Keith Mason, technician extraordinaire in the Berry Crops Entomology lab, has been selected to receive MSU's Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award for 2011. This is a high honor for a staff member and it is richly deserved for Keith's years of dedication to his work in our department, to MSU, and to the fruit growers of Michigan. Keith manages research and extension projects in the Berry Crops lab, maintains equipment resources, manages insect colonies, and contributes to extension programs. He is planting a new research vineyard on campus this spring and is preparing for another busy summer.
Dr. Rufus Isaacs received the Entomological Foundation Award for Excellence in Integrated Pest Management from the 2011 Entomological Society of America North Central Branch for his work in the berry crop entomology program. His group studies the biology and management of blueberry and grape pest insects, as well as pest phenology, biological control, mating disruption, and chemical control.
The Plant Science Graduate Research Symposium was held Tuesday, March 29. Congratulations to Entomology Department graduate students Rob Morrison (First place Poster II: Applied), Brett Blaauw (Second place Poster II: Applied), and Alexandria Bryant (Second place Applied Oral) on their achievements.