| | In this message, James highlights the strong momentum across Pi Chi Omega, from scholarship and grant program activity to membership growth and new industry resources. He reflects on the collective efforts of committees and volunteers working together to strengthen the organization and invest in the future of the pest management industry. |
| | At the 2026 NPMA Legislative Day in Washington, D.C., Syngenta reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to advancing entomology education through a $4,500 contribution to the Pi Chi Omega Scholarship Program. Accepted by Pi Chi Omega leadership, this annual support helps fund six scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $3,500 for students pursuing degrees in entomology and related fields. Syngenta’s continued partnership plays a critical role in fostering the next generation of pest management professionals by supporting their academic and leadership development. |
| | Pi Chi Omega marked major milestones at Purdue and GPCA with strong industry engagement, networking, and a spirited fundraising competition. A joint social with Purdue Entomology Alumni celebrated our shared legacy, while 50/50 raffles raised $2,941—highlighted by winners donating proceeds back to support scholarships and industry programs. These events underscored Pi Chi Omega’s commitment to community, leadership, and advancing the future of pest management. |
| | Pi Chi Omega is growing! The membership committee has reviewed and moved forward 16 potential members who were nominated for membership this Spring for approval by the membership. If you have not yet cast your vote to approve these nominees, please do so by May 8th. This is also a great time of year to sponsor a colleague for membership, and we are just about to begin a new membership year. The next nominee review will occur in June, and nominations must be received by June 1st. |
| | The future of the pest management industry depends on awareness and engagement. Pi Chi Omega’s Scholarship and Industry Grant programs provide critical support to students and professionals—but their reach depends on you. By sharing these opportunities, members can help attract talent, advance careers, and strengthen the industry. |
| | Samantha Malone, a rising leader in the pest management industry, took a chance on the Pi Chi Omega Industry Grant Program. A Spring 2025 IGP recipient, she shares in this follow up article how Pi Chi Omega’s support got her to PestWorld, and got her over a hurdle! The energy infused by her attendance at PestWorld, allowed her to refocus and experience real growth in her career and presence in the industry. |
| | Learn how this fourth-year Ph.D. student studying under Dr. Zach DeVries utilized the financial and community support of Pi Chi Omega to conduct research on how bed bugs interact with insecticides and how this behavior impacts the efficacy of common control products, and to identify areas of research interest on the invasive Turkestan cockroach.
“The connections that I have made through Pi Chi Omega have helped me to understand what my career goals are and to get closer to achieving them.” |
| | Learn how this now-graduated Master’s student utilized Pi Chi Omega’s support to conduct cockroach allergen research that was the basis for post-treatment cleanout protocols. Also hear how Olivia’s connection with Pi Chi Omega steered her to a career in urban pest management! “Without Pi Chi Omega's members to give me guidance, I probably would not have pursued a career in pest control. I look forward to what the future has in store for me. I plan on giving back to the pest control industry as much as I can going forward.” |
| | Learn about how this student, currently graduating with a Master’s Degree, evaluated the effects of different environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, diet) on cockroach survival times, and was awarded the 2025 Entomological Society of America Medical, Urban, & Veterinary Entomology (MUVE) section’s student recognition award for her work. “I believe opportunities that connect academia with, not only the public, but the industry as well, are fundamental aspects within the field of entomology. Working to improve management practices and emphasizing communication will make pest control more easily understandable and adoptable.” |
| | Learn about this fourth-year Ph.D. candidate studying in Dr. Chow-Yang Lee’s urban entomology lab. An accomplished researcher, Jun-Yin was able to publish research this year, and present research at UCR’s conference and at ESA, where he won 1st place in the oral presentation competition. “I believe that the Pi Chi Omega Scholarship and other similar awards are vital sources of encouragement for young scientists such as myself. These scholarships instill in us a tremendous sense of pride as we can tangibly see that our work is recognized and acknowledged by the experts in the field.” |
| | Learn about the research conducted by this Ph.D. candidate at the University of California, Riverside, studying under Chow-Yang Lee and focusing on German cockroach behavior in response to insecticides, including foraging behavior, associative learning, and electrophysiology to improve pest management strategies. “Doing a Ph.D. is like running a marathon. It is a long journey filled with challenges and excitement, and I experienced that in 2025.” |
| | Learn about the research conducted by this Ph.D. candidate studying in Dr. Changlu Wang’s lab at Rutgers, focusing on insecticide and rodenticide resistance in urban pest populations, including bed bugs and commensal rodents, as well as ectoparasites associated with house mice. “The financial and professional support from Pi Chi Omega has had a meaningful impact on my progress this year. More importantly, this support has reinforced my commitment to advancing scientific knowledge in urban entomology. Knowing that my work is recognized and valued by a professional society has been both motivating and affirming, especially during an intensive stage of my doctoral training.” |
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Upcoming Events
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May 7, 2026
10:00AM - 11:00AM | Open to all Pi Chi Omega Members - Watch Your Board in Action!Zoom Pi Chi Omega will hold a virtual Board meeting where the Board will meet to discuss the business of the fraternity. All Board meetings are open to members. If you would like a link to join the meeting, please RSVP below. The Zoom meeting information will be emailed to you. RSVP for Board Meeting |
| May 18, 2026 | Time & Location TBDPi Chi Omega will hold Raise the Bar social on Monday evening during the National Conference on Urban Entomology. Anyone attending this conference who has a shared love for entomology is welcome to attend this event. Pi Chi Omega would love to introduce you to our community! Details will be posted soon, but if you are attending NCUE plan to attend and bring a colleague! |
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