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Welcome
New Distance Masters Students:
Fall 2006: Sophia Dailey, Minot, ND; Elias Dejesus, Lexington Park, MD; Amanda Frake, Baton Rouge, LA; Ralph Narain, Holbrook, NY; Jennifer O’Connor, Comstock, MI; Gregory Ose, Herndon, VA.
Dr. Thomas E. Weissling is the new Distance Education Coordinator for the Department of Entomology. Dr. Weissling received his B.S. and M.S. in Entomology at Colorado State University in 1984 and 1986 respectively, and his Ph.D. in Entomology from UNL in 1990. He worked in Washington and Florida before returning to Nebraska and has been a Research Assistant Professor in the Plant Pathology Department at UNL since June 2003. His work here involved developing a crop disease/pest surveillance network that allows for the prediction as well as rapid detection, identification, and delineation of introduced foreign pathogens and arthropods. He has also been the instructor for two distance entomology courses, Management of Horticultural Crop Insects, and Urban and Industrial Entomology. Tom’s wife, Kristy, is in the Department of Special Education & Communications Disorders. The Weisslings have two children, Justin, 10, and Emily, 8.
Stephen Young will be pursuing a Masters degree under the supervision of Dr. Lance Meinke. Stephen is from Indianola, IA and received his B.S. from Iowa State University in May 2006, majoring in animal ecology and minoring in entomology.
Greg Bures, from Geneva, NE has started working as an Agricultural Research Technician at the South Central Agricultural Laboratory near Clay Center. Greg will be working under the supervision of Dr. Bob Wright on the Organic Cropping Systems studies funded by a USDA grant to UNL. This is one of four UNL experiment station locations where plots will become certified organic, and research on how to transition to organic production will be conducted.
Congratulations
The following students graduated in May 2006:
Resident: Lisa Franzen, M.S. (Advisors: Drs. Tiffany Heng-Moss and Leon Higley)
Distance: Denise Klein, Phillip Robinson, Richard Spigler, Richard Tawse, and Kimberly Skyrm
Lisa Franzen's Scratchboard Illustration of a Thistledown Velvet Ant (Dasymutilla gloriosa) was selected for display in the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators (GNSI) 2006 Annual Members Exhibition, July 6 - September 29, at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. This yearly exhibit is a juried show of the best illustrations created by GNSI members. Lisa completed this illustration in the 2005 Scientific Illustration course.
Dr. David Carter was elected Newsletter Editor for the Nebraska Chapter of the International Association of Identification.
Grants
Jameson, M.L. and B.C. Ratcliffe. 2006. National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates for "PEET: Monography And Phylogeny Of New World Scarabaeoid Beetles." $5,300.
Scott, S., A. Atkin, S. Harris, S. Henniger, M.L. Jameson, G. Lu, E. Moriyama, K. Nickerson, F. Ocampo, and L. Soh. Federating Distributed Databases: Integrating Biodiversity and Bioinformatics. University of Nebraska Cyberinfrastructure Seed Grant. $20,000.
Dr. David Carter was awarded a $500 IANR Research Travel Grant to attend the Meeting for International Partnerships in Forensic Science Research in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on July 24-28, 2006.
Meeting News
Dr. David Carter and Tim Huntington attended the Annual Meeting of the Nebraska Chapter of the International Association for Identification, April 19-20, 2006.
Analiza Aves, Eliseu Pereira, Upeka Samarakoon, Dr. Haichuan ‘John’ Wang, and Dr. Blair Siegfried attended the Fifth International Symposium on Molecular Insect Science held May 20-24, 2006, in Tucson, AZ . Analiza and Eliseu were awarded free registration based on their abstracts from a grant the Center of Insect Science received from the USDA-CSREES. Analiza gave an invited student presentation in the Insecticide Resistance and Toxicology session.
Tim Huntington gave a forensic entomology presentation as an invited speaker at the North Central Conference of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, held in Lincoln, NE on June 8-9, 2006.
Publications
Alves, A.P., T.A. Spencer, B.E. Tabashnik, and B.D. Siegfried. 2006. Inheritance of Resistance to the Cry1Ab Bacillus thuringiensis Toxin in Ostrinia nubilalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 99(2): 494-501.
Broce, Alberto B., Ludek Zurek, James A. Kalisch, Robert Brown, David L. Keith, David Gordon, Janis Goedeke, Cal Welbourn, John Moser, Ronald Ochoa, Eduardo Azziz-Baumgartner, Fuyuen Yip, and Jacob Weber. 2006. Pyemotes herfsi (Acari: Pyemotidae), a Mite New to North America as the Cause of Bite Outbreaks. J. Med. Entomol. 43(3): 610-613.
