Annapolis, MD; August 28, 2025—Faith Oi, Ph.D., extension professor at the University of Florida, has been elected by members of the Entomological Society of America as the organization's next Vice President-Elect.
Oi will begin her term as VP-Elect at the conclusion of Entomology 2025, November 9-12, in Portland Oregon. She will then serve as ESA Vice President beginning in November 2026, President beginning in November 2027, and Past President beginning in November 2028.
ESA members also elected five other entomologists to begin or continue positions on the ESA Governing Board:
- Scott O'Neal, Ph.D., FSS, Inc., ESA Treasurer (newly elected; previously served as Early-Career Representative)
- Jasleen Kaur, Ph.D., University of Florida, Early-Career Representative (newly elected)
- Erika Machtinger, Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University, Medical, Urban, and Veterinary Entomology Section Representative (re-elected)
- David Crowder, Ph.D., Washington State University, Pacific Branch Representative (newly elected)
- Cheri Abraham, Ph.D., Syngenta Crop Protection, Southeastern Branch Representative (newly elected)
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
Faith Oi 
University of Florida
Bio: Dr. Faith Oi is an extension professor at the University of Florida. She is nominated by MUVE and endorsed by ESA's Southeastern, Southwestern, and International Branches. Oi completed leadership development programs LEAD21 and LEAD IFAS. She is the director of Pest Management University (PMU), whose mission is to provide evidence-based programs on urban pest management. She leads a team of experts from industry, academia, and regulatory agencies with core values that support science and service. Awards include: Pest Control Technology-Syngenta Crown Leadership, ESA-SEB Extension Award, Florida Entomological Society (FES) Achievement in Extension, Florida Extension Service Assoc. Family & Consumer Sciences Outstanding Specialist, IPM Symposium Team Award for PMU, and FES Team Research Achievement Award. She works globally with insect science advocates.
Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Oi has actively and continually served the ESA at the Governing Board, Section, and Branch levels since 1995. Leadership and service capacities include incumbent treasurer (2 terms), member of the Executive Committee of the Governing Board (2 terms), Finance Committee, chair (2 terms), Financial Task Force Committee (current), Rules and Ethics Committee (2 terms), Professional Advancement Career Training mentor (4 cohorts), and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (chair). MUVE: Section president. SEB: chair for Nominations, Program, and Student Awards Committees. Others: She has served on the National Pest Management Association technical committee for over 25 years and in multiple roles for the National Conference on Urban Entomology as conference chair, Student Awards chair, and Planning Committee member.
Candidate statement: If elected, my goal is to focus on member needs, science, and service. ESA's strength lies in its active, volunteer members, and I am committed to ESA's mission to promote opportunities for our members to widely and passionately share insect science! How?
- I propose to broaden our support for practitioners and certification programs.
- I support member workforce and professional development, particularly in artificial intelligence.
- I will continue ESA's commitment to science and policy, which will enhance our ability to develop solutions for grand challenges such as vector-borne disease, invasive species, and food security.
- As the current treasurer, I have a deep understanding of the economic challenges we face, and I am committed to working toward a balanced budget in consultation with the treasurer and Financial Task Force for the fiscal health of the Society.
VP-Elect candidate statement on critical issues and future vision for the Society: Our discipline and membership, regardless of Branch, Section, and membership type, face the critical issues of science denialism, shifts in policy priorities, and related funding impacts. Additionally, artificial intelligence has affected virtually every aspect of our lives, positively and negatively, including our scientific process, publications, and formal and informal teaching. Finally, ESA's struggling financial health is a critical issue. We must diligently harmonize the operational and strategic budgets to more effectively leverage our resources. If we do nothing, the confluence of these critical issues will impede our abilities to 1) support changing member needs, including, but not limited to, workforce and professional development, and 2) develop collaborations with transdisciplinary partners that can provide solutions to grand challenges (e.g., vector-borne disease, invasive species, food security), complex conservation questions, and emerging issues. Our future vision for ESA must consider the fundamental question of "who we are." ESA has demonstrated success in "inward-facing" communication functions such as publications and meetings. However, science communication methods have changed, and we must explore additional avenues of sharing our science to increase our relevance and impact to a broader audience. I propose adopting the concept of "future-proofing" as a general framework to address critical issues and rapid changes affecting members. While not new, "[f]uture-proofing means designing or building technology, systems, or products in a way that ensures they remain useful and effective for our members as new technologies, trends, and needs emerge" (adapted from Mendix). I have listed what I intend to accomplish in the Candidate Statement above.
ESA Treasurer
Scott O'Neal
FSS, Inc.
Bio: Dr. Scott O'Neal conducts stored product entomology research as director of research and development at FSS, Inc. Scott earned his Ph.D. in entomology from Virginia Tech, M.S. in forensic science from Virginia Commonwealth University, and B.S. in genetics and microbiology from Purdue University. He conducted USDA NIFA-funded insect physiology and toxicology research as a postdoc at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and engaged in crop protection research and project leadership as a research entomologist at Corteva Agriscience. Scott has also gained business and financial management experience outside of ESA by founding and managing the 501(c)3 nonprofit Richmond Fencing Club, serving on the board of directors for 10 years with seven years as the executive director. He is nominated by the PBT Section and has been endorsed by FIT, MUVE, NCB, SEB, SWB, and the ECP Committee.
Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Scott has been an active leader within ESA for the last 10 years and currently serves as the first Early Career Representative on the ESA Governing Board, a term that ends this year. As a member of the Governing Board, Scott also serves as liaison to the ECP Committee and as a member of the President's Financial Task Force. Previous leadership roles include serving as chair of the ECP Committee and as ECP representative on the PBT Section Governing Council. Throughout his time with ESA, Scott has worked to increase opportunities and support for student and early career members. His efforts include introducing ESA's first "speed networking" event, launching the ECP Recognition Symposium, developing a popular workshop series at the Annual Meeting to promote industry careers, and spearheading the Bylaws change that added the ECP Representative to the Governing Board.
Candidate statement: As an engaged member and volunteer leader in ESA for the last 10 years, it has been my privilege to serve an organization that has done so much to support my personal and professional growth. During my time on ESA's Financial Task Force, I have gained deeper insight into the fiscal challenges that our organization faces if we are to ensure continued financial stability. My goal in running for the position of ESA Treasurer is to continue supporting all members by upholding the fiduciary responsibility of this office. If elected, my priorities would be: 1) to ensure ESA's long-term financial health by continuing our commitment to fiscal sustainability, 2) to evaluate and refine our budget models in support of transparency and accountability, and 3) to explore opportunities for the growth and diversification of our revenue streams to support ESA's core missions now and in the future.
Early-Career Representative to the Governing Board
Jasleen Kaur
University of Florida
Bio: Dr. Jasleen Kaur is a postdoctoral researcher in entomology at the University of Florida. She has published eight peer-reviewed papers (more in progress) and reviewed 12 manuscripts for top journals, providing strong insight into the publishing landscape. Her research spans plant–insect interactions, IPM, and chemical ecology. Since 2020, she has held nine leadership roles across four organizations and served on five university committees, earning college-level recognition for her service as student senator and Graduate Student Council treasurer. As the Southeastern Branch Rep to the Early Career Professionals Committee, Jasleen champions visibility, inclusion, engagement, and professional growth of ECPs within ESA. Her global perspective and commitment to inclusive excellence shape her work and leadership in entomology.
Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Kaur advances ESA's mission through service as Southeastern Branch Rep on the Early Career Professionals Committee and ad hoc member of the Education & Outreach Committee, where she refined K-12 learning resources. She has organized three ESA symposia, judged four student competitions, and participated as a debater, four times as an invited speaker, and as a panelist at Annual Meetings as a Ph.D. student. She was competitively selected for the PACT Initiative (2022) and Bayer's B4U mentoring program (2023). As treasurer/grants chair, she managed $200,000 for two years in student travel awards. She co-led a workshop impacting more than 9,000 students and conducted outreach at 16 events. She is also slated for an interview with Entomology Today.
Candidate statement: My experience as an early career scientist fuels my commitment to ensure ESA serves and uplifts others like me. Early career professionals deserve more than a seat at the table, and we must shape the agenda and future of our Society. I will lead efforts to promote transparent decision-making, strengthen collaboration across ESA Branches, and create leadership pathways reflecting the full diversity of our membership. I have a global perspective and deep commitment to service, and I will work tirelessly to make ESA more accessible, responsive, and future-ready for all ECPs. I will listen deeply, represent boldly, and act decisively.
Medical, Urban, and Veterinary Entomology Section Representative to the Governing Board
Erika Machtinger
Pennsylvania State University
Bio: Dr. Erika Machtinger is an associate professor of entomology at Penn State University and principal investigator of the Veterinary Entomology Laboratory. She earned her Ph.D. in entomology from the University of Florida. Her research bridges medical, urban, and veterinary entomology through an integrated health approach, focusing on ectoparasites, vector ecology, and host-parasite interactions. A recipient of multiple Medical, Urban, and Veterinary Entomology (MUVE) Section and ESA awards, she currently directs the $6.25 million CDC-funded VectorED Network and has authored over 75 peer-reviewed and extension publications, as well as a book on equine pests. Erika prioritizes practical problem-solving, mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, empowering communities through science-based education and extension engagement and service to ESA and the field.
Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Machtinger has served ESA in multiple roles, starting as Southeastern Branch Student Affairs Committee representative before serving on the Student Transition and Early Professionals Committee and later as MUVE representative to the Early Career Professionals Committee. Erika is the current MUVE representative to the Governing Board. She served on ESA's Publications Task Force and co-leads the MUVE Wildly Important Goal "MUVE-ing together: Connecting Entomology, Ecology, and Human Health." Her editorial service includes roles with J. Medical Entomology, J. Economic Entomology, and J. Insect Science. She has co-organized multiple ESA symposia. Beyond ESA, she has chaired the S1076 Multistate Group and contributes to the CDCs vector-borne disease working group, the NEON Tick Technical Working Group, and The Wildlife Society's Wildlife Disease Working Group.
