a Board Certified Entomologist with 23 years of experience in the pest management industry with a passion for food safety, stored product pests, and training. She earned her B.S. in biology from the University of Oregon in 2001 and her M.S. in grain science with a focus in entomology from Kansas State University in 2006. Afterward, she joined ISCA Technologies as an entomologist, where she worked on pheromone dispersal. In 2011, she joined McCloud Services and focused on technician training, standard operating procedures, and quality assurance initiatives. This continued when Terminix acquired McCloud in 2019. In 2021, Anna was hired as technical director for B&G Equipment and in 2022 was promoted to U.S. technical director for Pelsis.
Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Anna is the current secretary of MUVE, in the last of her three-year term. Anna has been a member of ESA since 2004, attending many of the Annual Meetings. As a student, she competed (and won) in poster and oral presentations and co-organized a symposium. With ISCA, she exhibited at ESA's Annual Meetings from 2006 to 2009. As a BCE, she has encouraged many to get their ACE, proctored exams, and led study sessions. She helped develop questions for ESA's Public Health Entomology certificate. Anna is active with the National Pest Management Association, the Illinois chapter of the Professional Women in Pest Management, Women in Pest Control, and Pi Chi Omega.
Candidate statement: I have served as MUVE secretary for the last three years and have really enjoyed the opportunity. I've gotten to see the inner workings of the MUVE Section and better understand how ESA is positioned to bring change to its members and the industry as a whole. The people I've worked with as secretary are so passionate and engaged about entomology and its progression that I've found it to be inspiring for my own career. So, I am glad to throw my hat in for another three years.
MUVE Section Representative to the Governing Board
Erika Machtinger
Pennsylvania State University
Bio: Dr. Erika Machtinger is an associate professor of entomology at Penn State University and principal investigator of the Veterinary Entomology Laboratory. She earned her Ph.D. in entomology from the University of Florida. Her research bridges medical, urban, and veterinary entomology through an integrated health approach, focusing on ectoparasites, vector ecology, and host-parasite interactions. A recipient of multiple MUVE and ESA awards, she currently directs the $6.25 million CDC-funded VectorED Network and has authored over 75 peer-reviewed and extension publications, as well as a book on equine pests. Erika prioritizes practical problem-solving, mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, empowering communities through science-based education and extension engagement and service to ESA and the field.
Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Machtinger has served ESA in multiple roles, starting as Southeastern Branch Student Affairs Committee representative before serving on the Student Transition and Early Professionals Committee and later as MUVE representative to the Early Career Professionals Committee. Erika is the current MUVE representative to the Governing Board. She served on ESA's Publications Task Force and co-leads the MUVE Wildly Important Goal "MUVE-ing together: Connecting Entomology, Ecology, and Human Health." Her editorial service includes roles with J. Medical Entomology, J. Economic Entomology, and J. Insect Science. She has co-organized multiple ESA symposia. Beyond ESA, she has chaired the S1076 Multistate Group and contributes to the CDCs vector-borne disease working group, the NEON Tick Technical Working Group, and The Wildlife Society's Wildlife Disease Working Group.
Candidate statement: I am passionate about continuing my service as MUVE's Governing Board representative during this pivotal time for ESA. My background in extension has taught me to effectively communicate complex science to diverse audiences—a crucial skill as we engage with policymakers amid administrative changes. I bring a proven track record of fostering collaborations across disciplines, particularly in integrated health. As a board member, I balance my fiduciary responsibility to ESA with advocacy for our science, ensuring members' concerns are represented while advancing our strategic priorities. I aim to strengthen ESA's voice in policy conversations, expand cross-disciplinary initiatives, and develop early-career professionals and students who will lead our society into the future.
Physiology, Biochemistry, & Toxicology (PBT) Section Elections
PBT Section Vice President-Elect
Bio: Ana's path to entomology began at Zamorano University in Honduras where she earned a B.Sc. in agriculture, and where she developed a passion for pest management and entomology. This led her to pursue higher education, earning an M.Sc. at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Ph.D. at North Carolina State University. As a postdoc researcher at the USDA and University of Florida, Ana focused on pollinator-related topics. Since joining Bayer CropScience as a pollinator safety expert, Ana supports global product registrations, co-leads a research laboratory, and has published over 10 peer-reviewed articles. Ana fosters cross-institutional collaborations and actively participates in national and international interest groups, significantly advancing the science of pollinator risk assessment.
Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Currently, Ana co-leads the PBT Section Education and Outreach Committee, enhancing the Section's visibility through social media and achieving a 200% growth in one platform. She has co-organized the Latin/Hispanic Symposium at the ESA Annual Meeting for the last five years and contributed significantly to the creation of the SomosEnto community, which elevates Latin/Hispanic entomologists and their contributions to science. In the last few years, Ana has actively mentored seven graduate students through ESA's EntoMentos program, the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research, and the Bayer University Mentoring Program. Additionally, Ana serves as the current Technical Committee chair of the Pollinator Research Task Force and co-leads a working group of the International Commission for Plant-Pollinator Relationships.
Candidate statement: Dear PBT Community, I am humbly asking you for your vote and support. I've been co-leading the PBT Outreach and Education committee for the past year, and every time I learn from PBT members, I'm in awe of your scientific pursuits and accomplishments. If I get the honor to be the PBT VP-elect, I pledge to listen, learn from those before me, prioritize our Section's interests and growth, and keep building a vibrant community. I bring a combination of professional experience, leadership skills, and deep commitment to service, but above all I bring my genuine desire to support and uplift the PBT community. I believe our future is bright because of you, this Sections' talented scientists and leaders. I envision PBT as the strongest pillar of our Society, fostering collaboration, and driving discoveries that will improve our health, increase our food, and protect our environment.
ECP Representative to the PBT Section Governing Council
Zinan Wang
Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky
Bio: Dr. Zinan Wang is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Kentucky. His program integrates molecular biology, genetics, analytical chemistry, and bioinformatics to investigate the molecular basis of physiological adaptation. Wang received his bachelor's degree from Beijing Forestry University in 2013. He moved to the U.S. for his graduate studies in entomology in 2015. He first obtained his master's degree in entomology at Louisiana State University in 2017. He then pursued his Ph.D. in a dual major program focusing on entomology and ecology, evolutionary biology, and behavior (EEBB) at Michigan State University, which he completed in 2021. His work has resulted in 18 publications across various peer-reviewed journals, including first-authored papers in high-impact journals such as Science Advances and eLife.
Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Wang has been an active member of the Entomological Society of America since 2015. He has participated in student debates, presented research, organized member symposia, and volunteered as a session moderator at ESA Annual Meetings. From 2018 to 2020, he served as the North Central Branch Student Representative, helping to represent and support student members. He currently serves as Vice President of the ESA Overseas Chinese Entomologists Association, where he works to promote international collaboration and engagement within the entomological community.
Candidate statement: I'm excited to serve as the Early Career Professional Representative for the PBT Section at ESA, aiming to strengthen a more inclusive and supportive community. Being an early career scientist myself, I recognize the difficulties of this phase and want to elevate ECP voices in our planning. If elected, I plan to establish chances for networking, mentorship, and heightened visibility through ECP-organized workshops, sharing resources, and hosting career development activities. I prioritize collaboration, transparency, and equity, and I am committed to cultivating environments where all early career members feel empowered to develop, lead, and influence the future of entomology.
Plant-Insect Ecosystems (P-IE) Section Elections
P-IE Section Vice President-Elect
Michelle Boone
Colorado State University/National Park Service
Bio: Michelle is a federal contractor working with the National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring Division, where she oversees pollinator inventory projects at over 25 park units. She earned her A.A. in liberal arts at North Hennepin Community College, B.Sc. in biology at the University of St. Thomas, and Ph.D. in entomology at the University of Minnesota (UMN). Michelle is a dedicated servant leader, having served previously as chair of the Graduate Student Board and associate director of programming on the Council of Graduate Students at UMN, president of the Honors Society at North Hennepin Community College, and an elected member of her local district council in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Michelle is a current ESA Science Policy Fellow.
Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Michelle has been a member of ESA and the P-IE Section since 2017. She has previously served as the student representative on the P-IE Governing Council and vice chair on the Leadership Development Committee. She currently serves on the NCB ECP committee. Michelle is committed to supporting the next generation of leaders in entomology and has organized ESA workshops at the national and Branch levels on applying to ESA awards, the experiences of women of color in entomology, developing professional networks, and mentorship. Michelle has been an active mentor in the ESA EntoMentos program since its inception. She is passionate about public outreach and volunteers with the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation as an outreach ambassador.
Candidate statement: I am interested in serving as P-IE Section Vice President-Elect to foster support for student and early career professional members during these extremely uncertain times and to expand science policy literacy within ESA membership. One of my primary goals if elected would be to increase resources available to members who have been affected by government cuts, such as organizing workshops for resume building and career transitioning for those who have been impacted. I would also like to share the training I am receiving through the Science Policy Fellowship program broadly to empower other members to advocate for STEM funding and the STEM workforce. I would be honored to serve and support members of the P-IE Section for the next four years.
P-IE Section Secretary
Sajjan Grover
Bayer Crop Science
Bio: Sajjan Grover, Ph.D., is a senior scientist specializing in hemipteran discovery at Bayer Crop Science. He joined Bayer in 2022 after earning his Ph.D. in entomology from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) in 2021, where he conducted research on molecular plant-insect interactions. His professional goal is to advance the development of innovative and sustainable strategies for agricultural pest management. Sajjan has been actively engaged with ESA since 2017. He currently serves as the North Central Branch (NCB) representative to the ESA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee and as member-at-large on the ESA Leadership Development Committee. Sajjan is dedicated to mentoring students and early career professionals through initiatives that foster their professional advancement.
Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Sajjan has organized and contributed to numerous symposia, workshops, and speed networking sessions focused on industry careers at both the North Central Branch (NCB) and ESA Annual Meetings. He has also served as a judge for student competitions and debates and as a session moderator at these meetings. Demonstrating strong leadership, he has previously held various roles, including PBT representative to the Science Policy Committee, member of the ESA Early Career Awards Committee, NCB Professional and Honorary Awards Committee, and Student Affairs Committee. He also served as president of the UNL Graduate Student Association and contributed to several other committees. Sajjan has served as a mentor in the ESA PACT program, supporting the professional development of students/ECPs. His contributions have been recognized with several prestigious ESA awards.
Candidate statement: I have been a proud member of the P-IE Section for the past eight years, during which I’ve been inspired by the dedication of many outstanding scientists who have shaped the section through visionary leadership and opportunities for member engagement. The P-IE Section has played a pivotal role in increasing my professional visibility and guiding my career trajectory. While I’ve had the privilege of serving on several ESA committees, joining the P-IE Governing Council as secretary will allow me to more directly understand and address the needs of our Section. I am passionate about giving back to the scientific community through dedicated service while growing into future leadership roles. I am committed to fostering transparent communication, elevating diverse voices, and strengthening collaborations across ESA. It would be an honor to continue serving ESA and the P-IE Section.
P-IE Representative to the Publications Council
Brian W. Bahder
University of Florida
Bio: Dr. Bahder is currently an associate professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Florida. He obtained a bachelor's degree in entomology from the University of Delaware, master's degree in entomology from the University of Florida, and a Ph.D. in entomology from Washington State University. During his graduate and post doctoral training, he focused on insect vectors of viral pathogens in grapes where he documented the capacity of mealybugs and scales to transmit grapevine leafroll associated viruses from juice grapes to wine grapes and discovery of the vector of grapevine red blotch virus in wine grapes. Since his appointment at UF, his primary research has focused on discovering and managing the vector of lethal bronzing disease (a fatal phytoplasma infection in palms) in Florida.
Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Dr. Bahder has been an active member of ESA since 2012. He has consistently attended annual and branch meetings to present his research as well as supported his graduate student by sending them to present their graduate work. Since becoming a member, he has moderated various symposia within the PI-E section as well as reviewed student applications for travel awards. In addition to ESA, he is also an active member in APS (also since 2012) where he participates in national meetings as well as the Caribbean branch of the society, judges student travel award applications, and serves as a senior editor and associate editor to Plant Disease and Phytopathology (respectively), the primary journals to the society.
