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

Several specializations within the Biological Sciences Major allow students to use Entomology courses as a major part of their upper level program, especially the Ecology and Evolution.
Within the Environmental Science and Policy Program, several areas of concentration relate to Entomology, especially Biodiversity and Conservation Biology and Environment and Agriculture.

Entomology Honors Program

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. Review departmental honors program eligibility and requirements.

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

Internship Opportunities

Undergraduate students can gain research experience in an Entomology Department lab through any one of the following programs:

Undergraduate Advising

Entomology Department undergraduate advisors include:

Dr. Brett Kent: bkent@umd.edu, 3142 Plant Sciences Building, Schedule an appointment.
Dr. Tammatha O'Brien: tammatha@umd.edu, 3118 Plant Sciences Building, Schedule an appointment.
Dr. Leo Shapiro: lshapiro@umd.edu, 3132 Plant Sciences Building, Schedule an appointment.
Dr. Marcia Shofner: mshofner@umd.edu, 3148 Plant Sciences Building, Schedule an appointment.

The Ernest Cory Undergraduate Scholarship

The Entomology Department sponsors the Ernest Cory Undergraduate Scholarship, which provides up to $1,000 to selected undergraduate students each semester in recognition of their research accomplishments within the department.

Click here for details about this opportunity and how to apply.

About Ernest Cory
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.

Previous Cory Scholarship Recipients

Click here for a listing of all previous scholarship recipients.