Carter, D.O. and M. Tibbett. 2006. Microbial decomposition of skeletal muscle tissue (Ovis aries) in a sandy loam soil incubated at different temperatures. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 38(5): 1139-1145.
Clark, Pete L., Ty T. Vaughn, Lance J. Meinke, Jaime Molina-Ochoa, and John E. Foster. 2006. Diabrotica virfigera virgifera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Larval Feeding Behavior on Transgenic Maize (MON 863) and Its Isoline. J. Econ. Entomol. 99(3): 722-727.
Kriz, James C., Stephen D. Danielson, James R. Brandle, and Erin E. Blankenship. 2006. Relative Abundance of Exotic and Native Coccinellidae (Coleoptera) in Southeast Nebraska Alfalfa. J. Entomol. Sci. 41(1): 84-86.
Nowatzki, Timothy M., Xuguo Zhou, Lance J. Meinke, Ty Vaughn, and Blair D. Siegfried. 2006. Effect of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry3Bb1 Protein on the Feeding Behavior and Longevity of Adult Western Corn Rootworms (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 99(3): 927-930.
Ocampo, F.C. 2006. Introduction to the scarab family Hybosoridae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea). Bulletin of the University of Nebraska State Museum 19: 3-6.
Ocampo, F.C. 2006. Phylogenetic analysis and monographic revision of the New World Subfamily Anaidinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Hybosoridae). Bulletin of the University of Nebraska State Museum 19: 13-177.
Ocampo, F.C. and D.C. Hawks. 2006. Molecular phylogenetics and systematic placement of the family Hybosoridae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea). Bulletin of the University of Nebraska State Museum 19: 7-12.
Ocampo, F.C. and A. Ballerio. 2006. Catalog of the subfamilies Anaidinae, Ceratocanthinae, Hybosorinae, Liparochrinae, and Pachyplectrinae (Hybosoridae). Bulletin of the University of Nebraska State Museum 19: 178-209.
Paulsen, M.J., and J. Mondaca E. 2006. Revision of the South American Ceratognathini (Coleoptera: Lucanidae: Aesalinae) with the description of a new genus and a new species. Zootaxa 1191: 1-19.
Paulsen, M.J. 2006. A new species of Aphodius Illiger (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae) from the central United States. Zootaxa 1185: 61-68.
Sappington, Thomas W., Blair D. Siegfried, and Thomas Guillemaud. 2006. Coordinated Diabrotica Genetics Research: Accelerating Progress on an Urgent Insect Pest Problem. American Entomologist 52 (2): 90-97.
| Do you know someone who’s thinking about college? Do you know someone who may be interested in entomology or agriculture as a career? The Department’s undergraduate Insect Science or Diversified Agriculture majors are looking for interested students. If you know of a student that would like more information on either major, send their name and contact information to Lisa Silberman, lsilberman1@unl.edu |
Meet a Distance Student
Distance M.S. Student - First Sergeant William M. Herrmann Jr.
I entered the Army Reserves in 1982 and graduated from basic training at Fort
McClellan, AL. In 1983, I completed the 71P, Flight Operations Coordinator Course at Fort Rucker, AL and in 1984, I joined the Army and completed the Basic Infantry Course at Fort Benning, GA. I have served in many positions including a machine gunner, a Flight Operations Coordinator, Senior Aviation Operations Observer/Controller, and all enlisted leadership positions to include Battalion Command Sergeant Major. My Combat/Imminent Danger assignments include Operation Just Cause (Panama), Bosnia (IFOR), and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan).
Some of the awards and decorations I have received include the Meritorious Service Medal (four Oak Leaf clusters), the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal (two Oak Leaf clusters), Joint Service Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal (one Bronze Star), Air Assault Badge, Master Aviation Badge, German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (Silver), and the German Schutzenschnur Badge (Gold).
I have been interested in insects since my high school biology class , and I’ve pursued the study of insects for the last 16 years, either in a classroom setting or on my own. I have my own reference collection of over 7,000 insects from over 15 countries. I began seriously pursuing a Masters degree in entomology at Kansas State University while stationed at Ft. Riley, KS. After completing 3 years of school, I was reassigned to Panama. I continued to take courses as they became available and my schedule permitted, but after several years of frustration at not being afforded the opportunity to take the courses I needed, I decided to complete a degree with Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. My reasoning was to get my B.S. degree and then focus on entomology. UNL’s Distance M.S. Degree in Entomology is the answer to my dreams, because it will allow me to finish my educational goals while continuing my service to this great country, no matter where I am stationed or deployed.
After retiring from 30 years of service in the military, my goal is to work for the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama City and to teach high school biology and entomology at the undergraduate level.
