Annapolis, MD; August 29, 2024—Andrew Short, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Entomology and Nematology Department at the University of Florida, has been elected by members of the Entomological Society of America as the organization's next Vice President-Elect.
Short will begin his term as VP-Elect at the conclusion of Entomology 2024, November 10-13, in Phoenix, Arizona. He will then serve as ESA Vice President beginning in November 2025, President beginning in November 2026, and Past President beginning in November 2027.
ESA members also elected five other entomologists to begin or continue positions on the ESA Governing Board:
- Jacqueline Maille, Kansas State University, Student Representative (newly elected)
- Surendra Dara, Ph.D., Oregon State University, P-IE Section Representative (newly elected)
- Don Weber, Ph.D., USDA Agricultural Research Service, Eastern Branch Representative (re-elected)
- Rory McDonnell, Ph.D., Oregon State University, International Branch Representative (newly elected)
- Justin Talley, Ph.D., Oklahoma State University, Southwestern Branch Representative (newly elected)
Short will vacate his current position as the ESA Systematics, Evolution, and Biodiversity (SysEB) Section representative to the Governing Board. The SysEB Governing Council leadership has appointed Jennifer Zaspel, Ph.D., vice president and academic dean at the Milwaukee Public Museum, to serve as the SysEB Section representative for the remaining two years of Short's term, ending in November 2026.
ESA members also voted on several other volunteer positions within the Society and ESA Sections and Branches, as well as Honorary Members:
For more information on the entomologists elected to the ESA Governing Board, see below:
ESA Vice President-Elect
Andrew Short
University of Florida
Bio: Dr. Short is professor and chair of the Entomology and Nematology Department at the University of Florida. Dr. Short received his B.S. and Ph.D. degrees in entomology from the University of Delaware and Cornell University, respectively. He joined the faculty at the University of Kansas as a professor and curator of entomology in 2008 until moving to UF in 2023. His research centers on the systematics and evolutionary biology of aquatic insects, as well as the biogeography of South America. He has published over 120 papers in these fields and participated in more than 40 expeditions to survey aquatic insects across the world. He has taught a variety of courses in entomology and biodiversity monitoring. In his current role, he provides leadership to a vibrant and diverse entomological community of more than 250 faculty, staff, and students.
Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: A member of ESA for 30 years, Dr. Short is serving his second term on the ESA Governing Board as the SysEB Section representative. He also currently serves on the Governing Board's Executive Committee and the ESA Ethics and Rules Committee and as the Governing Board parliamentarian. He has previously served as president of the SysEB Section (2018), chair of the SysEB Awards Committee, co-coordinator of the LGBTQ+ mixer at the Annual Meeting, Governing Board liaison to the Early Career Professionals Committee, and at-large member of the ESA Publications Council. Dr. Short also serves on the Taxonomic Certification Committee for the Society for Freshwater Science. He has previously served on the board of directors for the Natural Science Collections Alliance and the Coleopterists Society.
Candidate statement: ESA has been essential to my development as an entomologist throughout my education and career. I have been privileged to give back to the Society in various volunteer leadership roles within my Section and at the national level over the last 10 years. Should I be elected to this position, I would leverage those experiences and familiarity with the Society's structure and workings to ensure it maintains it status as the international leader for our discipline. Whether influencing policy through advocacy, stimulating collaboration through meetings, or sharing science through our journals, it is essential that ESA remains strong to ensure entomology remains strong.
ESA Vice President-Elect statement: Our discipline has never been more relevant. Whether it's fighting pests and invasive species, preserving biodiversity, or protecting homes and health, entomology and entomologists are essential. Outwardly facing, ESA continues to be uniquely positioned to make the case to policy makers and the public that our work is critical to the future. Internally facing, ESA has a perennial mandate to develop and support all our members. Should I be elected, I will: (1) Be dedicated to ensuring our Society's finances remain strong in a dynamic fiscal climate. ESA is financially healthy, and continued vigilance will ensure this remains true moving forward. This includes exploring both refined budget models and diversification of our core funding streams. (2) Continue ESA's progress in ensuring that entomology is both for and serves all and is representative of our modern society. We have made steady progress in creating a culture of belonging, and I am committed to continuing that essential progress. (3) Respond to emerging challenges and opportunities such as the role of AI, a dynamic publications landscape, and increasing need to support entomology education and educators.
Student Representative to the ESA Governing Board
Jacqueline Maille
Kansas State University
Bio: Jacqueline Maille is originally from Lum, Michigan, and completed her B.S. degree in biology at Austin Peay State University in 2016 and her M.S. degree in entomology at Kansas State University in 2019. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate and USDA-NIFA predoctoral fellow in entomology at Kansas State University co-advised by Drs. Erin Scully (USDA-ARS), Rob Morrison (USDA-ARS), and Kun-Yan Zhu (KSU). Her research focuses on filling knowledge gaps in sensory biology of stored product insects for the improvement of behaviorally based management practices. Her research interests include pest management tools, genomics, behavior, toxicology, and environmental conservation.
Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Jacqueline has been highly involved in ESA and KSU, giving at least 33 presentations at ESA meetings and participating in student activities over five years. She has organized or moderated 16 symposia and served as a judge for the 2023 Rising Stars Awards and the NCB 2024 Undergraduate Research Session. From 2021–2023, she served on NCB SAC as the NCB representative to national SAC. She served as ESA SAC vice chair and is now ESA SAC chair. Throughout 2022–2024, she volunteered as the SAC representative to the Leadership Development Committee. This year, she began a two-year term as an ad hoc member of the FIT Section. At KSU, she has served on various committees, including the Kansas State Office for the Advancement of Women in Science and Engineering SUCCEED Program Internal Advisory Board and as vice president of the Popenoe Entomology Club.
Candidate statement: I am passionate about advocating for student interests and fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. As the Governing Board student representative, I hope to approachably serve as an accessible liaison between students, the national ESA SAC, and the ESA Governing Board alike. I aim to ensure that student voices are uplifted and concerns are addressed. I am dedicated to the success of ESA student members and will act with a goal-oriented purpose to serve the needs and best interests of our Society.
P-IE Section Representative to the ESA Governing Board
Surendra Dara
Oregon State University
Bio: Dr. Surendra Dara is an entomologist with 25+ years of experience working on numerous species of invasive and endemic pests. His research and extension work in small fruits and vegetables on IPM, microbial control, and other biological solutions promoting sustainable agriculture is known locally, regionally, and internationally. He has authored or co-authored more than 400 scientific and extension articles, which include three co-edited books, four co-edited special issues of journals, 25 book chapters, and 58 peer-reviewed journal articles. He has extensive international outreach experience training farmers in Africa, Asia, Central America, and Eastern Europe. He has received multiple awards, recognized for multiple impact stories, and is a frequent speaker at scientific and extension meetings.
Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Dr. Dara has held multiple roles at the Pacific Branch, served as the co-chair of Annual Meetings and vice president and president of P-IE Section, organized multiple symposia, and served as a judge/moderator at several Branch and Annual Meetings. He has also reviewed nominations for multiple Branch and Section awards and mentored students and early career professionals through the EntoMentos program. He has been a subject editor for the Journal of Economic Entomology and is a frequent reviewer for several journal articles. He supports and actively participates in various initiatives within and outside ESA that promote the success of undergraduate and graduate students, STEM education, extension education, and public engagement about insects and sustainable food production.
Candidate statement: As an active member of ESA for 30+ years with a deep understanding of and commitment to its mission and vision, I am excited for the opportunity to serve as a Governing Board member. I would use my experience, leadership skills, strategic planning, and collaborative approach to serve the needs of every member; support inclusive excellence; increase engagement with members, public, and policy makers; advance entomological research, teaching, and extension efforts; support science literacy and related policies; and explore various opportunities to increase the impact of ESA, its members, and their outstanding work regionally, nationally, and internationally in addressing global challenges, including food security, biodiversity, and environmental and human health.
Eastern Branch Representative to the ESA Governing Board
Don Weber
USDA Agricultural Research Service
Bio: Don Weber grew up in northern Virginia, received his B.A. at Williams College and M.S. (Entomology) at UC Berkeley with research on cole crop pests, and pursued his interest in fruit and vegetable IPM. Don's UMass Ph.D. work researched the biology and dispersal of Colorado potato beetle. After a stint at ETH Zurich, Don joined Ocean Spray Cranberries, where he developed environmentally friendly IPM strategies for all growing regions. In 2002, he joined the Invasive Insect Biocontrol & Behavior Laboratory of USDA's Agricultural Research Service in Beltsville, Maryland, as research entomologist and lead scientist, contributing to sustainable IPM tactics such as natural enemies and pheromones for major vegetable pests, especially leaf beetles and true bugs. He is author of over 100 refereed publications and eight book chapters and coauthor of a biography of CV Riley.
Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Don is the current EB Governing Board representative, book reviews editor for American Entomologist, and subject editor for JEE and JIPM. Always active with ESA and Eastern Branch, Don has organized 15 ESA symposia, judging 20+ student paper/poster competitions. He was EB President 2017-18; twice EB rep and chair, national Awards Committee; and EB rep, Science Policy Committee, 2019-22. Don is also president of the Entomological Society of Washington and previously served as IOBC Regional President (2015-16), and chair of Northeast SARE Administrative Council (2013-18). He has served on grants and fellowship panels including NIFA, AAFC Canada, USAID, and AAAS. He was Arlington, Virginia, 2010 Volunteer of the Year for the People's Garden at Central Library and recipient of USDA ARS NE Area's Outreach, Diversity, and Equal Opportunity Supervisory Award (2015).