Candidate statement: I am interested in serving as a representative because now that I am transitioning from an early career to a more established/mid-career scientist, I have gained a better understanding of all aspects of the scientific process (both intellectual and administrative) needed to be successful, and now I can make more meaningful contributions. As a scientist in academia during a very competitive time, publishing is (more than ever) of the utmost importance, and due to my publication record in a very broad range of topics (entomology, plant pathology, eDNA/herpetology, molecular diagnostics, molecular genetics, etc.), I have a much broader experience with the publishing experience than most scientists at my mid-career level. This experience with a wide variety of journals will allow me to bring many fresh and different perspectives to the council at ESA.
Systematics, Evolution, & Biodiversity (SysEB) Section Elections
SysEB Section Vice President-Elect
Elizabeth Murray
Washington State University
Bio: Elizabeth would consider herself a card-carrying entomologist. Since her undergraduate at a liberal arts college in Minnesota, she has completed her education and training in entomology departments across the country—from Kansas State University (M.S.) to UC Riverside (Ph.D.), and then to Cornell (lecturer and postdoc) and the National Museum of Natural History (Peter Buck Postdoctoral Fellow). Her research aims to reconstruct the evolutionary relationships of various groups of bees and wasps to study patterns of evolution and biodiversity. In 2020, Elizabeth joined Washington State University as the Telford Family professor and director of the MT James Entomological Collection, where she collaborates locally to globally. Elizabeth teaches taxonomy and general entomology and advises several students.
Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Elizabeth has been a member of ESA since 2005 and looks forward to many more years of membership, with continued service to the society. She participated in the Entomology Games as a student and has attended many ECN meetings. She has served as a student competition judge or moderator at the ESA Annual Meeting several times. In 2022, Elizabeth spearheaded organization of the first systematics symposium at a Pacific Branch Meeting in many years, titled "Branching Out: Systematics, Biodiversity, and Evolution." Elizabeth works to promote women in science and academia and works as her department liaison for WSU ADVANCE, which was an NSF-funded initiative. Additionally, she helped to found the Women of International Society of Hymenopterists committee in 2021. Elizabeth has recently served with the awards committee of SysEB and would like to continue working for the Section.
Candidate statement: Since my time as a graduate student, attending the SysEB business meeting has been a "must" at every ESA I have attended. We have a great Section. I would appreciate the chance to contribute more actively to SysEB in shaping its direction and strategizing for the future. I value data-informed decision-making, while recognizing the importance of incorporating personal perspectives into the process. It is key that people feel welcomed, and I'd work to foster connections in the Section membership. I received a SysEB travel award in 2011 and know how impactful it is for research travel and scientific support. Additionally, the transition to early career professional is a critical time, and I'd explore ESA meeting travel assistance for entomologists not yet in a permanent position. If elected to the board, I would take a collaborative approach in serving our diverse community.
ECP Representative to the SysEB Section Governing Council
Joanie King
New Mexico State University
Bio: Dr. Joanie King is an assistant professor and extension entomology specialist at New Mexico State University. She earned her B.Sc. in biology from the University of Central Florida (2013), her M.Sc. in entomology from the University of Georgia (2017), and her Ph.D. in entomology from Texas A&M University (2022). In 2016, she attended Ant Course. King has published papers on red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) and other entomology research. Currently, she does statewide entomology extension programing and conducts research on harvester ants in southwestern rangelands, as well as other areas (e.g., biodiversity studies). She received the ESA Early Career Professional Outreach and Public Engagement Award in 2021.
Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: King has been an active member of ESA since 2015. As a Ph.D. student, she attended the ESA meetings every year from 2018-2022 and competed in the Entomology Games. In 2020, King served on the Science Communication Awards Committee (2020-2022), participated in the Student Debates, and in 2022 was the lead author on an article for Entomology Today. Upon graduating with her Ph.D. (2022), King was the SWB Entomology Games gamesmaster (2022-2025). King was the SWB program vice chair (2023) and the SWB program chair (2024). She is currently the SWB secretary-elect. King has served as a judge for student presentations. She has also co-organized multiple symposia at various SWB and Annual Meetings.