Candidate statement: I am passionate about continuing my service as MUVE's Governing Board representative during this pivotal time for ESA. My background in extension has taught me to effectively communicate complex science to diverse audiences—a crucial skill as we engage with policymakers amid administrative changes. I bring a proven track record of fostering collaborations across disciplines, particularly in integrated health. As a board member, I balance my fiduciary responsibility to ESA with advocacy for our science, ensuring members' concerns are represented while advancing our strategic priorities. I aim to strengthen ESA's voice in policy conversations, expand cross-disciplinary initiatives, and develop early-career professionals and students who will lead our society into the future.
Pacific Branch Representative to the Governing Board
David Crowder
Washington State University
Bio: David Crowder is a professor of entomology and director of digital agriculture systems at Washington State University. He received his B.S. and M.S. in environmental sciences from the University of Illinois and his Ph.D. in entomology from the University of Arizona. He has supervised over 20 grad students and 15 postdocs, and his current lab has six graduate students and five postdoc scholars. As the director of digital agriculture systems, Crowder leads and online decision aid system used by over 90% of the Washington tree fruit and potato industry, saving growers over $20 million per year. He has been a member of ESA since 2003 and is a 2017 recipient of the Pacific Branch Plant-Insect Ecosystems Award. He was a member of the team that won the 2025 Frontiers Plant Prize for the most impactful international paper on sustainable agriculture.
Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: David Crowder has been an ESA member since 2003 and has organized over 15 symposia at Annual and Pacific Branch meetings, and his lab has given over 50 talks. He served as the program chair of the Pacific Branch Meeting for three years, has reviewed over 75 manuscripts for ESA journals, and has served as a judge at Annual and Pacific Branch Meetings for over 10 years. He is currently a member of the National Academy of Sciences Committee on the Status of Insects in North America, where he and others will provide an overview of the long-term trajectory of insect populations. He is also organizing a Program Symposium at the 2025 ESA Annual Meeting.
Candidate statement: I am interested in serving as the Pacific Branch representative to the Governing Board so I can be an advocate for entomology. I had my first opportunity to attend an ESA meeting in 2003 as an undergraduate, and it changed the trajectory of my life. I had not intended to pursue a career in entomology, but the people I met at that meeting inspired my current career. As I am now a full professor, I wish to use my expertise to guide younger faculty, students, and postdocs to advance their own careers. If I am fortunate to be elected to the Governing Board, I will serve as a conduit between members of the Pacific Branch and the Annual Meeting, advocating for our Branch and mentoring younger Society members.
Southeastern Branch Representative to the Governing Board
Cheri Abraham
Syngenta Crop Protection
Bio: Originally from India, Dr. Abraham came to the U.S. for an M.S. in entomology at Mississippi State University. Later, during his Ph.D. in entomology at University of Georgia, he won ESA's Larry Larson Graduate Student Award for Leadership in Applied Entomology. After graduation, recognizing the opportunity to impact the broader field of agriculture, he accepted a field crop entomologist role in a startup citrus company. There, he developed IPM and production programs for both the orchard and nursery divisions and eventually also managed other facets of the company as the director of operations. His next assignment as the research leader was for a citrus operation with 12,000 grove acres across Florida. Currently an R&D entomologist at Syngenta Crop Protection in Vero Beach, Florida, he supports data generation efforts for active ingredients at various stages in their pipeline.
Past ESA activity or other volunteer service: Abraham, a 19-year member of the Entomological Society of America, started serving the Society as vice-chair and chair of the Student Affairs Committee at the SEB and ESA during his graduate student days. He was able to implement new initiatives to support student participation and experiences both at the Branch and national level. A Science Policy Fellow from the class of 2017, Abraham has served several volunteer positions including ESA Program Committee, ESA Science Policy Committee, PIE Event Oversight & Nominations Committees, judging committees for various ESA Awards, and most recently, program co-chair for the 2025 SEB meeting. His current tenure on the ESA Leadership Development Committee and ESA Entomology Games Committee (EGC) ends November 2025. As chair of the 2024 EGC, he spearheaded the first ever Entomology Games texting competition at ESA.
Candidate statement: I am truly honored and excited to be nominated to represent the Entomological Society of America's Southeastern Branch on the Governing Board. ESA serves as a powerful, unifying force for our discipline, and this opportunity is both a privilege and a meaningful way to give back to the Society that has significantly shaped my professional growth, provided invaluable resources, and connected me with an inspiring community of peers. I am excited to contribute to the activities of the Governing Board, while getting an intimate view of the workings of our Society. I am passionate about supporting our students and early career professionals, who are the future of our discipline, while acknowledging the seasoned professionals that have paved and walked this path before us. I am also motivated to work with fellow members to empower and advance our Society and the future of entomology.
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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.