Travel
Dr. Brett Ratcliffe traveled to Budapest, Hungary, and Vienna, Austria, to study museum research collections and collaborate with colleagues from June 3-18, 2006.
Dr. Mary Liz Jameson traveled to Washington, D.C. to study collections at the United States National Museum (Smithsonian Institution) from April 24-28, 2006.
Emeritus Professor Dr. David Stanley and his wife, Terri, traveled in Europe for two weeks. David presented a seminar at the University of Potsdam and presented a major invited paper at the 2nd International Conference on Non-Mammalian Eicosanoids in Berlin. The Stanleys also visited Leuven, Belgium, where David served as the Outside Member of a Ph.D. thesis committee (which they call a jury).
Graduate Student News
Neil Spomer has been awarded a Milton E. Mohr Scholarship for academic year 2006-2007, in the amount of $1,000 from the UNL Center for Biotechnology and the College of Engineering and Technology. Neil also received one of four $1,500 scholarships for 2006-07 from Pi Chi Omega, a national professional pest control fraternity.
Tim Husen and Leonardo Magalhaes were each awarded $500 from the David H. & Annie E. Larrick Student Travel Fund to attend the ESA annual meeting in Indianapolis, IN, on December 10-13, 2006.
Tim Husen and Neil Spomer each received a Ward A. and Helen W. Combs Scholarship in the amount of $300.
Undergraduate Student News
UCARE awards for 2006-2007 have been given to the students listed below, along with their advisor and the amount of the award.
| Rachel Carlson | Dr. Leon Higley | $1,000 (Year 1) |
| Sarah Mack | Dr. Tiffany Heng-Moss | $2,400 (Year 2) |
| Julianne Matczyszyn | Dr. Marion Ellis | $2,000 (Year 1) |
| Lanae Pierson | Dr. John Foster | $2,400 (Year 2) |
| Jennifer Toplikar | Dr. Leon Higley | $1,000 (Year 1) |
Dori Porter was awarded $1,000 from the Earl & Bertha Ramsey Memorial Fund and $500 from the Ephriam & Veallon Hixson Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Lanae Pierson received $500 and Julianne Matczyszyn received $150 from the Fred Clute Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Fond Farewell
We bid a fond farewell to Dr. Phyllis Higley, who has served as Interim Distance Education Coordinator since April 2005, and whose last day will be June 30. We wish you the best, Phyllis, in future endeavors.
From the Office
As of July 1, Purchasing will give departments the responsibility for conducting the informal competitive bid process on purchases between $5,000 and $24,999. Previously, this responsibility was handled at Purchasing. This will affect mostly the purchase of equipment for which Purchasing strongly suggests using the competitive bid process. An exception would be in the case of sole source purchases. Please contact the business office for assistance when making large dollar purchases as early as possible in the process.
GRA health benefits: It has been determined that the amount charged to grants for the GRA health benefit for next year will be $864. For any grants occurring in FY 2007, please budget $864 for health.
Budgeting Graduate Health Costs on Proposals: For grant budgeting purposes, please use the following estimates for future GRA health benefits. The numbers for budgets reflect approximately a 15% increase over 2007, with 10% increases thereafter - Year 1 - $1,000, Year 2 - $1,100, Year 3 - $1,200, Year 4 - $1,320, Year 5 - $1,450.
Summer Tuition Remission on Grants: Summer tuition remission will be charged to grants beginning in Summer 2007. A new benefit rate for graduate students is being developed by the Office of Sponsored Programs. For the present, please continue to use a 32% rate on graduate students.
| Calendar of Events
July 4, 2006
• Holiday - No classes, offices closed
July 7, 2006
• Classes end and final exams for Eight-Week and First Five-Week Sessions
July 10, 2006
• Classes begin for the Second Five-Week Session
July 30-August 3, 2006
• 77th Rocky Mountain Conference of Entomologists, Woodland Park, CO
July 30-August 5, 2006
• International Union for the Study of Social Insects 2006 Congress, Washington, DC
August 10, 2006
• Classes end and final exams for Second Five-Week Session
August 12, 2006
• Summer Commencement - 9:30 a.m., Bob Devaney Sports Center
August 21, 2006
• Classes begin for Fall Semester
September 4, 2006
• Labor Day Holiday - No classes, offices closed
September 13- 16, 2006
• Bug Bash at Folsom Childrens Zoo
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Check out our Entomology Department Photograph Display by the Main Office. Undergraduate students’ photographs are on display now along with faculty, staff, and graduate students. |
| An equal opportunity educator and employer with a comprehensive plan for diversity.
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Send items of interest for the next issue of the Hexapod Herald to JCUNNINGHAM1@UNL.EDU
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