Candidate statement: I am excited to be nominated for the SysEB Section ECP Representative to the Governing Council. As an assistant professor and extension entomologist at NMSU, I focus on biodiversity, ants, and science outreach. Since 2015, I've been involved in ESA through student activities and later (2022-present) in leadership in the Southwestern Branch. I'm passionate about making ECP voices heard in decision-making and promoting inclusion, professional development, and engagement across ESA. If elected, I will represent ECP needs within SysEB and the broader ESA community while supporting a connected and diverse early-career network.
Student Representative to the SysEB Section Governing Council
Anna Eichert
American Museum of Natural History
Bio: As an undergraduate, Anna fell in love with aquatic insects and conservation after studying the impacts of a megafire and flash flooding on aquatic macroinvertebrate communities in Utah. She is now a Ph.D. candidate at the American Museum of Natural History, where she is working to reconstruct the evolutionary history of stoneflies (Insecta: Plecoptera). With this phylogeny, Anna wants to unveil patterns of stonefly distribution concurrent with global climate oscillations throughout their biogeographical histories. She wants to spend the rest of her career fighting for the conservation of stoneflies and other aquatic insects through research and legislative advocacy.
Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Anna has been a member of ESA since her undergrad and has presented in the student competitions at every meeting since 2021. She served as president for Brigham Young University's Entomological Academic Association and led weekly identification events of malaise traps to teach students how to use dichotomous keys. She co-mentored two undergraduate students in the AMNH's research experiences for undergraduates program, and this research is almost published! She is a co-chair of the Status of Insects: RCN Aquatic Insect Decline Working Group, where she is leading projects to survey fly fishers' observations of aquatic insect abundance over time, create a field guide to the aquatic nymphs of North America for use by the public and other citizen scientists, and review the drivers of aquatic insect decline.
Candidate statement: I truly believe that entomology is for everyone. I love the community and collaborative atmosphere at ESA and will continue to encourage this culture for my entire career. For my time volunteering as the student representative for SysEB, I plan to do my best to bring people together by organizing events for student participation during the ESA Annual Meeting. Facilitating networking and retaining early career scientists from diverse backgrounds strengthens the entire entomological community, and it is more important than ever to do so. I want to spread awareness of funding opportunities that students can obtain from SysEB (and other organizations) to help them accomplish their research, especially in this time of funding uncertainty.
International Branch Elections
International Branch Bylaws Amendment
Approved
73% Yes, 4.5% No, 22.3% Abstain
The approved amendments change the International Branch Bylaws to an Approved Policies document, adjust language that conflicted with superseding governing documents of ESA, and correct a few typos. See the new International Branch Approved Policies.
International Branch President-Elect
Michael Orr
State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart
Bio: Michael Orr is an interdisciplinary systematist broadly interested in bees. As the group leader on insect-plant interactions at the Stuttgart Naturkundemuseum in Germany, following positions in the U.S. and China, he works to better our global knowledge of bees. Current projects include bee systematics, bee distribution and conservation with special focus on traits, and the U.S. Beenome initiative. He has given over 50 invited talks in 15 countries and published over 110 articles. His work includes leading roles on papers in journals including National Science Review, Current Biology, Nature Ecology & Evolution, Ecography, Bioscience, and more. A primary future goal of his is modelling overall insect biodiversity.
Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Michael began his ESA work 12 years ago in the Pacific Branch during his Ph.D. at Utah State. There, he ran the Texting Competition three times, attended board meetings, and received the Student Leadership Award. Michael has attended 14 ESA meetings and organized two ESA member symposia, moderated two ESA symposia, managed two ICE symposia, and four in other venues. He is a volunteer editor for Pan-Pacific Entomologist and Integrative Systematics, and he has reviewed for over 50 journals. Michael is especially interested in bridging the academia-policy gap. He is an Apimondia Solitary Bee Commissioner, a co-lead of the IUCN Asia Solitary Bee Working Group, and a leading taxonomist in the North American IUCN RedListing efforts.
Candidate statement: I see immense and unique potential in the International Branch; strongly mirroring my own experiences and aims, the IB can be viewed as the global arm of ESA. This important position comes with unique challenges. Many are invested in their own national or regional networks, limiting membership and participation. I am ideally positioned to increase engagement, based on my multiple international positions and strong network extending throughout Asia, especially China and India, not to mention Europe. Although opportunities for in-person participation were more limited while I worked in China, I am hopeful that my experience there can enable the co-hosting of future IB meetings in person in China and other countries rather than solely online. In this way, through face-to-face exchanges, we could build a truly international entomology community.
International Branch Treasurer
Julien Saguez
CÉROM (Centre de recherche sur les grains)
Bio: Dr. Julien Saguez completed his Ph.D. in France in 2007. From 2008 to 2015, he joined Dr. Charles Vincent's laboratory (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada) as a postdoc and then as a research assistant. He studied tritrophic interactions between leafhoppers, grapevines, and phytoplasmas. Since 2015, he has worked for CÉROM. He develops projects on several field crop pests (e.g., wireworms, moths, corn rootworms) and conducts projects on invasive pests associated with corn and soybean. He is a member of the provincial Pest Monitoring Network, the Great Lake and Maritimes Pest Monitoring Network, and the Canadian Corn Pest Coalition. He introduced the electropenetrography technique in Canada to conduct studies on the feeding behaviour of leafhoppers and aphids. He also uses automated traps to monitor the insect pests. He is coauthor of many papers, guides, and weekly reports.
Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Saguez is member of three entomological societies: SEQ (Québec), ESC (Canada), and ESA (America, Plant-Insect Ecosystems Section, Eastern Branch and International Branch member). From 2014 to 2017, he was member of the executive committee of the SEQ (president in 2015-2016). In 2015 and 2024, he was involved in the organizing committee of the ESC-SEQ Joint Annual Meeting. In 2016, at the ICE, he co-chaired a symposium and, in 2018 he co-organized a symposium for the ESA, ESC, and ESBC Joint Annual Meeting. He was the representative of the IB on the Governing Board of ESA (2016-2024) and was the liaison for two committees (Common Names, Insect Calendar). He is currently the representative of the IB on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. He has served as judge at several Annual Meetings. He is also a reviewer for several ESA journals.
Candidate statement: As an active member of ESA for the past 10 years, I express my interest in serving as treasurer on the Board of Directors of the International Branch. I have already served the Branch for six years and I am interested in continuing to volunteer. It would be an honor to contribute to the effective governance of the Branch and to work with Branch leaders in advancing our mission, to promote the Branch in order to grow the membership and being more inclusive.
International Branch Early Career Professional Member-at-Large
Pauline Deschodt
University of British Columbia (Vancouver, Canada)
Bio: Pauline is currently a research coordinator at the University of British Columbia (Vancouver, Canada). Originally from France, Pauline completed her Ph.D. in British Columbia studying pathogen interactions in the cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni). From studying fly parasitoids at the European Biological Control Laboratory in France to exploring the role of the gut microbiome in insect susceptibility to baculoviruses in Canada, Pauline has mainly focused on plant-insect-parasite tritrophic interactions and sustainable microbial control strategies. Pauline is currently working on pollinator diversity in the Western Canadian North and will head for her first field season in the Yukon Territory in June 2025. Besides her research, Pauline enjoys hiking in the mountains and sharing her interests for insects and science with the younger generation.
Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Pauline has been an active member of the ESA International Branch since 2023. Throughout her career, Pauline remained involved in various Canadian and international entomological societies. From 2016 to 2018, and again from 2019 to 2021, she served as student representative for the Professional Pest Management Association of British Columbia. From 2018 to 2020, Pauline was elected student representative for the microbial division of the Society for Invertebrate Pathology. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pauline co-created and hosted the Canadian Entomology, Ecology and Evolution virtual seminar series with Dr. Paul Abram, providing a platform for early career scientists and other researchers to connect and share their work during lockdown.
Candidate statement: For me, being an active member of the Entomological Society of America is being part of a community. After I graduated from my Ph.D., I've seen how valuable networks are shaping opportunities, and I want to help others navigate this stage. I am applying to renew my position because I believe that I can contribute even more now, with a clearer understanding of how to support early career members. I think it is particularly important to remain connected with my fellow entomologists and support other early career scientists. In my current position, I mentor graduate students and postdocs and oversee hiring, giving me insight into the needs of applicants. As an immigrant in Canada, I understand better the challenge faced by international graduate students and early career scientists. I would be honored to continue supporting the diverse voices within the International Branch.
