2026 Branch Officer Election Results

EB President-Elect: Margarita López-Uribe, Penn State University

Bio: Margarita López-Uribe is an evolutionary ecologist whose research focuses on bees and how factors like domestication, pathogens, climate, and farming practices affect their health and evolution. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Universidad de los Andes, a master’s degree in genetics and evolution from Universidade Federal de São Carlos, and a Ph.D. in entomology from Cornell University. After a National Science Foundation-funded postdoc at NC State, she joined Penn State, where she is an associate professor and extension specialist in pollinator health. She has published over 70 papers, received nearly $10 million in funding, and is recognized for her leadership in research, outreach, and promoting diversity in entomology.

Past ESA activity or other volunteer service:

Margarita has been a member of ESA since 2009. She has organized several symposia, and she and her students and postdocs actively participate in Annual and Branch Meetings every year. Margarita also served on the ESA Publications Council for three years.

Candidate statement: ESA has been my home society for most of my career. I have benefited from all the professional and academic opportunities that the Society offers. I would like to give back to the organization, and being part of the leadership of the Eastern Branch would be a great opportunity to do that. Thank you for your consideration.

EB Member-at-Large: Daniel Frank, Virginia Tech

Bio: Daniel earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Utah State University, a master’s degree in entomology from the University of Florida, and a Ph.D in entomology from Virginia Tech. He served as a postdoctoral research entomologist with USDA ARS for two years before joining West Virginia University, where he spent seven years as an extension entomologist and attained the rank of associate professor. Since 2019, Daniel has served as the director of Virginia Tech Pesticide Programs, where he leads extension programming in pesticide safety education, integrated pest management, and youth-focused entomology education and outreach.

Past ESA activity or other volunteer service:

Daniel has been a member of ESA since 2003. He served as Secretary of the Eastern Branch from 2013–2022 and has continued his involvement as Member-at-Large from 2023 to the present. His professional service also includes membership on the Southern IPM Center Advisory Council since 2020 and a term as Southern Region Representative for the American Association of Pesticide Safety Educators from 2023–2024. Daniel currently serves as Vice Chair of the Southern Region Information Exchange Group for IPM (SERA3).

Candidate statement: I would be honored to continue serving as Member-at-Large for the Eastern Branch, bringing years of Executive Committee experience to the role. I am particularly committed to strengthening ESA’s focus on teaching and extension, recognizing their essential role in engaging broader communities and inspiring future generations. To support this vision, I will continue to advocate for making the Formal and Informal Teaching (FIT) Pilot Section a permanent part of ESA.

SEB President-Elect: Xavier Martini, University of Florida

Bio: Xavier Martini, Ph.D., is an associate professor of entomology at the University of Florida’s North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC), where he also serves as assistant center director. His research focuses on the ecology and behavior of insect vectors of plant pathogens, integrating chemical ecology and biological control to develop sustainable pest management strategies. His work spans citrus, vegetables, roses, and invasive species, with projects on Asian citrus psyllid, whiteflies, ambrosia beetles, and pepper weevils. He leads the Horticultural Entomology Lab, mentoring students and collaborating with growers to reduce environmental risks and improve agricultural resilience.

Past ESA activity or other volunteer service:

Xavier has developed leadership experience within ESA and other scientific organizations. Since his appointment, he has organized six symposiums, served as a judge in six student competitions, and reviewed nine manuscripts for ESA journals. He currently serves as guest editor for a special issue of the Journal of Insect Science. He is Vice President of the Florida Entomological Society, where he directed the 2024 Annual Meeting in Quincy, Florida, and is spearheading preparations for the July 2026 meeting in St. Augustine. At UF, Xavier advises the NFREC student association and contributes to departmental outreach as a member of the Entomology Communication Committee, overseeing the department newsletter.

Candidate statement: I would be honored to serve as the next Southeastern Branch President-Elect. My leadership experience as Vice President of the Florida Entomological Society and Assistant Director of NFREC has prepared me to contribute meaningfully to the Branch. Having successfully organized two regional conferences for the Florida Entomological Society, I understand the importance of planning and executing impactful annual meetings, which are central to this role. As President-Elect, I aim to strengthen communication within the Society, enhance member engagement and outcomes, and help identify and support candidates for recognition at the national level.

