Natalie Boyle was selected to receive the Larry Larson Graduate Student Award for Leadership in Applied Entomology. As a Ph.D. Student interested in honey bee colony health, Natalie has studied the effects of sublethal pesticide residues on honey bee colonies.
This Entomological Foundation fund recognizes Dr. Larry Larson’s role as a leader and pioneer in insect management and carries that legacy to the next generation of leaders in applied entomology. Gifts in honor and memory of him are a tribute to his tireless and lasting contributions to the science and practice of entomology. For more than 28 years, Dr. Larson served Dow AgroSciences in a number of roles within discovery and field research and development. He was highly recognized both inside and outside of the company for his passion for science and his outreach to the scientific and local communities, including his commitment to young people. His contributions included serving as president of ESA and counselor and member of the Board of Directors for the Entomological Foundation, and helping Dow AgroSciences introduce new methods of pest management that won Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards, given by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The award, which is presented at the ESA annual meeting, consists of an amount that varies depending on the interest earned from the endowment and a trip to Dow AgroScience’s corporate headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana. The trip includes a tour of the facilities, the opportunity to meet key personnel, and a small gift commemorating the occasion. In addition, the recipient will be asked to give a seminar covering his/her research.
Eligibility
Applicants must be ESA members. Final-year Master’s students or first-year Ph.D. students are eligible. Applicants’ research should address an applied entomological question. Also, students should have demonstrated and documented capability in the following areas:
- Technical knowledge (academic achievement and research ability);
- Communication (written and oral communication skills aimed at a wide range of audiences including peers, non-entomologists, and the general public through professional, local society, inter- and intra-departmental presentations, etc.);
- Creativity (in the design, execution, and application of research, teaching, and/or extension);
- Leadership (among peers in both technical influence and outreach within the profession of entomology, including participation within his/her university);
- Professionalism (defined as the ability to work effectively with entomologists and non-entomologists through work on interdisciplinary projects, participation on cross-discipline committees, etc.);
- A broad interest in entomology and science (through outreach programs, campus science programs, and other programs besides the student’s research); and
- Problem solving (through cooperation and/or applications of unique solutions, research designs, or techniques).