Rick L. Brandenburg, ESA Fellow (2004)

Dr. Rick L. Brandenburg, a professor at North Carolina State University, Raleigh (NCSU), was elected as Fellow in 2004. He is recognized for his work on the management of peanut and turfgrass pests both nationally and internationally. Most of his research focuses on cost-effective management of beetle grubs (Scarabaeidae) and ecology of other turfgrass pests.

Dr. Brandenburg was born in Wabash, IN, where he lived for 22 years until enrolling at Purdue University where he received a B.S. degree in 1977. He then entered graduate school at NCSU, earning a Ph.D. in 1981. After graduating, he accepted a position at the University of Missouri, Columbia where he spent 4 years as a faculty member before accepting a position as assistant professor at NCSU in 1985.

From 1985–1988, he served as an assistant professor and extension entomologist at NCSU, after which he became an associate professor and served in that role until 1989. In 1989, he extended his duties at NCSU to include teaching, research, and extension. In 1993, he was made full professor of entomology and from October 1999–March 2000 he was a visiting professor at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. In 2007, he was given the title of William Neal Reynolds Professor of Distinction by NCSU.

Dr. Brandenburg’s research has involved the development of effective management strategies for insect and mite pests of turfgrass and peanuts, including mole crickets (Gryllotalpidae) and June beetles (Scarabaeidae). His studies have included monitoring using pheromones, predictive modeling, and soil-insect behavior. His research has resulted in the publication of 95 refereed papers, 11 books and book chapters, 80 proceedings papers, and over 350 popular press and trade journal articles. He has been invited to speak in several countries including Singapore, Argentina, and Indonesia.

Dr. Brandenburg has served the ESA in various roles including as a member of the Local Arrangements Committee, the Board Certification Committee, and as a member and Chair of the Editorial Board of American Entomologist. Dr. Brandenburg received the Entomological Foundation Recognition Award in Urban Entomology in 2004.

In addition to being very involved with ESA, Brandenburg is also a member of the Georgia Entomological Society, American Peanut Research and Education Society, and the International Turfgrass Society among others. From these prestigious organizations he was given awards such as the Distinguished Achievement in Extension Entomology award by the ESA Southeastern Branch in 1995 and made Fellow by the American Peanut Research and Education Society in 2003.

(updated August, 2011)