The Section for Ecological Entomology serves the citizens of Illinois by investigating and resolving entomologically related issues in four important sectors: agriculture, medicine, the environment, and the urban setting. In most states entomological research is conducted by scientists located in the state's land grant university. The Illinois Natural History Survey was founded earlier than the University of Illinois, and was given the mandate by the Illinois Legislature to conduct research on economically important insects and provide recommendations for the control of harmful insects.

The University of Illinois' agricultural college has largely depended on the Natural History Survey to conduct entomological research for the agricultural community. Furthermore, the Survey assembles and distributes information resulting from and pertaining to these research activities. Composed of research scientists, extension specialists, and support personnel, all with expertise in the insect sciences, the Section is jointly funded through the Survey and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. This long-standing dual sponsorship provides an infrastructure for fulfilling the Section's many responsibilities.

Scientists in the Section for Ecological Entomology collaborate with various departments in the University of Illinois to provide graduate training leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees with specialization in Entomology. Prospective students will find Section scientists working with a wide variety of invertebrate taxa, at all scales of organization – from organismal to ecosystem – in laboratory and field-oriented studies.

Prospective students may apply to any of several academic units (Department of Entomology; Department of Crop Sciences; Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences). Students are encouraged to contact Section scientists before applying to individual departments or programs. Prospective students should also visit the Entomology@Illinois web site for a complete listing of entomological projects and potential advisors.

Additional information and applications may be obtained by writing to the Section’s Professional Scientists listed below.

Eastman, Catherine E., Ph.D. (1976, Louisiana State University). IPM in conventional and organic/alternative vegetable systems; insect pests of cruciferous crops; insect-weed interactions.

Solter, Leellen F., Ph.D. (1996, University of Illinois). Insect pathology,; biology and taxonomy of entomopathogenic microsporidia; host-parasite-pathogen relationships; microbial control.

Soucek, David J., Ph.D. (2001, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University). Aquatic ecotoxicology; chemical, toxicological, and ecological assessment of benthic macroinvertebrates.

Spencer, Joseph L., Ph.D. (1994, Michigan State University). Insect behavior and physiology, plant-insect interactions, biology, ecology and distribution of western corn rootworm beetles.