2025 North Central Branch Elections

• Leon Higley, University of Nebraska Lincoln
• Rob Morrison, USDA-ARS

Leon Higley
University of Nebraska Lincoln

Bio: Leon G. Higley is a professor of Applied Ecology and Forensic Science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He has a B.A. in chemistry from Cornell University and an M.S. in entomology and Ph.D. in entomology and crop physiology from Iowa State University. His research areas include forensic entomology, thermal biology of tiger beetles, plant physiological responses to insect injury (particularly photosynthesis), pest management decision making, and other issues in ecophysiology. Higley 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 145 peer-reviewed publications, over 25 book chapters, and five books. Higley also serves as a subject editor for the journals Biology and Insects.

Past ESA activity or other volunteer service:

• Section F Nominating Committee, ESA
• Handbook Publication Committee, ESA
• Resolutions Committee, ESA North Central Branch
• Liaison to ESA, Crop Science Society of America
• Strategic Review of Publications Committee, ESA

Candidate statement: I am most interested in serving the NCB to increase the breadth of our membership and activities. In particular, the recent addition of the Formal and Informal Teaching Section to ESA offers the possibility of reaching entomological audiences that the Society has not previously addressed. I would like to see the NCB become a leader in reaching out to four-year institutions and high school teachers who have entomology courses and activities. Beyond teaching, we are in an increasingly challenging time for entomology given the impact of climate change. Communicating new research on these impacts is of critical importance, and the NCB is an ideal forum for such exchanges. Consequently, I would see my role as balancing these priorities in teaching and research to have the NCB provide leadership and opportunities for as diverse a group of members as possible.

Rob Morrison
USDA-ARS

Bio: Dr. Rob Morrison is currently a research entomologist for the USDA-ARS Center for Grain and Animal Health Research in Manhattan, Kansas, where his current research program involves elucidating the behavioral ecology, chemical ecology, and improving the IPM of stored product insects. The goal of his research is to develop behaviorally-based management programs for insects after harvest. He graduated with his B.A. in biology from Kalamazoo College in Michigan, an M.S. in ecology and evolution from the University of Munich, and a Ph.D. from the Department of Entomology at Michigan State University, then was a postdoctoral researcher at the USDA-ARS Appalachian Fruit Research Station. Dr. Morrison has published 120+ peer-reviewed manuscripts, obtained over $14 million in extramural funding, and his students and he have given 350+ presentations in 40+ US States and 10+ countries.

Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Dr. Morrison's history of service for ESA spans over a decade, and he considers ESA his professional home. Rob served most recently as the P-IE Section representative and chair of the ESA Awards and Honors Committee and as the P-IE Section representative on the ESA Governing Board. Other recent elected roles include member-at-large of the NCB Executive Team. Dr. Morrison served as vice-chair and chair of the ESA Early Career Professionals Committee from 2015 to 2018. In the past, he has served on 20+ committees, taskforces, and judging panels for ESA, including the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, P-IE Nominations Committee, P-IE Invasive Species Field Tour, and the Canvassing for Awards and Honors Committee. He has served as a judge for student P-IE competitions at 13 ESA meetings. Dr. Morrison serves as subject editor of behavior for Environmental Entomology and associate editor for the Journal of Economic Entomology.

Candidate statement: I have a "big tent" view of NCB and believe that we should be the most responsive, inclusive Branch among those in ESA. In my own lab's culture, I have always tried to bring the least enfranchised voices to the table and have tried to lift everyone up, because I believe we are nothing if not a team that supports each other. I will bring this same worldview to my leadership of NCB and make sure that we are addressing the needs of all members, including noticing who is not being included, and make an effort to bring in those members to ESA. ESA is only vibrant because it adapts with the times and adjusts to the needs of all our members. My vision is for ESA to be one of the most inclusive, vibrant, and dynamic professional societies in the biological sciences so we can meet whatever challenges are ahead.

