Department of Entomology ranked #1 globally by EduRank
The department’s ranking reflects its dedication to impactful research and a longstanding commitment to scientific excellence in insect biology, ecology, evolution, and integrated pest management.
Insect specimens and butterflies at the University of Arizona’s Insect Collection.
FJ Gaylor for The University of Arizona
EduRank, an independent organization that conducts metric-based evaluations of research across 246 disciplines at more than 14,000 universities in 183 countries, has ranked the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences’ Department of Entomology number one worldwide.
Regents Professor Bruce Tabashnik
“Our faculty ranks high in terms of scholarship, science, and fundamentally understanding how insects impact our world and how we impact them,” said Regents Professor Bruce Tabashnik, who leads the department. “We’re also doing things that directly benefit people in Arizona, our nation, and beyond.”
Among the department’s most notable contributions is the 2018 eradication of the invasive pink bollworm from the U.S. and Mexico without the use of insecticides. This collaborative success, along with integrated pest management (IPM) programs, has prevented more than 40 million pounds of insecticide applications, saved Arizona farmers over $600 million, and set global precedents for sustainable pest control strategies.
“Ours is a very collegial department. We are sincerely happy when good things happen to our colleagues,” said Goggy Davidowitz, professor and University Distinguished Scholar. “We are at the forefront of understanding and implementing how to mitigate crop damage from insects, the prevalence and distribution of insect-borne diseases, and how insects are responding to changes in the climate. It is an exciting time to be in this department and be part of the research that goes on here.”
Science for a better world
Faculty members conduct extensive outreach to support young students and their families. Professor Dawn Gouge, who has received multiple awards from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for her work, leads school IPM programs that protect children’s health. Programs like Insect Discovery, led by associate professor Kathleen Walker, engage thousands of elementary school students each year, using insects to spark their curiosity about science.
Additionally, the department manages the University of Arizona Insect Collection, which features more than 2 million specimens. It is curated by Wendy Moore, professor and winner of the Provost Award for Innovations in Teaching, and managed by Gene Hall. This unique collection is exceptionally valuable for research, teaching, and outreach.
A legacy of excellence
The Department of Entomology’s faculty members are among the most decorated entomologists globally and have received more than 100 awards. Many faculty members, including Tabashnik, Davidowitz, Yves Carrière, Molly Hunter, Michael Riehle, and Todd Schlenke, are fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a prestigious honor recognizing their extraordinary achievements.
“I have been fortunate to be a faculty member in the Department of Entomology for my entire career and this is a place one can truly feel at home,” said Hunter “It is a wonderful, inspiring, and supportive community of individuals, working together to solve problems and share our appreciation for the incredible world of insects.”
Peter Ellsworth on a field day with farmers showcasing pest management practices that reduce insecticide use.
Entomology professors Peter Ellsworth and John Palumbo are also prominent IPM experts, both of whom have been honored for their excellence in IPM by national and international organizations.
“As an applied entomologist dedicated to putting science into practice, I have found Arizona, our growers, and our own Department of Entomology to be one of the best places to develop and deliver solutions that ultimately have a lasting impact,” said Ellsworth. “It should also be mentioned that a share of this success is due to the positive and collegial environment present in the department. Dr. Bruce Tabashnik has cultivated this productive and collaborative atmosphere with his positive demeanor and excellent leadership.”
The Department of Entomology looks forward to continued success in cutting-edge research. To thank members and affiliates for their amazing achievements and support, and to discuss strategies for sustaining excellence, the Entomology community will celebrate on February 7th at noon in the Forbes building lobby.