IV. AppendixD.2002DepartmentReviewReporttoISU 

The following 20 pages comprise the Board of Regents Summary Report of Academic Program Review from the 

review of the Department of Entomology undertaken in 2002. 

 

1

Vision Document

for the Department of Entomology

MissionThe mission of the Department of Entomology is to improve the qualityof human life and our environment through an aggressive pursuit andtransfer of knowledge in insect integrative biology and management,and to actively engage the public in an awareness and appreciation ofinsects and their impact on our lives.

GoalsThe overall goal is to foster a scholarly focus in Insect Science thatextends beyond the Department of Entomology, the College of Agricul-ture, and Iowa State University by building on our current strengths.The scholarly focus will be driven by an overarching applied mission ofdelivering new technologies and knowledge to the public and to stu-dents. By broadening its intellectual base for discovery, engagement, andlearning, Iowa State University’s Department of Entomology will serve asan incubator for the ultimate establishment of a Center for AppliedInsect Science, which will be the only one of its kind in the world. TheDepartment of Entomology at Iowa State University will provide thecore intellect for new discoveries that will impact human and animalhealth, food safety, crop profitability, homeland defense, quality of life,and environmental quality. The Department of Entomology will have adiverse faculty. Each scientist will have a broad-based, vertically inte-grated approach to discovery and will be primarily focused on knowl-edge and technology transfer. The Department of Entomology will havefaculty who are individually and collectively agile, able to adapt to abroad range of new opportunities and challenges as they arise. TheDepartment will be ambitious in developing an extramural funding baseof federal grants, as well as promoting the formation of endowed chairsand scholarship funds. Robust and aggressive technology transfer, aswell as information technology and information transfer activities willhelp the College of Agriculture and Iowa State University in meeting theland grant university mission.

OutcomeThe expected ultimate outcome is the formation of a regional Center forApplied Insect Science for which the reorganized Department of Ento-mology will provide the core intellectual base. The Center for AppliedInsect Science will welcome participating Insect Science-based facultynot only from colleges, universities, and state agencies from within Iowabut also from throughout the Midwest. The Center for Applied InsectScience will derive support from training grants from NSF and NIH, andcomplement the activities of the highly successful Center for InsectScience housed at the University of Arizona. Whereas the ArizonaCenter is focused on evolutionary biology, theoretical ecology, and othercuriosity-driven basic research efforts in insect biochemistry and physi-ology, the Iowa State University Center for Applied Insect Science will

Fact 1Insects are the largest and

most diverse group of living

organisms in the world with

an esti-

mated 5

million

species,

dwarfing

the next

largest

group, all

higher

plants,

which have only an

estimated 350,000 species.

Of this astonishing insect

diversity, only about 20% of

species are named and only

a small fraction of these are

known in any detail.

Fact 2Insect-borne diseases

annually cause more than 2

million human deaths, infect

more than 700 million

people, and dramatically

impact plant productivity

and animal health. A

particularly relevant

example is the recent threat

of West Nile virus.

Providing Iowa State

University with a dynamic,

discovery-based intellectual

foundation for delivering novel

insect-related technologies

and knowledge.

Insects

Plants

2

be driven by applicability and technology transfer to stakeholders.As such, bioengineering, biomimetics, sustainable agriculture, andhuman, animal, and plant health issues will distinguish the Iowa StateUniversity Center from the Arizona Center and will enhance its pros-pects for federally sponsored training grants as well as other supportsuch as Industry support. The Center for Applied Insect Science willalso put a punctuation mark on Iowa State University’s commitment toexcellence in the Plant Sciences with a complementary commitment toexcellence in Insect Science with all the benefits that can accrue fromintense knowledge prospecting in this rich area. The Center for AppliedInsect Science will become a flagship for those who seek to understandinsect biology, ecology, and management with an intent to delivertechnologies, knowledge and implementation strategies to the public,industry, and other end-users.