SEB Member-at-Large: Morgan Pinkerton, University of Florida

Bio: Morgan Pinkerton, Ph.D., is the Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Extension Agent with UF/IFAS Extension in Seminole County, Florida. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology, master’s degree in entomology, and Ph.D. in plant medicine from the University of Florida, where her research focused on invasive pentatomids and youth education in invasive species and biosecurity. Since joining UF/IFAS Extension in 2020, she has worked with farmers and horticulture professionals to promote economic and environmental sustainability through diagnostics, insect identification, integrated pest management, pesticide education, and invasive species issues. She is also dedicated to advancing agricultural literacy and entomology education for both youth and adult audiences.

Past ESA activity or other volunteer service:

Morgan has been an active ESA member since 2016, serving in numerous leadership and volunteer roles. Within ESA, she has contributed to the DEI Committee as Southeastern Branch Representative (2021–2023) and Member-at-Large (2024–present), as well as several subcommittees and task forces, including mentoring Alate Award recipients. She has judged student competitions annually since 2020 at both regional and national levels, served on award review panels, moderated sessions, and co-organized program symposia. Within the Southeastern Branch, she has been an Entomology Games Committee member since 2021, helping coordinate the SEB Entomology Games. Beyond ESA, she is active in the National Association of County Agricultural Agents, the Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals, and other professional organizations.

Candidate statement: I am seeking to serve as the SEB Member-at-Large to give back to ESA, which has played a pivotal role in shaping my career and helping me find my place in the world of science. ESA connected me with mentors, peers, and opportunities that guided my growth and inspired my passion for entomology. In this leadership role, I hope to help shape the future of ESA so that present and future members can find the same sense of community and opportunities for professional development that shaped my career. I bring enthusiasm, experience, and a deep appreciation for the ways ESA nurtures careers and connections.

NCB President-Elect: Leon G. Higley, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Bio: Leon Higley, Ph.D., is a professor at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln

School of Natural Resources. He has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Cornell University and a master’s degree in entomology and Ph.D. in entomology and crop physiology from Iowa State University. His research areas include forensic entomology, thermal biology, plant physiological responses to insect injury (particularly photosynthesis), pest management decision making, and other issues in ecophysiology. Leon is the recipient of various research and teaching awards, including the NCB C. V. Riley Award and the ESA Distinguished Achievement Award in Teaching. He is the author of over 150 peer-reviewed publications, over 26 book chapters, and six books. Higley also serves as an editorial board member for the journals Biology and Insects.

Past ESA activity or other volunteer service:

Leon has served on ESA’s Section F Nominating Committee, ESA’s Handbook Publication Committee, the North Central Branch’s Resolutions Committee, and ESA’s Strategic Review of Publications Committee. He has also served as ESA Liaison to the Crop Science Society of America.

Candidate statement: I am most interested in serving as NCB President-Elect to increase the breadth of our membership and activities. I would like to see the North Central Branch become a leader in reaching out to four-year institutions and high school teachers who have entomology courses and activities. Beyond teaching, the federal crisis in science funding, the rejection of fundamental scientific applications like vaccination, the rise of misinformation and lies about science, and the growing impact of climate change all impact our work as entomologists and scientists. I think professional organizations like NCB need to be proactive in addressing public attitudes toward science and seeking opportunities to directly address the growing attacks on science and its applications. Happily, as entomologists we have great stories to tell about science and the beneficial impacts of entomology on the world.

NCB ECP Chair-Elect: Natalie Constancio, Ohio State University

Bio: Natalie Constancio, Ph.D., is a postdoctoral scholar at The Ohio State University. She earned her Ph.D. in entomology from Michigan State University in 2024. Her research focuses on plant-insect-pathogen interactions, integrated pest management, and invasive insect species management. She has an active research portfolio, publishing eight peer-reviewed papers since 2022, and produced numerous extension outputs, including five publications and 10 presentations. Moreover, Natalie views her professional service as a proud accomplishment and has contributed through graduate student governance, departmental committees, and by serving as a journal reviewer for the Journal of Pest Science.

Past ESA activity or other volunteer service:

As an ESA member since 2020, Natalie has been deeply engaged in student programming. She participated in the Student Debates, winning both her individual debate and Best Overall Team from 2021–2023, and served as team captain in 2023. Natalie has earned awards for her presentations at the national and Branch competitions. After completing her Ph.D., she remained active through invited symposium talks at ESA Annual Meetings and NCB Branch Meetings, supported by Program Enhancement Funds. Beyond ESA, she served as the entomology representative for the graduate student governance, and as President and Vice President of the entomology student association at Michigan State University, where she used her leadership position to advocate for livable wages for domestic and international graduate students.

