Honors Program

The Entomology Honors Program provides an excellent opportunity for undergraduates to do a research thesis and receive honors certification in Entomology on their diploma. Entomology represents the study of insects at all levels of biological hierarchy, from genes to ecosystems, as well as the ecological and evolutionary processes that sustain them. Beneficial insects, such as pollinators, natural enemies, and decomposers, play crucial roles in maintaining sustainable conditions through their contributions to ecosystem services. In contrast, injurious insects, including pests of humans, crops, and structures, must be managed appropriately for the health and well-being of humankind without harming the environment. We encourage students who desire active engagement with research and scholarship to consider joining our department.

Entomology Honors Student Katherine Siniuk presenting at ESA

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Join?

Attend lab meetings and participate in scientific discourse
Perform independent research in a lab
Discover new knowledge through science
Meet and work with students in a research lab
Present your results on campus and/or at a professional society
Be recognized for an exceptional experience at UMD
Publish in a journal and/or extension article

How to Complete the Honors Program

Perform, present and write up results of an independent research project working with a faculty mentor.
Successfully complete at least 6 credits of BSCI 389H research under the direction of your Mentor. Research will culminate in a thesis and oral defense of the thesis.
Successfully complete 2 Honors courses (300-level or above; Honors option courses ok) in BSCI or ENTM, or related courses in other colleges. Graduate courses (600-level) can count for at least 3 credits. Contact Honors Director, Dr. Karin Burghardt.
Entomology Honors students are not required to enroll in an Entomology Honors seminar.

Enrolled students will be invited to the Honors ELMS site which provides additional information to help you register for H-option courses, as well as to develop your proposal and thesis, including writing and presenting your thesis during your graduating semester.

How to Get Involved in Research

Survey the research being done by faculty members in Entomology. Identify faculty members whose research looks interesting to you. Once you have identified some faculty member(s) with whom you would like to work, send the faculty member(s) an email.Visit the Entomology Faculty page to get started. Want help making a connection with a lab? Contact Honors Director, Dr. Karin Burghardt.

Eligibility Criteria

You do not have to be a Biological Sciences major to be accepted into the Entomology Departmental Honors Program.
You must have completed at least 56 credits (have Junior standing) to enter the program, and must have completed at least 12 credits in your major.
You must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2, and a minimum GPA of 3.2 in your major by the time you complete the program.
You must have an agreement with a member of the Entomology faculty or an approved affiliate to serve as your Research Mentor and Advisor.
Your application, consisting of research goals, transcript, and letter from your Research Mentor must be approved by the Entomology Department Honors Committee (submit it to the Honors Director, Dr. Burghardt)

Ready to Apply?

Once you and your Research Mentor have decided on your thesis project, you should complete the Entomology Honors Program Application. In addition to some information about you, the form requests the attachment of a:

1-2 page statement of your research goals,
Recent, unofficial transcript from the University of Maryland, and
Letter of support from your Research Mentor. The letter, dated, signed, and on letterhead, should describe the Mentor's past interaction with the student, define the resources available to the student in the Mentor's lab, and state the willingness to serve as Mentor during the process, ending in the thesis defense.

The statement of research goals is a 1-2 page description of your research plans as decided between you and your Research Mentor. The brief statement consists of your proposed project title, your name, and the date. The text includes sections for a brief background, a list of objectives or aims, and ending with broader impacts or expected significance of the research. Citations may be included. The Honors Director will review the information, and if approved, you will be formally admitted to the Program and will be granted access to our site on ELMS. If questions arise, contact Dr. Karin Burghardt, Entomology Honors Director.