Kevin M. Heinz, Raymond E. Frisbie, and Carlos E. Bogran, Eds.
Texas A&M University Press, College Station
2005; 341 pp.
Price: $45.00
ISBN:  I-58544-432-4

During 1999, a series of symposia on a variety of entomological topics were organized as part of the Texas A&M University Department of Entomology’s centennial celebration.  This edited volume of 24 contributed chapters from symposia speakers is one outcome of the department’s centenary program.  The topics range from institutional considerations of the directions and future of entomology departments at land-grant universities to the scientific, economic, and social importance of the study of insects.  This volume is organized around seven themes for entomology and entomology departments:  the land-grant university’s mission; the multiple roles of entomology departments; development and delivery of science-based knowledge to the public; technology transfer, pest management research and the advancement of science; entomological science for society; global issues in entomology; and the future of entomological research.

Entomology departments in the United States face many issues, shared by all academic units or disciplines within land-grant universities, i.e., undergraduate and graduate education, responsibility and responsiveness to the citizens of their state, and maintaining balanced, innovative, and productive research programs.  Several chapters of this book focus on the need for entomology departments to remain relevant within changing and evolving university environments.  One of the key messages is that, just like the organisms we study, departments must adapt in response to scientific, societal, and institutional forces. 

A second key message is that change is critical if successful departments of entomology are to continue contributing to the mission of the land grant university. As has been pointed out by Parrella et al. (1998), program diversity is a strength of entomology departments because it provides multiple opportunities to contribute to the mission of a land-grant university. 

In the first two sections of this volume, six chapters from senior well-established entomologists who serve as administrators at institutions with strong, vibrant departments of entomology (University of California, University of Florida, Cornell University, and Texas A&M University) provide a wealth of experience and perspectives on the history and changing role of entomology departments.  Part three of this volume presents four chapters focused on extension and the delivery of entomological information to the public.  Well-known extension entomologists from California, New York, and Texas give perspectives on this vital function of entomology programs.   The final four sections, give an overview of some of the major scientific disciplines in which entomology has made and will continue to make significant contributions.  Experts in each discipline have written concise topical overviews that include selected key references.

This volume, highlighting the centennial celebration of the Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University, is broader in its scope compared with previous symposia volumes published to mark 100 years of entomology at institutions within the United States (e.g., Pimentel 1974).  The publication from Texas A&M offers many insights into the importance of the field of entomology, from scientific and institutional perspectives.

References Cited

Parrella, M.P., J. Granett, S.S. Duffey, & D.D. Kitterman.  1998.  Exploiting the “Entomology Advantage”.  Am. Entomol. 44: 198–201.

Pimentel, D. (Ed). 1974.  Insects, Science and Society, Proceedings of a Symposium, Cornell University, October 14–15, 1974. Academic Press, New York.

John J. Obrycki
Department of Entomology
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY 40546-0091
john.obrycki@uky.edu
American Entomologist
Vol. 53, No. 2, Summer 2007