• Ellen Klinger, The Ohio State University
• Kumar Shrestha, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Ellen Klinger
The Ohio State University

Bio: Ellen Klinger received graduate degrees from the University of Maine and Utah State University and specializes in insect pathology. She was employed by the USDA-ARS Pollinating Insect Research Unit for 15 years where she worked on programs to improve the health of social and solitary bee species, especially the alfalfa leafcutting bee. In 2020, she moved to a teaching faculty position in the Department of Entomology at The Ohio State University where she instructs many undergraduate and graduate courses. She participates in curriculum design, pedagogical research, and assessment of departmental and university programs.

Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: She first joined ESA in 2000 as a student member. Since then she had volunteered her time with the Society, first as Eastern Branch Graduate Student Committee Chair in 2001 and subsequently as North Central Branch chair of the Entomology Games since 2021. She has also represented NCB on the national Entomology Games Committee and has participated in meetings, including organizing program symposia. She is a subject editor for the Journal of Insect Science. She has been active also in other organizations including the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture and Society of Invertebrate Pathology.

Candidate statement: During my time as the Entomology Games chair, I have enjoyed getting to know other members of the Branch as well as students. I would like to expand my ability to serve the Branch to the executive committee, with the hopes of continuing to improve the Branch's service and transparency to the younger members of the ESA. I feel my teaching experience will benefit the Branch as we move forward and ESA Branch benefits continue to change.

Kumar Shrestha
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Bio: Kumar Shrestha holds a Ph.D. in plant science and is currently working as a postdoc at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. With over eight years of experience in crop protection, his work focuses on identifying plant genes and biologicals to enhance pest resistance. His research explores how natural variations in plants (genes and metabolites) contribute to defense against crop pests. To address these questions, he employs multi-omics approaches and advanced molecular techniques. Kumar has published six peer-reviewed articles, delivered more than 10 presentations and received multiple awards for his work, including recognition for outstanding presentations. He was honored with the Graduate Research Excellence Award for his Ph.D. research, which uncovered genetic mechanisms underlying sorghum resistance to sugarcane aphid infestation.

Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: This year's ESA Annual Meeting in Phoenix marked Kumar's first participation, where he enjoyed the sessions, networking opportunities, and career development workshops. He also served as a moderator for two student competitions within the Plant-Insect Ecosystems Section. As a mentee in the ESA PACT program, Kumar has gained valuable networking and leadership skills. Beyond ESA, Kumar has participated in over 10 insect outreach events, educating the public, children, and teachers about entomology. Furthermore, he has volunteered as a judge for poster and oral presentations at more than 10 symposiums. Kumar also serves as the Early Career Representative on the ASPB Midwest committee, where he contributes to organizing events for young scientists. During his PhD, he was actively involved in graduate student organizations leading initiatives to improve graduate life.

Candidate statement: I am excited to apply for the secretary/treasurer position for the ESA NCB branch. As an active ESA member, I've had the privilege of moderating student competitions, participating in the PACT program, and attending inspiring sessions and workshops. As an early-career researcher deeply passionate about entomology, I am excited about the possibility of working collaboratively with fellow committee members to achieve our shared objectives. I will continue the yearly programs and events of NCB branch and will push forward to the short workshop that focuses on cutting-edge technologies, for example, NGS data analysis, phenomics and remote sensing. This will equip young researcher with highly sought-after skills for future employment. I am eager to contribute my skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm to the committee's work and learn from them.

• Julie Peterson, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Nicholas Teets, University of Kentucky

Julie Peterson
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Bio: Dr. Julie Peterson is a professor and extension specialist in entomology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, located at the West Central Research & Extension Center in North Platte. She completed her Ph.D. at the University of Kentucky and a postdoc at the University of Minnesota before joining the Nebraska community. Julie and her lab conduct research addressing the ecology and management of pests and beneficial insects. This research is conducted with practical applications in mind, which lead to improved integrated pest management and resistance management for field crops through extension efforts. Particular emphasis has been on new solutions for challenging pests, such as western bean cutworm and western corn rootworm.

Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Julie Peterson has served the North Central Branch in a variety of positions, including the Student Affairs Committee (2009-2012), Branch Meeting Local Arrangements (2009-2010), and Nominations Committee (2014-2017). At the national ESA level, she was a member of the Student Transition & Early Professionals Committee (2013-2015) and served on the Annual Meeting Program Committee (2016-2018). She regularly volunteers as a judge in the student competitions and enjoys bringing lab members to Annual and Branch Meetings. Other service roles have included a variety of positions within the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (including DEIB and Inclusive Excellence committees), USDA Multistate Committees, and the North Platte International Bazaar.

Candidate statement: I joined ESA as a new graduate student in 2007 and have enjoyed the many opportunities for professional development, scientific exploration, leadership, and friendships that the past 17 years of membership have provided! I have been a member of the North Central Branch for all 17 years and have enjoyed this home within ESA. I'm excited to be nominated for the NCB member-at-large position; after focusing for the past six years more on service within my university and caring for a young family, I am interested in returning to serving our Society. I am particularly interested in supporting students, reaching out beyond our land grant institutions, representing extension professionals and stakeholders, and doing my best to promote an equitable future for entomology.

Nicholas Teets
University of Kentucky

Bio: Nick Teets is an associate professor at the University of Kentucky. He received his Ph.D. in entomology from Ohio State University and was a USDA postdoctoral fellow at the University of Florida prior to joining the faculty at the University of Kentucky. His research interests are the physiological and molecular mechanisms by which insects survive environmental stress and the consequences of environmental variation on pest control. Teets teaches a large online course on insect biology, as well as a molecular genetics course for biotechnology majors. Teets' research has been well-funded by grants from NSF, USDA, and NIH, with projects ranging from mechanisms of adaptation in Antarctic insects to the consequences of environmental stress on biotechnology-based pest control.

Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Teets has been an ESA member since 2007, and he served on the Student Affairs Committee as a graduate student. In the years since, he has served as a judge for the student competition at nearly every meeting and has served as a symposium organizer and moderator. Teets was also one of the authors of the ESA Position Statement on Climate Change. Teets has served on the awards committees for both the North Central Branch and PBT Section, and he is currently the chair of the student awards committee for the North Central Branch. He is currently a subject editor and editorial board member of Environmental Entomology, one of ESA's flagship journals. Outside of ESA, Teets is also editor-in-chief for Physiological Entomology, a journal of the Royal Entomological Society.

Candidate statement: I have been involved in ESA in various capacities in my career, and I am ready to start taking on more formal leadership roles. If elected, I would work with Branch leadership to ensure that meetings are welcoming and appealing to the diverse membership of our Society. I think there are also opportunities to increase networking and collaboration opportunities within the Branch, especially for students, considering the large geographic footprint of our Branch. Some traits that I would bring to this position include responsibility, dependability, approachability, and transparent communication. ESA is a well-run society, and I see my function to be a responsible steward and responsively address emerging needs of the membership.

• Emily Althoff, University of Missouri & Lincoln University
• Colin R. Wong, MGK

Emily Althoff
University of Missouri & Lincoln University

Bio: Having graduated with her Ph.D. in entomology from the University of Minnesota in July 2024, Dr. Emily Althoff is currently serving as an assistant extension professor and state extension specialist of urban entomology at both the University of Missouri and Lincoln University. Here, she has the unique privilege of serving two land grant institutions within the state of Missouri, providing constituents with critical information about insects. Althoff has worked in a variety of disciplines from systematics and taxonomy, field crop IPM, and forest entomology. Her primary interests in her work are gaining understanding into chemical ecology and insect management and translating research findings into engaging public communication.

Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Over the years, Althoff has engaged with ESA through actively participating in student leadership within the North Central Branch and attending the organization's Swarm the Hill policy day. She has served as a school representative for the University of Missouri (2018-2020) and as chair-elect and chair of the North Central Branch Student Affairs Committee (2022-2024). Through these opportunities, she has been able to communicate and build community throughout ESA and the North Central Branch, gaining perspective into the concerns of her peers within the organization.

