Friday, October 9, 2026
10:00am - 11:00am Eastern Time
Entomologists generate tremendous value for society through research on invasive species, pollinators, vector-borne diseases, biological control, biodiversity, and agricultural systems. Yet translating that value into funding, policy, and real-world decision-making often requires understanding not only the science, but also the priorities and audiences shaping today's research landscape.
This webinar will provide a practical overview of the current federal science and policy environment influencing entomological research. Participants will explore FY2027 research priorities from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), emerging funding and program priorities at USDA, CDC/HHS, and the Department of the Interior, and the broader advocacy landscape surrounding issues such as invasive species, agricultural security, public health, and pesticide policy.
Designed as a precursor to the ESA Science Policy Committee and Science Policy Fellows symposium, From Outbreaks to Impact: Translating Entomology into Policy, Practice, and Public Value, this webinar will help participants identify where their science intersects with policy needs and better understand the audiences, timing, and context that shape research impact. The November symposium will build on this foundation by exploring strategies for translating scientific evidence into decision-relevant information, public value, and policy action.
Moderator: Tamra Reall
Panelists: Alexander Butcher, Christine Elliot, Lina Bernaola, Jennifer Henke, Erin Cadwalader
 | Alexander Butcher is a post-doctoral researcher at Washington State University working on curative measures for cherry X disease. Alexander specializes in biorational solutions to pest management focusing on behavioral modifications and natural plant defenses. He is a part of the 2026 Science policy fellowship. |
 | Christine Elliott is a doctoral candidate and USDA-NIFA AFRI Predoctoral Fellow at Purdue University. She focuses on understanding how agricultural practices influence insect communities and ecosystem function using innovative, non-lethal biodiversity monitoring approaches such as passive acoustic monitoring and soil eDNA. As the Graduate Student Liaison to ESA’s Science Policy Committee, Christine helps develop science policy programming and advocacy initiatives while representing student perspectives and interests. Her broader goals center on making insect biodiversity more visible, measurable, and relevant to both conservation and agricultural decision-making. |
 | Lina Bernaola, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in Entomology at Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Chair of the ESA’s Science Policy Committee. She also served as the 2025 President of the Entomological Society of America and is actively engaged in advancing connections among entomological research, science policy, and stakeholder needs. |
 | Jennifer A. Henke, BCE is the Laboratory Manager at the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District where she leads a team responding to mosquitoes, other vectors, and the diseases they can transmit. She is a Board Certified Entomologist with a specialty in Medical and Veterinary Entomology. Jennifer was President of the Entomological Society of America in 2024 and serves on several committees in the ESA, the Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California, and the American Mosquito Control Association. Outside of her professional responsibilities, Jennifer can be found listening to live music, exploring new places, and cheering on her favorite teams. |
 | Erin Cadwalader leads ESA's science policy and advocacy efforts, including the Grand Challenges Agenda for Entomology, as well as overseeing leadership development programs like the Professional Advancement Career Training (PACT) program and elections. She is a key liaison between ESA and many allied groups and leads the Vector-Borne Disease Network, a coalition that advocates for support for vector research, surveillance, and management. Before joining the ESA staff, Erin worked with the Society for several years as the leading voice for ESA on Capitol Hill as an external consultant and lobbyist. While her background is in biomedical research, she transitioned from the bench to the science policy community in D.C. more than a decade ago and has worked on a wide range of advocacy issues related to scientific research and workforce development, higher education, and social justice for organizations such as Research!America, the Association for Women in Science, and Lewis-Burke Associates LLC. She is passionate about the importance of evidence-based policymaking and ensuring science and research are part of the conversation. |
Note: Starting in February 2026, live webinar attendance will be an ESA members-only benefit. Join ESA now so you can tune in live to upcoming ESA webinars, engage with panelists, and ask questions. Recorded webinars will be available free in video and podcast format approximately 1-2 weeks after the original event date.