Justification (External Factors)Insect science is a dynamic discipline of the future. The importanceof entomology is highlighted by the compelling facts concerning theimpact of insects on society (see Facts 1-7 in sidebar). Each of thesefacts provides a new opportunity platform for learning, engagementand discovery, for delivery of new knowledge and technologies to thebenefit of humankind. Each opportunity will provide new resources interms of new intellect and scholarly activities, new intellectual propertydevelopment activities, and new funding from the National ScienceFoundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIH), EnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA), United States Department of Agriculture(USDA), Department of Defense (DoD), National Aeronautics andSpace Administration (NASA), Center for Disease Control (CDC), andnew funding related to Homeland Security such as the Iowa Depart-ment of Public Health.

These opportunity platforms for discovery, learning, and engagementand the greater inclusivity embraced by the Department of Entomologywill enhance Iowa State University’s visibility nationally and internation-ally by:

• Improving food safety and crop profitability through the developmentof novel bio-rational insect management technologies and strategies

• Improving environmental quality through new knowledge about insectbiodiversity, species conservation, and beneficial insect husbandry

• Discovering, developing and delivering innovative technologies andstrategies to mitigate the occurrence, transmission and spread ofinsect-borne pathogens

• Intensifying discovery and development efforts in biomimetics andbiosensing related to homeland defense, bio-terrorism, and precisionagriculture

Fact 3Approximately 40% of the

world’s food production is

lost to insect pests each year

at a global cost of greater

than $90 billion. Human,

societal, and environmental

concerns over the use of

traditional insect

management technologies

continue to grow along with

demand for safe, effective

alternatives to conventional

insecticides such as

transgenic crops.

Fact 4In anti-terrorist research and

development efforts, insects

have recently emerged as

the major group of

organisms to be used in

inspiring the design and

construction of novel tissue-

based bio-sensors, to be

used successfully as trained

locators of agents of harm,

and as design models for the

development of novel

terrestrial and micro-flying

robots.

Fact 5Insects contribute positively

to the human experience,

providing benefits such as

honey, silk, pollination, and

beauty. Their natural history

is a source of wonder for

people of all ages.

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• Embarking on new biotechnological development and productionefforts for novel insect-based materials such as silks, cuticle, honey, andother therapeutic agents

• Discovering, developing, and delivering new technologies and infor-mation to predict the spread of invasive species, to detect environmen-tal insults using insect bio-indicator species, and to manage invasiveinsect populations

All of these initiatives will be bolstered by the department’s nationallyand internationally recognized strength in innovative InformationTechnology development that has been effectively brought to bear inintegrating information delivery for both on-campus learning and publicengagement activities. The department envisions engaging the publicmore completely in future efforts by enlisting citizens as formal report-ers in an internet-based network that will monitor environmentalquality using the abundance of sensitive insect species as bio-indicators,as well as by engaging growers more formally as reporters in a grid formonitoring occurrence and abundance of pest species.

Justification (Internal Factors)The proposed emphasis on further developing a new core Discovery-based intellect in the Department of Entomology will equally elevatethe department’s ability to deliver Learning (Information Transfer) andEngagement (Technology Transfer and Information Transfer) programs;Iowa State University’s credo, “Science With Practice” is exemplified byEntomology’s focus on “Discovery With Learning and Engagement”.

The Department of Entomology, as a core for the Center for AppliedInsect Science, will complement the newly formed Plant SciencesInstitute.

The new inclusiveness and broader overarching mission of the Depart-ment of Entomology will provide opportunities for the creation of noveland inspired joint faculty appointments across departmental and collegeboundaries, which will promote the development of new creativeintellect that is synergized by these cross-departmental missions.

The Department of Entomology’s emphasis on information technologyand technology transfer meshes well with the College of Agriculture’smission in extending knowledge as well as Iowa State University’smission as a land grant university while developing novel intellect andintellectual property.

Fact 6Insects serve as sensitive

bio-indicators of

environmental and water

quality.

Fact 7Invasive insects, including

vectors of introduced and

emerging pathogens have a

significant impact on

agriculture and the

environment, and

potentially on human

health. In Iowa, the

Japanese beetle and gypsy

moth are particular threats,

and the soybean aphid has

already arrived.