Candidate statement: I am interested in serving as the NCB ECP chair-elect in order to build a sense of community within recently graduated and newly hired entomologists. This transitional period is critical to professional success, and we meet and exceed the bar more effectively when we are able to build support among our peers. Additionally, in this position, I hope to enhance networking opportunities and early career professional development opportunities within the Branch.

Colin R. Wong
MGK

Bio:

• Internship with Dr. Mike Stringham, NCSU, 2008-2009. Help in the lab.
• Internship at BASF, 2013, 3 months. Helped in Urban Entomology lab.
• Fulbright scholarship 2015. Worked with Dr. Huang Qiu Ying at HuaZhong Agricultural University, China. Worked on termite control literature review.
• Ph.D., Iowa State, 2021. Major: entomology and toxicology.
• Postdoc, USDA, Byron, Georgia, 2021-2024. Pecan pest entomology.
• MGK, research entomologist, current. Working on development of botanical pesticides and control of urban pests.

Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Colin's previous volunteering at ESA has been limited to serving as moderator for sessions at the ESA  Annual Meetings and as a judge of student competition sections at a Southeastern Branch Meeting. He is interested in increasing his participation by joining the ECP Committee for the NCB Branch.

Outside of ESA, he has volunteered with the state Master Gardeners program in Iowa to help teach the insect portion of their coursework. He has held the treasurer role for several years in the Iowa State Entomology Graduate Student Organization. He has participated in several entomology-related, family-friendly outreach events with this group. In his current position, he participated on MGK's behalf to do a bug show-and-tell for 1st graders at the Bell Museum, in Minnesota for its "Insects are Wild" summer camp.

Candidate statement: I am interested in joining a committee at the North Central Branch as I have recently returned to the Midwest, getting a job as an entomologist for MGK in the state of Minnesota. I think that the resources offered by the Branches and the Early Career Professionals Committee have been helpful to my career.

I'm interested in the ECP Committee providing more opportunities to entomology careers that are not likely to know about ESA. These include interns, undergraduate workers, and lab technicians. Those that I have worked with have been wonderful aspiring entomologists but rarely are given opportunities to do things like attend an ESA Annual Meeting. I'd like to help think up ways for the Branch to increase outreach to undergraduates as well as employees in entomology-related fields who could be supported in finding the Society or given resources to gain promotions or higher education.

• Tatum Dwyer, University of Minnesota
• Breh Ruger, The Ohio State University
• Sanket Shinde, University of Nebraska Lincoln

Tatum Dwyer
University of Minnesota

Bio: Tatum Dwyer received a B.S. in integrative biology from the University of California, Berkeley, in 2023. As an undergraduate, they conducted research for Pollinator Partnership and taught bioinspired designs to high school students. Their successes earned them the Marian Diamond Award for Leadership in Research and Teaching. After graduation, they were selected for the nationally competitive ORISE (Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education) Fellow program for research at the USDA-ARS station in Miami, Florida. Tatum commenced an M.S. in entomology at the University of Minnesota in January 2024 with a research focus on European corn borer resistance to Bt technology. Their summer M.S. research presentation was selected for first place in the Student Competition for the President's Prize during Entomology 2024, their first ESA meeting! Tatum is clearly on a trajectory for a successful and productive graduate program!

Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Tatum gained leadership skills as outreach and mentorship coordinator and lead facilitator for UC Berkeley programs. These are facilitating their success in leadership positions during their M.S. program. They serve as the social media coordinator for Frenatae, the entomology graduate student organization at the University of Minnesota (UMN), and as the elected student representative for faculty meetings. They have also volunteered at UMN annual outreach events, including the Great Minnsect Show and the Bell Museum's Sci Pride event, and will be participating at the Minnesota Ag Expo in January 2025. They have excellent research and communication skills, and during their first ESA meeting in Phoenix, they won first place in their student competition (P-IE: Insecticide Resistance). They have joined UMN's Entomology Games team and will be competing at the 2025 ESA North Central Branch Meeting.

