UC Davis Alumna Honored By Entomological Society of America

DAVIS, CA — University of California, Davis alumna Kelly Hamby, an assistant professor and extension specialist in the Department of Entomology at the University of Maryland-College Park, received the Early Career Professional Extension Award this week during the annual meeting of the Entomological Society of America, in Denver, Colorado.

The award is given to an early professional who excels in entomological Extension.

The ESA spotlighted her in its program:

"Her research and extension program addresses invasive and emerging insect pest issues, evaluating and optimizing pest management programs, and development of sustainable alternative management tactics. Dr. Hamby is particularly interested in understanding and exploiting insect interactions with free-living microorganisms for sustainable pest management.

"Her current work includes characterizing spotted wing drosophila's interactions with yeast and fruit rot microorganisms and developing cultural control tactics for this invasive pest of small fruit. Her lab is also evaluating the pest suppression benefits and non-target impacts of neonicotinoid seed treatments in mid-Atlantic grain crop rotations.

"Dr. Hamby delivers timely, research-based extension programming via extension publications, field days, and winter meetings, serving the needs of Maryland's grain producers and diversified small fruit farmers. In addition to her research and extension responsibilities, Dr. Hamby teaches integrated pest management and provides K-12 outreach with hands-on pest management activities."

Hamby received all three of her degrees from UC Davis. While studying for her bachelor's degree in environmental toxicology, specializing in ecotoxicology, she completed the integrated studies honors program and graduated with highest honors, making the dean's honors list. She went on to obtain her master's degree in March 2012 and doctorate in entomology in March 2014, studying with major professor and integrated pest management specialist Frank Zalom, distinguished professor, UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology, and a past president of the ESA. Her doctoral dissertation, completed in 2014, covered: “Biology and Pesticide Resistance Management of Drosophila suzukii in Coastal California Berries."

At UC Davis, Hamby was supported by a National Science Foundation Research Scholarship and went on to win the coveted John Henry Comstock Award from the Pacific Branch, ESA. She compiled a near perfect 4.0 grade point average during her years at UC Davis.

Hamby joined the ESA in 2009 and has presented her research at many of the annual meetings.

The ESA, founded in 1889, is the world's largest organization serving the professional and scientific needs of entomologists and people in related disciplines. Its nearly 7,000 members are affiliated with educational institutions, health agencies, private industry, and government. Members are researchers, teachers, extension service personnel, administrators, marketing representatives, research technicians, consultants, students, and hobbyists.

— By Kathy Keatley Garvey, UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology

Photo courtesy of Kathy Keatley Garvey