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Strategic Plan for theDepartment of EntomologyThe Strategic Plan for the Department of Entomology is very simple: toprovide a new and dynamic, synergistic intellectual base for discovery,learning, and engagement that has never before been available to theCollege of Agriculture, the Iowa State University campus, or the public.

New technologies and knowledge will arise as a result of building on theexisting strengths in entomology comprising four major discovery,learning, and engagement areas: I. Biorational Technologies; II. InsectBiodiversity; III. Arthropod-Borne Diseases; and IV. Food Safety andCrop Profitability. Discoveries and new knowledge will be brought toapplicability through aggressive technology transfer activities, and newknowledge and information will be transferred to students and thepublic through our internationally recognized, progressive programs ininformation technology development, as well as through our strong andintegrated programs in learning and engagement. These new technolo-gies and information will benefit the urban and rural public, who willcontinue to be increasingly concerned about human and animal health,quality of life and environmental quality, food safety and crop profitabil-ity, and homeland defense and security.

The plan will be enacted by synergizing the existing faculty expertisewith an infusion of new faculty intellect that will meet the goals of theDepartment of Entomology’s mission. The new faculty positions willfocus on discovering knowledge at previously unexploited points ofvulnerability in the biology of insects.

Each new faculty person will work in a horizontally integrated modecomprising discovery, learning, and engagement. They will be expectedto discover new technologies and knowledge-based strategies for imple-mentation, and then work directly with the end-users to ensure that thenew tools are used optimally.

Each new faculty person will work in a vertically integrated mode, usingtools and approaches for discovery and learning that are available fromthe molecular level up through the biochemical, cellular, organismal,and populational levels.

The new positions in our four major discovery, learning, and engage-ment areas fit into our existing strengths and are justified as follows.Among these positions we will pursue a sound basis of activity indiscovery, learning and engagement.

Major areas of discovery,learning and engagement:

I. Bio-rational

technologies

II. Insect biodiversity

III. Arthropod-borne

diseases

IV. Food safety and crop

profitability

Timeline for MeetingObjectives of Strategic Plan:

Phase I

Arthropod Vectors of Animal/Human disease

Arthropod Vectors of PlantPathogens

Insect GeneticsUrban Horticultural Systems

Phase II

Insect Evolutionary BiologyInsect Immune ResponseInsect-Induced Plant

ResponseInsect Neurobiology

Phase III

Insect BiochemistryInsect Conservation BiologyInsect Sociality

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I. BIO-RATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES(Insect Physiology/Toxicology/Behavior)

Current Faculty:

Insect BehaviorBaker (insect orientation, chemical communication)

Insect PhysiologyJurenka (peptide hormones, biochemical pathways)

Insect ToxicologyCoats (novel biorational toxicants, mechanisms

of action)

Proposed New Faculty Positions:

Insect BiochemistryNew position (hormonal regulation; developmental biology)

Justification: Increased understanding of the regulation of insect devel-opment will provide new targets for development of novel pest controlmeasures. Innovative bio-rational technologies for insect pest manage-ment will facilitate management of insect vectors of plant and animaldisease, agricultural insect pests, and invasive species. Genome projectswill provide a plethora of potential targets and pathways for analyses.Potential areas of research will be on the hormonal regulation of genetranscription, signal transduction, and functional proteomics in re-sponse to a variety of parameters. This research will impact currentconcerns by human society about human death and suffering, cropprofitability and food safety, and bioterrorism/invasive species.

Insect NeurobiologyNew position (central nervous system integration; motor

programs)

Justification: Integration by the central nervous system provides path-ways for insects to perform sensory discrimination as well as coordi-nated movement resulting in execution of complex motor programs. Afaculty member trained in neuroscientific inquiry into synaptic trans-mission, interneuronal connectivity, or neuromuscular signalling will beable to develop a fruitful program aimed at discovering mechanisms ofcell-cell signaling and pattern recognition that will provide novel tech-nologies of importance to homeland security (biosensing, biomimetics),food safety, and crop profitability. Funding opportunities will be avail-able from the DoD, NIH, NSF, and USDA for research that impacts thefields of robotics, biomimetics, biosensors, human neurological disor-ders, precision agriculture, and novel biorational insecticides. Comple-mentary collaborative research will be developed with faculty in theIowa State University Neuroscience Program and the new Departmentof Genetics, Developmental and Cellular Biology.

