Dr. Scott H. Hutchins, a global leader of crop protection research and development for Dow AgroSciences, was elected as Fellow in 2009. He has been with the company since 1987 and has served in several key positions, including human resources manager, director of formulation development, regional R&D management, and global product development of insect management products. He has significantly influenced the science of entomology through his research on bioeconomics, integrated pest management (IPM), and host-plant response to insect-induced injury, especially concepts related to economic-injury levels (EIL). Hutchins’ research has had broad-based implications related to the effective management of insect pests, with particular emphasis on the IPM practitioner. He has helped to establish the credibility of private-sector entomology within the ESA and is the first ESA Fellow to have pursued his entire career in the private sector.
Hutchins was born in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, on 13 July 1959, where he lived until 1970 when he moved to Doraville, GA. He attended Auburn University, receiving his B.S. degree in 1981. He then attended Mississippi State University and received his M.S. degree in 1983 under the supervision of Dr. Henry Pitre. Subsequently, he entered a doctoral program in entomology at Iowa State University under the direction of Dr. Larry Pedigo, earning a Ph.D. in 1987. Hutchins’ doctoral research focused on the impact of insect-induced injury on alfalfa biomass and quality. Additional contributions included conceptual development of EIL theory and its application to injury guilds and optimization of modeling techniques applied to dispersal of migratory pests and least-cost rations.
The conceptual principles and practices advanced by his research have influenced the development of novel and revolutionary technologies that have proven to be IPM-compatible tools. He has provided the leadership needed to launch global products for cropping systems and structural pest control that have reduced the use of non-selective tactics. His research and leadership in entomology has provided a revolutionary vision and passion for insect management “breakthrough” technologies in the industry, which have had a profound impact on insect management on a global scale.
As a skilled administrator, the Society has benefited tremendously from Hutchins’ outstanding leadership skills. He served on the ESA Governing Board for 9 years, including President in 2007. He played a key leadership and facilitative role in the restructuring and renewal of ESA’s purpose and capabilities, which was passed in 2007 with overwhelming membership support. The ESA restructuring provided the framework for future contribution and relevance of entomology as a science and profession with the vision to bring entomologists together to accept accountability to ensure the growth of entomology on a national and global basis through the ESA.
Hutchins is married to Janet Clark Hutchins since 1980 and has three children, Jamison (b. 1983), Jacqueline (b. 1986), and Brittany (b. 1987). They have lived in Carmel, IN since 1990 after previous assignments in Minneapolis, MN and Midland, MI.
(updated May, 2012)