K-State Department of Entomology

Why would scientists intentionally set fire to the prairie?

At the Konza Prairie Biological Station, researchers at Kansas State University use prescribed burns to study and preserve one of the last remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems in North America. Fire is a natural and essential part of prairie ecology, helping maintain healthy grasslands, prevent woody plant encroachment, and support biodiversity.

Students come from around the world to study the effects of prescribed burning, as well as how to protect this crucial ecosystem. Our students have studied everything from using prescribed burns for pest management in livestock operations to increasing pollinator and beneficial insect biodiversity.

Why burn? | Konza Biological Research Station Why would scientists intentionally set fire to the prairie? At the Konza Prairie Biological Station, researchers at Kansas State University use prescribed bu...

Dr. Zelia Wiley is featured as one of six 2026 Women of Impact, whose influence, leadership, and hear continue to leave a lasting mark on Manhattan in 2026. Well deserved!

🌟 2026 Manhattan City Lifestyle Women of Impact 🌟

Manhattan City Lifestyle is proud to continue celebrating the extraordinary women featured in our 2026 Women of Impact issue.

•Today, we recognize Dr. Zelia Wiley, Professor in the Kansas State University Department of Entomology, for her outstanding contributions to education, research, and mentorship.

-Through her dedication to science and student success, Dr. Wiley continues to make a lasting impact both at Kansas State University and throughout the broader community. Her leadership and passion for advancing knowledge exemplify the spirit of this special issue.

📖 Discover her story and meet the full list of honorees in our annual Women of Impact issue: https://citylifestyle.com/articles/women-of-impact-5
📚 Stay tuned as we continue highlighting the inspiring women helping shape the future of the Flint Hills and beyond.

📸: SIGLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Since 2016, the Entomology Undergraduate Research Experience has trained 429 students. Each students ends the experience by sharing their work through a research poster symposium, providing ample opportunity to sharpen their communication skills. As Dr. Jeremy Marshall reflects on how the program has grown, he says "While it takes a tremendous amount of my time every year, it is probably one of the more impactful things I have done in my career."

This album includes photos of participants next to their research posters during the symposium. Students can be seen giving talks on what their research entailed using their poster as a visual aid to walk through the questions they are answering, key findings and future directions. Each student is also given a medal by the Department Head, honoring their participation in the 10-week program.

Another round of applause to the amazing undergrads who participated in our 9th annual Entomology Undergraduate Research Experience during Spring 2026 semester! 🎉

Dr. Junepyo Oh, postdoc fellow in the Zhu Lab, receives 2026 Texas A&M Distinguished Dissertation Award in Biological Sciences and Life Sciences for his dissertation, “Unraveling the Tripartite Molecular Interaction Between ‘Candidatus Liberibacter Solanacearum’, Bactericera cockerelli, and Tomato Hosts.”

He examined how insect-trans­mitted bacteria interact with host plants and vectors to influence disease severity and spread, providing insights that support more effective and sustainable crop protection strategies.

The 9th Molecular Insect Science Conference, co-chaired by Kun Yan Zhu and held in Kuala Lumpur on April 27-29, was a great success. The conference theme, “Bridging Borders in Insect Molecular Research,” brought together researchers from many countries and was especially well represented by K-Staters who had studied molecular insect science as graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, or visiting scientists at K-State. Many of them also shared their wonderful experiences and lasting connections formed during their time at K-State.

“You know you could do this for a living, right?” That's what 4-H project leader, and retired entomologist, told Hannah Quellhorst the summer before 8th grade when she worked on her 4-H entomology project. Believing in him, she made her decision right then to become an entomologist. Now a rising early career entomologist, read more about Dr. Quellhorst and her career!

How a 4-H Project Turned Into a Career in Entomology Meet Hannah Quellhorst, Ph.D., postdoc at Kansas State University, stored-product pest expert, and our next "Standout Early Career Professionals" profile.

The Kansas FFA Entomology Career Development Exams (CDE) was a blast! FFA members participating in the Entomology CDE apply the fundamentals of entomology and develop skills in identifying common insects and their significance to people and agriculture.

Thank you to Susan Marshall and the K-State students who volunteered at the event, helping teams at registration and making sure the exam ran smoothly. for We couldn't do it with you!

For any questions, please reach out to the State Coordinator for the Kansas Entomology FFA CDE at [email protected].

ICYMI About 30 undergraduates presented their research posters showcasing their projects from the Entomology Undergraduate Research Experience. During the 10-week program, students worked with a faculty mentor and their respective lab to complete a research project and learn the basics of conducting science.

Freshly minted entomologists coming through 💜 So proud of our Wild-Caterpillars! Spread your wings. Do great things 🐝

And that's a wrap! Join us in celebrating our Spring 2026 graduating M.S. and Ph.D. entomology students 🎓 We are so proud and wish you all success in your future endeavors.