Candidate statement: I am interested in the Student Affairs Committee chair-elect position as I am deeply dedicated to the preservation and advancement of the discipline of entomology. Regardless of the setting, I am always open to discussing and educating about misconceptions within the field—and I am hardly the only student that feels the same. To ensure that student passion for entomology grows and remains strong, it is imperative that students with an interest in entomology feel welcome and that their voices are heard within ESA. For the role of Student Affairs Committee chair-elect, my main goal would be to enhance student engagement at NCB meetings based on passions, interests, and abilities as well as to create and maintain a space where students will feel encouraged to participate to the highest level of their interest regardless of their background or experience.

Breh Ruger
The Ohio State University

Bio: Breh Ruger is a graduate student in the Department of Entomology at The Ohio State University, where she is pursuing her Ph.D. under the mentorship of Dr. Ashley Leach in the Specialty Crop Entomology Lab. Breh holds a B.A. in biology and history from Albion College. Her current research focuses on integrated pest management in cucurbit systems, with a particular emphasis on understanding the effects of insecticide use on pollination services and marketable yield. Passionate about outreach and applied research, Breh is dedicated to pursuing a career in extension post-graduation.

Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Breh is a new member of ESA and plans to become more involved in the organization. In 2024, she participated in and presented at the ESA Annual Meeting. Outside of ESA, Breh is actively engaged with her university's Entomology Graduate Student Association, where she serves as the outreach coordinator. In this role, she has organized and participated in several outreach events aimed at educating the local community about insects and fostering public engagement. Additionally, Breh is an active member of the Michigan Entomological Society, the Greater Mohican Audubon Society, Sigma Xi, and Phi Beta Kappa Society.

Candidate statement: I am interested in serving in this volunteer position because I find that leadership is both valuable and rewarding. As a new member of ESA, I am eager to contribute to the success of our organization. Serving on the Student Affairs Committee would provide an opportunity to offer student perspectives to the broader Society and help enhance student participation in ESA events. With experience in various leadership roles in other organizations, I bring relevant skills while remaining open to learning new ones. I am also passionate about supporting the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within ESA, and I would strive to ensure that the Student Affairs Committee actively engages with these efforts to better support our student members.

Sanket Shinde
University of Nebraska Lincoln

Bio: Sanket Shinde is a Ph.D. candidate in entomology at University of Nebraska-Lincoln under the supervision of Dr. Joe Louis. Previously, he received his bachelor's degree in agricultural biotechnology from Marathwada Agricultural University and a master's degree in plant biotechnology from Punjab Agricultural University, India. His areas of research interest include chemical ecology, host plant resistance, and integrated pest management.

His graduate research focuses on identifying novel sources of resistance in sorghum against the fall armyworm. Sanket's dedication extends beyond research; he has been actively mentoring students, organizing symposiums, participating in departmental activities and outreach events, and participating actively in ESA meetings since 2022. Sanket is passionate about science communication, and outside of work he enjoys dancing and traveling to new places.

Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Sanket has been an active and engaged member of ESA since 2022, contributing significantly to the Society and the North Central Branch through his involvement. Sanket organized and participated in student competitions, symposia, and science communication events where he received recognition for it. In a recent Annual Meeting, Sanket received the prestigious Kenneth and Barbara Starks Plant Resistance to Insects Graduate Student Award, reflecting his dedication to the field and his contributions to ESA. He has participated in impactful programs such as the PACT and EntoMentos student mentoring Programs. In addition, Sanket has volunteered in many activities in Annual and Branch Meetings. Sanket served on various departmental and community committees, including the Bruner Entomology Club's vice president role and education committee member, where he facilitated student personal and professional development events.

Candidate statement: The opportunities provided by the ESA have deeply shaped my journey as a Ph.D. student in entomology. From presenting research at ESA meetings to receiving prestigious awards, I have experienced firsthand the Society's role in empowering students and early-career professionals. If elected as chair-elect of the Student Affairs Committee, I will dedicate my efforts to enhancing student engagement across the North Central Branch by bridging gaps between academic, industry, and policy pathways. I am passionate about equipping students with tools for effective science communication, networking, and advocacy for entomological research. I am committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and innovation within ESA, ensuring that every student member has the chance to grow and contribute meaningfully to our field.