Candidate statement: I am interested in serving as ECP Committee Chair because ESA has been central to my development as a researcher and community member. In my roles as debate team captain, student association president, and graduate student representative, I organized professional development events and advocated for student needs. During this time, I learned to value skills that can be applied beyond research, such as collaborations, clear communication and meaningful advocacy. Although my previous service focused on students, this support remains essential for early career professionals. I plan to ensure that ECPs continue to have strong access to mentorship, clear communication, and meaningful opportunities to engage and lead within ESA. 

NCB SAC Chair-Elect: Arnol Gomez, Ohio State University

Bio: Arnol Gomez is a Ph.D. candidate and Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) fellow in entomology at The Ohio State University, where he develops integrated pest management programs for thrips control in peppers with a strong focus on grower needs. His research centers on insecticide selectivity, biological control, and sustainable production practices to strengthen real-world pest management decisions. Arnol has hands-on experience with efficacy trials, natural enemy conservation, and implementing IPM directly in the field. He is committed to turning scientific advances into practical and reliable solutions that support growers and resilient production systems. As an active member of ESA, the Entomology Graduate Student Association, the Zamobuckeyes, and mentoring programs, he has volunteered more than 130 hours to promoting student visibility, professional development and community outreach.

Past ESA activity or other volunteer service:

Arnol has been an active ESA and North Central Branch member since 2022, with student engagement at the center of his service. He has supported student development by judging regional competitions at the North Central Branch Meeting and the Ohio Valley Entomological Association and by mentoring through the Zamobuckeyes program (a collaboration between Zamorano University in Honduras and The Ohio State University). He also helped organize the student competition at the 11th Zamorano Symposium in the United States, which featured more than 45 student competitors. Arnol is also involved in MANRRS, Somos Ento, and the OSU Entomology Graduate Student Association. His outreach work includes events like Insect Night Walk, Pumpkins and Pillbugs, and community service initiatives with the Zamobuckeyes. He sees the Student Affairs Committee Chair-Elect role as an opportunity to expand this impact and support a wider community of students across the North Central Branch.

Candidate statement: I am interested in serving as Student Affairs Committee Chair-Elect because ESA has shaped my growth as a researcher and professional, and I want to help create that same sense of belonging for other students. Through ESA, I have seen how impactful it is when students feel supported and connected. If elected, I hope to strengthen communication about funding, presentation, and leadership opportunities and expand mentoring and networking across institutions. I also hope to build stronger connections between students and professionals in industry, academia, and extension so that students can navigate career transitions with greater confidence and access to opportunities. I will bring a collaborative and inclusive leadership style shaped by my experiences as a first-generation international student and a strong dedication to student advocacy and growth across the Branch.

PB President-Elect: Marc Fisher, Corteva

Bio: Marc Fisher, Ph.D., has worked for the past 20 years in various research and development roles for Corteva/Dow AgroSciences. His professional roles have included serving as a field scientist, field station leader, district sales leader, global technical education leader, global biology characterization leader, and currently as the field science leader for the Western U.S. He received his Ph.D. in entomology from Virginia Tech, a master’s degree in entomology from Texas A&M, and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Brigham Young University. Marc’s research interests have spanned across crop protection science, urban pest management, and western specialty crop research. His research has resulted in 29 peer and non-peer reviewed publications and 13 patents.

Past ESA activity or other volunteer service:

Marc has served in various roles and positions for ESA for the past 26 years. He has served at the national level as a member of the ESA Finance Committee, ESA Awards Committee, National Meeting Program Committee, American Entomologist Editorial Board (as Chair), Education and Youth Committee, Student Affairs Committee (as Chair), and as a member of the ESA 2006 Restructuring Advisory Committee. At the Section and Branch levels, he has served as a member of the MUVE Nominations Committee, Section F Program Committee, Eastern Branch Student Affairs Committee, and as the current Treasurer/Secretary of the Pacific Branch. In addition, Marc has organized and moderated many symposia over the years, presented dozens of papers at meetings, and enjoys serving as a student competition judge each year!

Candidate statement: Over the past few years, I have served beside several outstanding Branch presidents and other leaders, witnessing their passion for serving the entomological community, vision for supporting its science, and strength administering its activities. I would be honored to continue that legacy and carry on with their vision and initiatives. Going forward, I envision advancing ways to better support our students and ECP members, advocating for science in our communities, and improving networking and scientific communication opportunities at our meetings. I promise to serve with financial and ethical exactness, administrative excellence, and a voice of experience and consistency across change. Above all I will fiercely advocate for our science during these challenging times. I would be honored to continue serving the Pacific Branch membership in this important role!

