Mission statement

The mission of the Entomology and Nematology seminar series at the University of Florida is to provide an engaging weekly forum for leaders in the field of entomology and related sciences to share their research and network with students and faculty. The Seminar series schedule is intentionally multidisciplinary including current research that is relevant to the greater scientific community along with topics concerned with Florida’s unique environment and agricultural production system.

January 30, 2026

“From Proteins to Chemicals: Combining Classical and Contemporary Approaches to Advance the Field of Insecticide Science,” by Daniel Swale, Associate Professor, Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida

February 6, 2026

“Totally Tubular: Cellular and Molecular Insights into Mosquito ‘Kidney’ Function,” by Peter Piermarini, Professor and Associate Chair of Entomology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio

February 13, 2026

“Plant-herbivore Interactions and Biological Invasions: from Global Patterns to Local Solutions,” by Phil Hahn,  Assistant Professor, Insect Ecology, Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida

February 20, 2026

“TBD,” by Cameron Jack, Assistant Professor, Honey Bee Toxicology, Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida

February 27, 2026

“TBD,” by Eric Caragata, Assistant Professor, Mosquito-Microbe Interactions, Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Vero Beach FMEL

March 6, 2026

“Challenges of Managing Insect-transmitted Viruses in Vegetable Crops: a Case Study of Onion Thrips and Iris Yellow Spot Virus,” by Brian Nault, Professor, Department of Entomology, Cornell AgriTech, Geneva, NY

March 13, 2026

“Experiences, Challenges, and Opportunities in the Management of Pests and Diseases in Tropical Crops of Ecuador,” by Lisbeth Del Rocio Espinoza Lozano, Professor, ESPOL (Ecuador)

March 27, 2026

“TBD,” by Yoosook Lee,  Assistant Professor, Molecular Ecology, Population Genomics, Bioinformatics, Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Vero Beach FMEL

April 3, 2026

“Tenure Talks,” by Edwin R. Burgess, III, Assistant Professor, Veterinary Entomology, Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida