The 2025 ESA Southwestern Branch officer elections, conducted via electronic ballot, will open January 6, 2025, and close February 5, 2025, at 10:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time.
For additional information on voting, see ESA voting instructions. Questions? Contact elections@entsoc.org.
To see candidates, click to expand the categories below:
Secretary-Elect
- Joanie King, New Mexico State University
- Tracey Payton, Langston University
Joanie King
New Mexico State University
Bio: Dr. Joanie King is assistant professor and extension entomology specialist at New Mexico State University in the Departments of Extension Plant Sciences and Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Weed Science. She earned a B.Sc. in biology from the University of Central Florida in 2013, an M.Sc. in entomology from the University of Georgia in 2017, and a Ph.D. in entomology from Texas A&M University in 2022. King has published papers on red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) and other entomology research. She currently does statewide entomology extension programing and conducts research on harvester ant impacts in rangelands in New Mexico. Besides research, King has been involved in many outreach and science communication activities. She received the ESA Early Career Professional Outreach and Public Engagement Award in 2021. Her modus operandi is sharing how cool bug science is!
Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Dr. King has been an active member of ESA since 2015. She participated as a student competitor starting in 2016. As a Ph.D. student at Texas A&M University, she joined the Entomology Games teams and attended the Southwestern Branch (SWB) Meeting every year (2018-2022). Before COVID-19, King helped with the SWB Insect Expo and served on the Science Communication Awards Committee (2020-2023). King did the Student Debates (2020) and was the lead author of the Entomology Today article "The Mothers of Entomological History: Reflecting on Who We Honor and How We Do It" (2022). King was the SWB Entomology Games Gamesmaster (2022-2024). King also served the SWB as program vice chair in 2023 and program chair in 2024. King served as judge for the student oral competitions at the ESA Annual Meeting in 2023. She has co-organized multiple symposia and workshops at various SWB and Annual Meetings.
Candidate statement: The ESA and its branches have greatly shaped my career as an entomologist and early career professional. As a member of the SWB (and previously the SEB), I've benefitted from the community, networking opportunities, friendships, and resources the Branch provides, especially as a student beginning my career. The environment created by ESA and its Branches fostered a desire to give back, and I have served in various roles over the years. Now, I'm excited for the chance to step into the role of SWB secretary-elect. My vision is to collaborate closely with the SWB members to strengthen communication, elevate member engagement, and create more opportunities for professional development and connection. I am committed to fostering an environment where every member feels heard, valued, and supported—one that ensures the SWB remains a dynamic and thriving community.
Tracey Payton
Langston University
Bio: Tracey Payton has been assistant professor of horticulture/entomology at Langston University since 2018. She has a B.S. in horticulture (entomology minor) and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in entomology, all from Oklahoma State University. She studies greenhouse and field production of horticultural crops and biological control of horticultural insects. Previously she was a research technician for Cimarron Valley Research Station and supervisor of propagation and cuttings for the USDA-ARS Insect Genetics Laboratory, and she served 10 years as a horticulturalist for the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. She teaches horticulture and related classes, conducts research regarding horticulture crops and integrated pest management of insects, and extension of horticultural principals to underserved clientele. She has been actively involved in the ESA for 19 years.
Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Dr. Payton has been a very active member of the ESA and the Southwestern Branch since 2005. She was Entomology Games judge for the ESA Meeting (2024), SWB Formal and Informal Teaching Symposium speaker (2024), symposium judge for the ESA Meeting (2023), Distinguished Achievement in Extension Judging Panel as SWB representative (2023), symposium judge for the ESA Annual Meeting (2022), SWB representative on the Entomology Games Committee (2021-present), member of the Women and Allies in Entomology Committee (2021-2022), Entomology Games judge for SWB (2021), Co-organizer and moderator of SWB meeting symposium (2018), Member, Education and Outreach Committee (2011-present), SWB Insect Expo assistant (2010-present), Whirling Wings & Butterfly Gardens Programs at ESA Annual Meeting (2010), Entomology Games team member (2015-2019), and SWB chair of ECP Committee (2018-2021).
Candidate statement: As secretary of the Southwestern Branch of the ESA, I will continue to actively serve the Branch by documenting the activity on various committees, Branch Meetings, and other opportunities. I will continue to strive to stay relevant in changing times by recruiting other members to service, participate in Branch and national committees to serve the Branch and greater Society, and continue to increase the intrigue and acceptance of entomology in our daily lives. I am an effective communicator, active volunteer, and energetic member of the Society. In my new position of secretary of the SWB, I will bring this energy to the table to continue the success of the Southwestern Branch.
Treasurer
- Kristen Bowers, New Mexico State University
- Molly Keck, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Kristen Bowers
New Mexico State University
Bio: Dr. Kristen Bowers is a research scientist at New Mexico State University, where her research focuses on biological control of weeds and insects of economic importance in the southwest United States. She earned her Ph.D. in entomology from the University of Florida in 2021, under the direction of Carey Minteer. Prior to finishing her Ph.D., Kristen worked as a research technician at the USDA-ARS. Kristen also holds an M.S. in ecology from the University of Florida and a B.A. in economics from the University of Virginia.
Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Kristen is currently the Southwestern Branch representative to the DEI Committee. She has volunteered as a judge for many student competitions, organized a Branch symposium, and is the Entomology Games coach for NMSU. Kristen has been an active ESA member since 2017 and a member of the Southwest Branch since 2021.
Candidate statement: I am honored to be nominated for treasurer of the Southwestern Branch of ESA. The Entomology Society of America has been a valuable part of my personal and professional development and has fostered meaningful connections with members across the world. In particular, the Southwestern Branch has welcomed me with open arms, and I would be delighted to contribute to the work of the Branch through its Executive Committee. The position of treasurer is critical to the long-term viability of our Branch. If elected to this position, I will continue to uphold a high standard of fiscal transparency and responsibility that the members of the Southwest Branch have come to expect.
Molly Keck
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Bio: Molly Keck is an integrated pest management program specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Bexar County, Texas. Molly graduated from Texas A&M University and holds a bachelor's (2003) and master's (2005) degree in entomology. She is a Board Certified Entomologist specializing in urban/industry entomology. Molly has been working for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service since 2005. Her responsibilities include providing adult and youth educational programs. Molly is also active in and serves on the board and various committees for entomological professional organizations and societies such as Entomological Society of America, Southwestern Branch of ESA, and the National Conference of Urban Entomology.
Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Molly has been a member of ESA and the Southwestern Branch since 2003 and has served on the Youth Education, Insect Expo, and Local Arrangements Committees. In 2018 she was elected to the Executive Committee and served as president of the Southwestern Branch for a joint Southwestern/North Central Branch Meeting in 2020, which was ultimately postponed and held virtually. Molly has also served on the ESA Certification Board as an elected representative for the Southwestern Branch from 2014 to 2016. In 2023, a Pilot Section, FIT (Formal and Informal Teaching) was proposed, and Molly currently serves as the chair of the Marketing and Outreach Committee. In addition, Molly has served as moderator and symposia coordinator for numerous meetings of the Southwestern Branch.
Candidate statement: I am very active in and serve on the board and various committees for entomological professional organizations and societies such as Entomological Society of America, the Southwestern Branch the ESA, and the National Conference of Urban Entomology. As a long-standing member of the Southwestern Branch, I am happy to continue to serve the Branch as treasurer.