Aspiring Public Health Entomologists Find Buzzworthy Experience at ESA Annual Meeting

Entomologytoday • Baton Rouge, LA, United States • $200k - $250k / year • 1m ago

Kristen Adkins, Joevensky Seme, and Aaliyah Royston (left to right) attended Entomology 2023 as participants in Public Health Entomology for All, a joint project of ESA and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that fosters a new generation of public health entomologists.

Last November, many aspiring entomologists got their first up-close experience with the global insect science community when they attended Entomology 2023, the Annual Meeting of Entomological Society of America (ESA), hosted November 5-8 in National Harbor, Maryland.

More than 20 of those students and early-career professionals attended with the support of Public Health Entomology for All (PHEFA), a joint project of ESA and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that fosters a new generation of public health entomologists through fellowships, internships , and travel grants for students, recent graduates, and faculty at Minority Serving Institutions. In 2023, the PHEFA travel grants funded registration, transportation, hotels, and a meals stipend for three faculty members and three of their students each. Applications for PHEFA travel grants for Entomology 2024 are open now, due April 1.

In the Q&A below, three of those aspiring entomologists share their experience from Entomology 2023, what they found most interesting, and their advice for fellow students heading to future ESA Annual Meetings.

Joevensky Seme

Undergraduate Student, Biology
Saint Augustine’s University
Raleigh, North Carolina

Entomology Today: How did you feel after taking in four days of insect science and networking at Entomology 2023?

Seme: Entomology 2023 made me feel very confident that a career in entomology is what I want to pursue. I am forever thankful for meeting and networking with passionate individuals to advance my career forward.

What symposium, presentation, or workshop did you most enjoy?

The PHEFA luncheon and presentation was my most enjoyable event. During this event, we all gathered and shared our greatest moments and achievements in the field of entomology. It was a powerful moment to appreciate and look back at where we all came from, where we are now, and where we will soon be.

What was the most interesting conversation you had at the conference?

The most interesting conversation that I had at the conference was with Stacie East, ESA director of equity and grants. She understands where I am in my career and inspired me to continue to strive in this field of study. Now, I feel a stronger sense of belonging in the field of entomology.

What effect will attending the ESA Annual Meeting have on your education and career pursuits?

The effects that the ESA Annual Meeting had on me were helping me decide on a Ph.D. program and potential fellowship opportunities with the CDC and PHEFA.

What advice would you offer to first-time student attendees who might go to the ESA Meeting in 2024?

Come with an open mind and attend as many symposiums, presentations, and workshops as you can. The experience will definitely sharpen your intellect and is beneficial toward your career.

Aaliyah Royston

Graduate Student, Urban Forestry
Southern University and A&M College
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Entomology Today: How did you feel after taking in four days of insect science and networking at Entomology 2023?

Royston: I felt inspired, motivated, and more knowledgeable than before I came to the meeting.

What symposium, presentation, or workshop did you most enjoy?

My favorite meetings were with PHEFA luncheon and symposium speeches, because it was open floor to talk about public health in entomology and discuss the diversity and equity in the workforce and how to land a government job.

What was the most interesting conversation you had at the conference?

The most interesting conversation I had was at the PHEFA luncheon because I could network with the organizers of the group and fellow colleagues of the organization. Being able to talk about different programs they offer graduate students and undergraduate students post-graduation in their field of work. The conversation was so compelling, and I will never forget how it changed my point of view on entomology.

What effect will attending the ESA Annual Meeting have on your education and career pursuits?

The ESA meeting gave me an uplift and better insight of this field of study. I truly became more aware of what I want for my future by attending different meetings and symposiums.

What advice would you offer to first-time student attendees who might go to the ESA Meeting in 2024?

Come in with an open mind and ready to enter the world of so many opportunities. Be ready to network with the fellow participants and partners during the conference.

Kristen Adkins

M.S., Agricultural Sciences
Florida A&M University
PHEFA Fellow, CDC Dengue Branch
San Juan, Puerto Rico

Entomology Today: How did you feel after taking in four days of insect science and networking at Entomology 2023?

Adkins: Entomology 2023 was a great experience. After the conference, I feel more of a sense of belonging in the field of entomology because I was able to connect with several entomologists from all around the country. It also gave my research more purpose as I was able to meet entomologists and read many posters all relating to the species I am currently doing research on.

What symposium, presentation, or workshop did you most enjoy?

I most enjoyed “Climate change, health equity and vector-borne disease: A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services perspective.” This session was extremely relevant with the current research that I am doing as a PHEFA fellow with Aedes aegypti. It showed me ways that I can incorporate the research from my master’s thesis into the field of public health. This session also continued my excitement in public health entomology and higher education within the field.

What was the most interesting conversation you had at the conference?

The most interesting conversation I had during the conference took place at the PHEFA luncheon. I was able to talk to different students about my time as a PHEFA fellow. I was able to relate to these students more than anyone else at the conference because we are all looking at our future and navigating our way through the field of entomology. They asked me not only questions about my research in the program but also about who I am as a person and how those characteristics and different experiences led me to where I am today.

What effect will attending the ESA Annual Meeting have on your education and career pursuits?

Attending the ESA Annual Meeting has already given me great career opportunities when I first attended last year. I was able to meet ESA and CDC professionals that introduced me to the PHEFA program. This year I was able to talk with different colleges throughout the Exhibit Hall about my educational interests. They were able to give me contacts of professors and explain research within the different labs at the different universities.

What advice would you offer to first-time student attendees who might go to the ESA Meeting in 2024?

Spend time looking at the conference schedule prior to attending the meeting. Make a plan so that you don’t miss any sessions of interest. Also, prepare yourself to be social and interact with as many people as you can. Sometimes success is about making connections, and the ESA Annual Meeting is a place to not only meet new people and attend sessions but also a place to propel your career forward. Last, I would tell a first-time student to take time to enjoy the city. Sightseeing with other students or just trying a new restaurant can replenish you from a long day at the conference and allow you to have fun!