Pacific Branch Elections
Pacific Branch Representative to the Governing Board
David Crowder
Washington State University
Bio: David Crowder is a professor of entomology and director of digital agriculture systems at Washington State University. He received his B.S. and M.S. in environmental sciences from the University of Illinois and his Ph.D. in entomology from the University of Arizona. He has supervised over 20 grad students and 15 postdocs, and his current lab has six graduate students and five postdoc scholars. As the director of digital agriculture systems, Crowder leads and online decision aid system used by over 90% of the Washington tree fruit and potato industry, saving growers over $20 million per year. He has been a member of ESA since 2003 and is a 2017 recipient of the Pacific Branch Plant-Insect Ecosystems Award. He was a member of the team that won the 2025 Frontiers Plant Prize for the most impactful international paper on sustainable agriculture.
Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: David Crowder has been an ESA member since 2003 and has organized over 15 symposia at Annual and Pacific Branch meetings, and his lab has given over 50 talks. He served as the program chair of the Pacific Branch Meeting for three years, has reviewed over 75 manuscripts for ESA journals, and has served as a judge at Annual and Pacific Branch Meetings for over 10 years. He is currently a member of the National Academy of Sciences Committee on the Status of Insects in North America, where he and others will provide an overview of the long-term trajectory of insect populations. He is also organizing a Program Symposium at the 2025 ESA Annual Meeting.
Candidate statement: I am interested in serving as the Pacific Branch representative to the Governing Board so I can be an advocate for entomology. I had my first opportunity to attend an ESA meeting in 2003 as an undergraduate, and it changed the trajectory of my life. I had not intended to pursue a career in entomology, but the people I met at that meeting inspired my current career. As I am now a full professor, I wish to use my expertise to guide younger faculty, students, and postdocs to advance their own careers. If I am fortunate to be elected to the Governing Board, I will serve as a conduit between members of the Pacific Branch and the Annual Meeting, advocating for our Branch and mentoring younger Society members.
Southeastern Branch Elections
Southeastern Branch Representative to the Governing Board
Cheri Abraham
Syngenta Crop Protection
Bio: Originally from India, Dr. Abraham came to the U.S. for an M.S. in entomology at Mississippi State University. Later, during his Ph.D. in entomology at University of Georgia, he won ESA's Larry Larson Graduate Student Award for Leadership in Applied Entomology. After graduation, recognizing the opportunity to impact the broader field of agriculture, he accepted a field crop entomologist role in a startup citrus company. There, he developed IPM and production programs for both the orchard and nursery divisions and eventually also managed other facets of the company as the director of operations. His next assignment as the research leader was for a citrus operation with 12,000 grove acres across Florida. Currently an R&D entomologist at Syngenta Crop Protection in Vero Beach, Florida, he supports data generation efforts for active ingredients at various stages in their pipeline.
Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Abraham, a 19-year member of the Entomological Society of America, started serving the Society as vice-chair and chair of the Student Affairs Committee at the SEB and ESA during his graduate student days. He was able to implement new initiatives to support student participation and experiences both at the Branch and national level. A Science Policy Fellow from the class of 2017, Abraham has served several volunteer positions including ESA Program Committee, ESA Science Policy Committee, PIE Event Oversight & Nominations Committees, judging committees for various ESA Awards, and most recently, program co-chair for the 2025 SEB meeting. His current tenure on the ESA Leadership Development Committee and ESA Entomology Games Committee (EGC) ends November 2025. As chair of the 2024 EGC, he spearheaded the first ever Entomology Games texting competition at ESA.
Candidate statement: I am truly honored and excited to be nominated to represent the Entomological Society of America's Southeastern Branch on the Governing Board. ESA serves as a powerful, unifying force for our discipline, and this opportunity is both a privilege and a meaningful way to give back to the Society that has significantly shaped my professional growth, provided invaluable resources, and connected me with an inspiring community of peers. I am excited to contribute to the activities of the Governing Board, while getting an intimate view of the workings of our Society. I am passionate about supporting our students and early career professionals, who are the future of our discipline, while acknowledging the seasoned professionals that have paved and walked this path before us. I am also motivated to work with fellow members to empower and advance our Society and the future of entomology.