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II. INSECT BIODIVERSITY(Genetics/Evolution/Systematics)

Current Faculty:

Insect SystematicsCourtney (aquatic insects, phylogeny of Diptera families)

Proposed New Faculty Positions:

Insect Evolutionary BiologyNew Position

Justification: Insects are the most diverse group of living organisms,with an estimated >5 million species. Of these, fewer than 20% aredescribed and named. A new position in insect evolutionary biologywould address key issues in insect biodiversity and molecularphylogenetics, including revisionary systematics, identification of areasof local endemism, the testing of phylogenetic hypotheses, and the useof molecular characters to improve interpretation of morphological,ecological, and developmental attributes of insects. A new position ininsect evolutionary biology could investigate a wide range of projects intraditional and molecular systematics, and insect-plant, insect-insect,and insect-vertebrate coevolutionary biology. Research also couldexamine evolutionary origins of major feeding shifts, the effects of suchshifts on diversification, and the factor that govern diet breadth, feedingadaptation, and resource use. These data will be important in elucidatingevolutionary mechanisms for increasing diet breadth, insecticide resis-tance, and invasions of natural and agricultural systems. Collaborativeresearch, teaching, and engagement opportunities with faculty in thenew Department of Ecological, Evolutionary, and Organismal Biology,and the existing graduate program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biologywill strengthen Iowa State University’s offerings in these areas.

Insect GeneticsNew Position

Justification: In terms of animal genetics, insects (e.g., Drosophila)arguably are the most studied taxon. The current genome projects onmosquito species and on lepidopterous (butterflies and moths) insectsare providing new opportunities for discovery that build on this richfoundation of genetic data. The important implications for their applica-tion make the field of Insect Genetics crucial to the new Department ofInsect Science. Potential areas of research for a new position in InsectGenetics span all the major areas of theoretical and experimental genet-ics, including investigations on gene mapping, gene regulation, develop-mental genetics, reproductive dynamics, genetic structuring, quantita-tive and mathematical genetics, evolutionary genetics, phylogeography,and conservation genetics. Research in these areas will provide valuableinsights into the ability of insect vectors to spread disease (plant, animal,

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human), the spread of transgenes within populations (vectors of agricul-tural, medical and veterinary disease), reproductive and genetic conse-quences of habitat fragmentation, and genetic methods of populationsuppression. Increased tractability of insects to genetic manipulationwill dramatically increase the power of insect research. This focus in thenew Department of Insect Science would create new opportunities forcollaborative projects with various interdepartmental graduate programs(Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Genetics), and with other depart-ments (veterinary medicine, animal sciences, and all new departments inthe biological sciences). This focus would also facilitate new learningopportunities for ISU graduate and undergraduate students.

Insect Conservation Biology (Conservation, Husbandry)New Position

Justification: Insects are fundamental to not only biodiversity conserva-tion, but to sustainable agriculture and a sustainable biosphere. Due totheir extreme diversity in species, individuals, habitats, and life styles,insects are crucial to ecological processes. Unfortunately, we currentlyknow little about these processes and, furthermore, are losing thousandsof insect species per year, mostly because of habitat loss, environmentaldegradation, and the introduction of exotic species. The consequencesof these extinctions include loss of potentially valuable genetic material,pharmaceuticals, bioindicators, and biocontrol agents. A new position ininsect conservation biology would help curb this loss by investigatingthe diversity and function of insects in natural communities, and bylinking discoveries to landscape ecology, global change, and biodiversityconservation. Collaborative research, teaching and engagement will bedeveloped with faculty in the new Department of Ecology, Evolution,and Organismal Biology, and the existing graduate program in Ecologyand Evolutionary Biology.

III. ARTHROPOD-BORNE DISEASES(Vector Biology)

Current Faculty:

Vectors of Plant Disease

Bonning (development of aphid-resistant transgenic plants.)