PB Secretary-Treasurer: Dowen Jocson, Washington State University

Bio: Dowen Jocson, Ph.D., is a pesticide safety educator at Washington State University. She earned her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in biology from Saint Louis University and completed her Ph.D. in entomology at Washington State University in 2023. Her broad interests include IPM, animal behavior, science policy, and science communication.

Dowen’s research has focused on biotremology, which is the study of substrate-borne vibration, and its potential applications in IPM strategies. In her current role, she educates pesticide applicators across Washington on safe handling and use of pesticides to minimize risks to human health and the environment.

Past ESA activity or other volunteer service:

Dowen has been an active member of the Pacific Branch since 2018, when she began graduate school at Washington State University, and plans to remain highly engaged as an early career professional. She currently serves as the Entomology Games Chair for the Pacific Branch, representative to the Education and Outreach Committee, and a member of the planning committee.

She has co-organized symposia, workshops, and conversation starters for both Pacific Branch and ESA Annual Meetings. Dowen regularly volunteers as a moderator and judge for sessions at these events. Outside of ESA, she serves as Secretary for The Pesticide Stewardship Alliance and as the Western Region Representative for the American Association for Pesticide Safety Educators.

Candidate statement: I am always looking for ways to be actively involved in the Society. I believe I can contribute both through meaningful work and by developing new ideas for our branch. While I don’t claim to have a grand vision, my mission is to foster a more inclusive, engaging, and collaborative membership. I want people to genuinely want to be part of this society and to feel proud of the role they play in it.

Although we are a scientific society focused on sharing research, we should also highlight the people behind the science. I hope to help make that human element an integral part of our identity. I am interested in this position because I want to understand the inner workings of our Branch, particularly the financial aspects, and gain insight into how decisions are made.

PB Member-at-Large: Alexander Butcher, Oregon State University

Bio: Alexander Butcher is a Ph.D. candidate of horticulture with an entomology option at Oregon State University, where he also earned his master’s degree and is completing an MBA in organizational leadership. He serves as President of the OSU Bug Club and is deeply involved in student mentorship, outreach, and entomology education across the Pacific Northwest. His research focuses on biorational control of vineyard mealybugs, mating disruption, and insect-based soil amendments. Alexander has led multi-year field studies, coordinated regional extension events, and presented widely at ESA meetings. His interests center on building inclusive entomology programs, strengthening student pathways, and advancing applied IPM.

Past ESA activity or other volunteer service:

Alexander has been an active ESA member throughout his graduate career, serving on the Governing Board of the FIT Pilot Section and on multiple Student Affairs Committees. He has helped plan student mixers, career panels, and professional development activities across Pacific Branch and national meetings, and he has collaborated with sponsors to secure funding that expands student engagement. Alexander also contributes to ESA’s scientific mission as a reviewer for the Journal of Insect Science. Through these roles, he consistently works to strengthen student support, enhance educational programming, and promote inclusive participation within ESA.

Candidate statement: I am interested in serving as Member-at-Large because I want to help strengthen the Pacific Branch by supporting the programs and people that make our community vibrant. My experience in student mentorship, outreach, and organizational leadership has shown me how critical sustained engagement is to the success of our Branch. I am committed to expanding recruitment, building clearer pathways for new members, and improving participation among those already involved. In this support-focused role, I would work to enhance communication, assist committees, and help create welcoming, accessible opportunities for members at all career stages. My goal is to elevate engagement and ensure every member feels connected to our Branch.

PB Member-at-Large: Luis Espino, University of California Cooperative Extension

Bio: Luis Espino obtained his Ph.D. in entomology and master’s degree in agronomy from Texas A&M University and his bachelor’s degree in agronomy from Universidad Agraria La Molina in Lima, Peru. During his Ph.D., he worked on developing sampling methods and plans for the rice stink bug, a key pest of rice in the southern U.S. Since 2007, Luis has worked as rice farming systems advisor for the University of California Cooperative Extension, helping Sacramento Valley growers solve rice production challenges, including dealing with arthropods. Luis's entomology work focuses on refining IPM programs for rice pests such as the rice water weevil, rice seed midge, tadpole shrimp, and armyworms. From 2014–2024, Luis served as Director of UC Cooperative Extension, first in Colusa County and later in Butte County.

