Entomology 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, like pollinators, natural enemies, and decomposers play important roles in maintaining sustainable conditions through their contribution 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 mankind without harming the environment. We encourage students who desire active engagement with research and scholarship to consider joining our department.

Why Join?

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

"The Department of Entomology and the Honors Program offered me my very first opportunity to be entirely accountable and responsible for the drafting, planning, execution, and success of a project, very similar to what is expected in the real world."

- Sadia Naseem, Class of 2016, Lamp Lab

"This program taught me a lot about the research process, my own abilities and work ethic, and of course honey bees."

- Max O'Grady, Class of 2018, vanEnglesdorp Lab

"This experience was challenging but incredibly rewarding. It felt so good to finish a project and know that I had uncovered something new."

-Chloe Garfinkel, Class of 2018, Lamp Lab

"Not only was I immersed in research looking at how mosquito host preference evolved, but I bonded with like-minded people either through the insect collection course or the Entomological Society of America conference."

-Mervin Cuadera, Class of 2019, Fritz Lab

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 Biology/Entomology 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.
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 to the program?

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,
a recent, unofficial transcript from the University of Maryland, and
a 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 honors mentor. The brief statement consists of your proposed project title, your name, and date. The text includes sections for a brief background, 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. Contact Dr. Karin Burghardt, Entomology Honors Director, if questions arise (4120A Plant Sciences Building; 301-405-8972; [email protected]).

How to Complete the Honors Program

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. (Any 300- or 400-level course can serve as an Honors option course. Contact Dr. Burghardt for details.)
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.
Entomology Honors students are not required to enroll in an Entomology Honors seminar.

The ELMS site provides additional information to help you to register for H-option courses, as well as to develop your proposal and thesis, including writing and presenting your thesis during your graduating semester.