Vectors of Human Disease

Rowley (mosquito-borne encephalitis and tick-transmitteddiseases; epidemiology, bionomics of vector species,vector competence.)

Vectors of Human and Animal Disease

Beetham (protozoan parasites of mammals; Leishmaniasis;vector–parasite and mammal–parasite interactions.)

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Proposed New Faculty Positions:

Arthropod Vectors of Plant PathogensNew Position

Justification: Research on arthropod-vectored plant pathogens will beessential to address increasingly important issues relating to cropprofitability, potential ag-bioterrorism, and environmental quality forIowa. A faculty member recruited in this area would address fundamen-tal mechanisms that lead to novel approaches of the management ofarthropod-vectored plant pathogens. This position will address a widerange of mission-oriented projects that address problems concerning thepublic, including insect-vectored pathogens of field, vegetable, and fruitcrops, arthropod-vectored pathogens between natural and agriculturalsystems, epidemiology of arthropod-vectored pathogens, or arthropodvectors of pathogens for suppression of weedy and invasive species. Thisfocus in the Department of Entomology would create new opportunitiesfor collaborative projects involving the Department of Plant Pathologyand the Plant Sciences Institute and will impact current concerns by thepublic about food safety and crop profitability, and bioterrorism usinginvasive arthropod vectors.

Insect Immune ResponseNew Position

Justification: Understanding the insect immune response can providenew leads for (1) prevention of transmission of arthropod-borne diseaseto man and animals by enabling immune inactivation of disease agentsin the insect vector, (2) development of novel insect pest control agentsthat target the insect immune system, and (3) enhancement of theefficacy of microbial control agents by overcoming immune recognition.Potential areas of research will include immune recognition, cell-mediated immune response, humoral immunity, encapsulation, andparasite-derived immune inhibition factors. The new knowledge willimpact current concerns by the public relating to human and animalloss of life and suffering, crop and livestock profitability, food safety,bioterrorism, and invasive species.

Arthropod Vectors of Human/Animal DiseasesNew Position

Justification: Research in arthropod vectors of human and animaldiseases has become an increasingly important component of effortsaimed at ensuring human and animal safety locally and globally. Thereare many topical and important examples of arthropod-borne diseases.West Nile Virus, in the span of just three years, has traveled from NewYork to Iowa and the Midwest. La Crosse Encephalitis and LymeDisease are present in the Midwest and elsewhere in the nation. Arthro-

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pod-vectored animal diseases such as blue tongue disease virus andheartworm are of local and international interest. Internationally,malaria, sleeping sickness, nagana, and leishmaniasis are some of theleading causes of disease in humans and animals. Insect-borne diseasesannually cause more than 2 million human deaths, and result in the lossof >50 million Disability Adjusted Life Years (the number of healthy lifeyears lost due to premature death and disability). Management of insectvectors provides a crucial opportunity to reduce the incidence of suchdiseases, thereby impacting both human and animal health, and agricul-tural profitability. Potential areas of research for this faculty positioninclude integrated vector management, vector modeling, vector biology,vector-disease agent interactions, vector ecology, vector genetics, anddevelopment of vector control tools. These research areas would providenew opportunities for collaborative interactions with Iowa State Univer-sity faculty in animal sciences, in the new department of Ecological,Evolutionary, and Organismal Biology, and in veterinary medicine, andwould have important implications in providing new learning experi-ences for Iowa State University students and, through engagementactivities, for farmers and other stakeholders throughout the state.

IV. FOOD SAFETY AND CROP PROFITABILITY(Insect Ecology/IPM)

Current Faculty:

Insect-Plant InteractionsRice (IPM, Field Crops)Tollefson (Plant Stress)

Insect-Animal InteractionsHolscher (Animal Stress)

Insect-Insect and Insect-Plant InteractionsObrycki (Biological Control, Non-Target Effects of Pesticides)

Insect-Human InteractionsD. Lewis (Urban Systems)Wintersteen (IPM, Worker Safety)DeWitt (sustainable agriculture, urban horticulture)

Proposed New Faculty Positions:

Insect-Plant Interactions; Mechanisms of Insect-Induced Defense Responsesin Plants