Candidate statement: I hope to again faithfully represent the Eastern Branch on the Governing Board. ESA has made tremendous progress serving the members in an efficient, inclusive, and financially stable manner. We will face new and continuing challenges though, which I think will include: making sure our Society's governance meets the needs of all members while ensuring sustainable management and finance for the future; continuing to welcome and promote diversity and meaningfulness for all members; figuring out how best to adapt our various publications and outlets, for ESA and all its members; and optimizing our meetings to support member needs and preferences. This list is never complete. I want to know your priorities for your Society! I am ready and willing to promote the priorities of all Eastern Branch members. For your own part, consider getting involved with ESA as a volunteer!
International Branch Representative to the ESA Governing Board
Rory McDonnell
Oregon State University
Bio: Dr. Rory McDonnell is from Ireland and received his B.Sc. and Ph.D. in applied ecology from the University of Galway. He is currently an associate professor in the Department of Crop and Soil Science at Oregon State University. His program is focused on 1) understanding the ecology of invasive invertebrates in agriculture, horticulture, urban areas, the natural environment, and at the interface of these systems; and 2) developing and implementing novel strategies for the management of these pests. He has acquired $6 million+ in funding as lead PI or a member of a consortium, of which $2.5 million+ has been exclusively for his internationally recognized program. He has published 75 papers in leading journals in his field; is an inventor on two patents; has presented his research at 68 regional, national, and international meetings; and is a Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society.
Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Rory has been a member of ESA since 2006. He has been an active member of the International Branch since its inception in 2010 and has served on the Awards Committee (2010-2013), as chair of the Awards Committee (2013-2015), and as Branch secretary (2015-2020) and president (2020-2023). He has also played key roles in defining Branch policy and in organizing the annual International Branch Virtual Symposium, which is attended by researchers from around the world. Rory played a central role in establishing grants for students and researchers who are experiencing financial hardship or are from developing countries to participate in the International Branch Virtual Symposium.
Candidate statement: I have been an engaged and active member of the International Branch since it was formed in 2010. For example, I have chaired the Awards Committee and served as both secretary and president on the Executive Committee. This experience with the International Branch places me in a unique position to serve as the Branch representative on the Governing Board of ESA because I am very familiar with the opportunities the Branch has to grow but also the challenges it faces. My goals will be to ensure our Branch has an impactful voice on the Governing Board of ESA, to serve the needs of and create meaningful opportunities for our members, and to ensure our Branch and ESA continue to grow.
Southwestern Branch Representative to the ESA Governing Board
Justin Talley
Oklahoma State University
Bio: Justin Talley is currently head of the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology (EPP) and recently took on the role of interim director for the Institute of Biosecurity and Microbial Forensics (IBMF) at Oklahoma State University. He received his Ph.D. in entomology from Kansas State University under the direction of Alberto Broce and Ludek Zurek. Previously, he served as the state extension specialist for veterinary entomology for the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension System, and his appointment included extension, research, and teaching while a faculty member. Research programs focused on pest management of important external parasites in livestock systems, animal mortality management systems and their role in attracting flies, and pathogen association with important external parasites including ticks and flies.
Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Justin Talley has served in numerous roles within the ESA organization, including leadership positions within the SWB including secretary/treasurer, vice-president, president, and past president. This allowed him to gain insights into how the national ESA organization functions internally by attending leadership council meetings. He has consistently served the SWB since joining 14 years ago. His dedication led to many volunteer opportunities including serving on committees (Membership Committee, Student Awards Committee, and program co-chair). His involvement included serving on the Nominations Committee for the MUVE section and as chair. He also has served as a reviewer of veterinary entomology manuscripts submitted to ESA journals and enjoys serving as a student competition judge both for the Branch and Annual Meetings.
Candidate statement: I have a keen interest in serving my Society to ensure it is positioned well for all our members including those just beginning their careers or education in entomology. I believe there are some core areas a Governing Board representative should possess when representing the Branch, which include budget and resource management, shared governance, and relations with members, ESA personnel, and executive leaders. I have always seen ESA leadership as an opportunity for shared governance to inform decisions. One of the most important aspects of serving on the Governing Board should be developing relationships with Branch members, ESA personnel, and the executive leadership team to foster team building. I feel my experiences both within ESA and academia have prepared me well to serve as the next Governing Board representative for the SWB.
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CONTACT: Joe Rominiecki, jrominiecki@entsoc.org, 301-731-4535 x3009
ABOUT: ESA is the largest organization in the world serving the professional and scientific needs of entomologists and people in related disciplines. Founded in 1889, ESA today has nearly 7,000 members affiliated with educational institutions, health agencies, private industry, and government. Headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland, the Society stands ready as a non-partisan scientific and educational resource for all insect-related topics. For more information, visit www.entsoc.org.