Undergraduate Opportunities in Entomology

Although Entomology is not available as a major, undergraduate students can learn about Entomology through diverse opportunities in the department. In addition, undergraduates have many opportunities to pursue research in different labs in the Department, either as paid research assistants, as volunteers, or for research credits. Students can actively participate in the development of new information on the biology, ecology, and management of insects.

Specializations
​Internships, On- and Off-Campus
​The Ernest N. Cory Undergraduate Scholarship 
The Department of Entomology sponsors the Cory Scholarship, which provides up to $1,000 to selected undergraduate students each semester in recognition of their accomplishments within the Department. Click the tab below for more details about this opportunity.  ​
Explore the options below for more information!

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​The Entomology Department Honors Program provides an opportunity for juniors and seniors to do a research thesis and receive Honors certification in Entomology on their diploma.
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Iain Forrest (BS '16) with Dr. Leslie Pick, ENTM
Eligibility
  • You do not have to be a Biology/Entomology major to be accepted into the Entomology Departmental Honors Program.
  • Students generally come from Biological Sciences Program or the Environmental Sciences 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 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. Lamp).

​Requirements
  1. At least 2 Honors courses (300-level or above; Honors option courses are OK) in BSCI, ENTM, or related courses in other colleges. Graduate courses (600-level) can count if at least 3 credits. Any 300- or 400-level course can serve as an Honors option course. Contact Dr. Lamp for details. 
  2. At least 6 credits of BSCI389H research under the direction of your Mentor. Research will culminate in a thesis and oral defense of the thesis.

​For further information please contact the Entomology Honors Director, Dr. William Lamp, 4120 Plant Sciences Building , 301-405-3959, lamp@umd.edu.

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The Ernest N. Cory Undergraduate Scholarship

The Cory Scholarship fund provides up to $1,000 towards tuition remission for undergraduate students each semester who have creatively contributed to department research and/or extension efforts. The scholarship was established by friends and family of Ernest Cory, who served as head of the Department of Entomology and Zoology from 1914 - 1956.

"The Cory Scholarship and the support of the Department of Entomology have enabled me to pursue my genetics research and learn more about the field of entomology. I will be able to expand on these experiences in future research projects."

​- Soroush Rais-Bahrami, Cory Scholarship recipient (pictured above)

​After receiving his degree from the Maryland Agricultural College in 1909, Ernest Cory was appointed first as Assistant Entomologist, then in 1914 as Head of the Department of Entomology and Zoology. He continued as department head until 1956, focusing his efforts on the introductions of exotic pests and quarantine operations. He was also active in the Association of Economic Entomologists, and worked diligently for the union of entomological organizations into the current Entomological Society of America in 1953. At his retirement, his family and friends raised funds to establish the Ernest N. Cory Scholarship.​

What does the Cory Scholarship provide? The Scholarship fund provides up to $1,000 towards tuition remission for two students each semester.

Who is eligible for the award? All undergraduates being mentored by a faculty or staff member, post-doc, or graduate student within the Department of Entomology are equally eligible for the Cory Scholarship.

How can the funds be used? The funds are transferred from the Scholarship Office to the student's account via the Bursars Office. Thus, the funds can be used for tuition and related expenses.

What should an undergraduate do to be considered for the Scholarship? Students should apply for the award by submitting the following:
  1.  A letter of application, describing their activities in the Department of Entomology
  2. A current transcript (unofficial is okay)
  3. A letter of recommendation submitted by the ENTM faculty mentor. Recommendation letters submitted by the student will not be accepted. 
Submit application materials by November 15 for the fall semester or by April 15 for the spring semester to the Entomology Department Administrative Coordinator, 4112 Plant Sciences Building, 8:00am - 4:30pm, M-F, umdentomology@umd.edu.

How are the Cory Scholarship winners selected? The Cory Scholarship Committee, consisting of faculty members from the Department of Entomology, will review applications. The following are to be considered as primary criteria in the selection of Cory winners:

  1. The Cory is to be awarded for career accomplishments within the Department of Entomology. Of particular importance are demonstration of independent effort and innovative or creative contributions and accomplishments in research and extension.
  2. Strong candidates who have not previously received a Cory Scholarship will receive favored consideration over a comparable candidate who is a previous Cory winner.
In addition, academic achievement, at least in recent semesters, will be of consideration to the Cory Award Committee. In cases in which candidates receive equal rankings, priority for the award will go to second semester seniors.

How can students become involved in research or extension activities under the mentorship of faculty, post-docs, or graduate students in the Department of Entomology?Undergraduate Research Assistant Program (URAP), Howard Hughes Fellowships, Entomology Honors Program, and ENTM 389 Independent Research are a few of the ways that undergraduates have begun working in laboratories in the Department of Entomology. Contact one of the faculty members to schedule an appointment, or first view information on Entomology research foci.

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Academic advising by Entomology Department faculty takes place on the 3rd floor of the Plant Sciences Building.  

Entomology Department Advisors

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