Past ESA activity or other volunteer service:

Luis has been a ESA member since 2005 and participates in the ESA Annual Meetings and Pacific Branch Meetings. During Annual Meetings, Luis enjoys volunteering as a student competition judge. He has participated in ESA’s Education and Outreach Committee. More recently, Luis co-chaired the Operations Committee for the 2025 Pacific Branch Meeting and will do it again in 2026. Since October 2024, he has served as Member-at-Large. Luis is also a member of the Phytopathological Society of America.

Candidate statement: I am interested in serving as Pacific Branch Member-at-Large as a way to give back to the Society. Over the years, I have benefited from the networking and exposure to new ideas during meetings. I am also interested in and providing feedback to improve the reach and appeal of the Pacific Branch to increase membership and participation in Branch Meetings.

PB Member-at-Large: Ary Faraji, BCE, Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District and University of Utah

Bio: Ary Faraji, BCE, Ph.D., has been working with mosquitoes and other vectors over the last 25 years. He attended Rutgers University for his master’s and Ph.D. degrees and moved to Utah in 2014 to serve as the executive director and entomologist of the Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District, while holding a dual position as adjunct professor in the Department of Biology and Public Health at the University of Utah. His primary focus has been to combine applied research to better understand the biology and ecology of disease vectors, and to improve techniques for surveillance and control of mosquitoes and arboviral diseases. He has mentored dozens of students, published 115 peer-reviewed publications, delivered 320 presentations, and acquired $15 million dollars in external funding. He also has extensive experience in various leadership positions within professional associations.

Past ESA activity or other volunteer service:

Ary has served within multiple committees within ESA over the last 20 years and conducted various symposiums at the ESA Annual Meeting. He is a Board Certified Entomologist and has been a member of ESA for nearly 25 years. He has been serving as a Subject Editor for the Journal of Medical Entomology and was a member of ESA’s advisory council for the novel development of the ESA Certification Program’s Public Health Entomology certificate. He is also a member of ESA’s Vector-Borne Disease Network and has been actively involved in legislative and advocacy issues for public health. He most recently served as the President of ESA’s Medical, Urban, and Veterinary Section from 2024–2025.

Candidate statement: One of my mentors once said “leave it better than you found it.” That has been my motto no matter what the job or task. My style has never been to do things just for the sake of doing it, but to make a contribution for the betterment of the profession. I work in the wonderful field of public health and outreach, yet many of our partners within the Pacific Branch are not aware of our activities or capabilities. I would like to further enhance collaborations within the Pacific Branch and serve as a liaison between the various academic, governmental, and private sectors partners. My main emphasis is for sustainable surveillance/control programs, advocating on legislative/regulatory issues, bridging the gap between us and others with like causes, and most importantly providing training and opportunities for the next generation of students who may become passionate entomologists and public health stewards.

SWB Secretary-Elect: Erin Jones, West Texas A&M University/Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

Bio: Erin Jones is a dedicated agriculture systems Ph.D. candidate with a focus on entomology, specializing in honey bee biology, integrated pest management, and extension education. With a dual appointment at West Texas A&M University and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, she bridges academic research and practical outreach, delivering integrated pest management training and horticultural expertise to diverse agricultural communities. Erin’s career is marked by more than 20 years of active involvement with ESA, including leadership roles that demonstrate her commitment to advancing entomological science and fostering community within the Southwestern Branch. She is passionate about developing resources and programs that empower growers, educators, and fellow researchers to adopt sustainable practices and improve agricultural systems.

Past ESA activity or other volunteer service:

Erin has been actively involved with the ESA for more than two decades, beginning as an undergraduate member and continuing throughout her graduate and professional career. Her engagement includes serving as President of the Southwestern Branch Student Affairs Committee in 2012, participating on Entomology 2009 Local Arrangements Committee, and currently chairing the 2025 Southwestern Branch Meeting Local Arrangements Committee. These roles have provided extensive experience in program coordination, member engagement, and fostering collaboration among students and professionals across the branch.

Beyond ESA, Erin is an active member of the Texas Beekeepers Association, The Pollinator Partnership and the Palo Duro Bee Club.

Candidate statement: My interest in serving as Secretary-Elect for the Southwestern Branch ESA stems from my deep commitment to the entomological community and belief in building connections that strengthen science communication and professional mentorship. Having contributed in both student and professional leadership capacities within ESA, I see the Secretary role as an opportunity to use my organizational and communication skills to support effective governance and member engagement.