New Position

Justification: Understanding the mechanisms of inducible changes inplant defenses will provide a basis for novel strategies for pest manage-ment. These changes may be brought about by a wide range of stimuli,including insect attack, application of plant hormones or

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semiochemicals. The focus of this position would be on insect induc-tion and response to plant defenses. These plant defenses may bemanipulated to alter the responses of multiple trophic levels. This areamay be addressed at the molecular, biochemical, and organismal levels.This position opens an entirely new area of plant-insect interactionresearch at Iowa State University, complementing areas being investi-gated within the Plant Sciences Institute and providing a key linkbetween insect and plant sciences. This type of research position buildsupon historical strengths in plant breeding for resistance at Iowa StateUniversity, but in a new direction. Technology-transferred discoveriesand new knowledge will actively address current concerns by the publicabout food safety and crop profitability, as well as bioterrorism usinginvasive arthropod vectors.

Insect-Plant Interactions; Urban Horticultural SystemsNew Position (urban forestry-horticultural)

Justification: Insect pests of commercial and consumer horticulturalcommodities such as fruits and vegetables, turfgrass, trees and shrubsand flowers present a bewildering array of pest management challengesto Iowans. Commercial production of horticultural crops in Iowa is animportant and growing segment of Iowa’s economy, with a currenteconomic value of $57 million. This area has shown steady growth overthe past several years with strong potential for further growth as agricul-tural diversification continues. In addition, consumer horticulture (inparticular, home gardening) is the number one leisure time activity inAmerica. Consumers and growers seek relief from insect pests thatreduce yield, quality, or aesthetic enjoyment of horticultural enterprisewhile using pest management techniques that are non-toxic, environ-mentally friendly, and/or sustainable and/or organic. Excellence in IPMresearch and extension has long been a major strength in the Depart-ment, and the demand for information and services associated with themanagement of horticultural insect pests is increasing rapidly. Thisposition would develop and transfer information that would reduceinsecticide applications in urban systems by addressing the major pestissues of horticultural crops. This position will be collaborative withothers in Plant Pathology, Horticulture, Natural Resource Ecology andManagement, and Agronomy.

Insect SocialityNew Position Plant-Insect (bees, pollination) or Insect-Human

Interactions (ants)

Justification: The social insects, including ants, bees, wasps and ter-mites, are ecologically important organisms that contribute to soil tilth(ants), essential food and feed crop pollination (bees), and recycling ofnutrients within the ecosystem (termites, yellowjacket wasps). Socialinsects are among the most economically important, beneficial insects.At the same time, the social insects include important pests that destroyproperty (termites, ants) and endanger life and health or reduce enjoy-ment of outdoor activities (bees, wasps). Research on insect socialbehavior and ecology provides exciting and useful insights into the

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nature of societies and practical applications for improving the benefitsthese insects provide or reducing losses caused by their feeding andstinging activities. Research on the toxicity of pesticides and otheragricultural chemicals to social insects, especially honey bees, willprovide information to minimize losses. The study of social insectsinvolves diverse areas of expertise including behavior, ecology, genetics,toxicology, and physiology.

Note: The Collaborator Faculty in the USDA/ARS Corn Insects ResearchUnit, with four Ph.D. entomology positions, will provide complemen-tary discovery/engagement expertise in food safety/crop profitability/environmental quality regarding insects associated with corn.

Space needsSpace needs will need to be addressed for the Department of Entomol-ogy faculty to allow for the development of this new intellectual coreand their creative programs.

BenchmarksOur overall goal is to develop an outstanding insect science effort inIowa that extends beyond departmental boundaries, thereby creating atop-ranking Department of Entomology.

Benchmarks toward this goal include

• a balance between applied and fundamental research• an extramural funding base of federal grants• high publication impact• patent disclosures, new patented products• high levels of engagement with the public• knowledge transfer through extension programs• knowledge transfer to university students• creation of a Center for Insect Science with the Department of

Entomology at its core

SummaryThe reorganized Department of Entomology, by building on current strengthsand focusing new efforts in areas of grave importance to humankind, willstrengthen the College of Agriculture and Iowa State University.