| | Investing in the Future of Our Fraternity and ProfessionPresident James Miller reflects on the strength, generosity, and shared commitment of Pi Chi Omega’s members. He celebrates the success of the NCUE Raise the Bar fundraiser held in May and Janet Kintz-Early’s inspiring decision to donate her raffle winnings back to the Scholarship Fund. He also encourages members to remain engaged by nominating deserving colleagues for Pi Chi Omega awards, promoting scholarship opportunities, and supporting innovative projects through the Industry Grant Program. |
| | Pi Chi Omega’s Raise the Bar Social at the National Conference on Urban Entomology brought attendees together to reconnect, build new relationships, and support the organization’s mission. The evening’s 50/50 raffle raised $1,515, and winner Janet Kintz-Early, a former Pi Chi Omega scholarship recipient, generously donated her winnings back to help support future entomology students and the structural pest control industry. |
| | Pi Chi Omega is looking forward to seeing everyone during PestWorld at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center. If you'll be attending, we hope you'll join us for the following Pi Chi Omega events being held during PestWorld: Pi Chi Omega Board Meeting on Monday afternoon, Oct.19th Pi Chi Omega Spotlight Party on Monday evening, Oct.19th Pi Chi Omega Membership Meeting on Tuesday morning, Oct. 20th Raise the Bar Social on Thursday evening, Oct. 21st Everyone is welcome at any of our events, we just ask for an RSVP. Click below for details and let us know if when to expect to see you! |
| | Pi Chi Omega proudly welcomes 26 new members approved during the March and June nomination cycles. We are excited to recognize these outstanding professionals and look forward to their contributions to our organization. Interested in sponsoring a colleague? The next membership nomination deadline is September 1. |
| | by Alex Blahnik,ACEAlex Blahnik, ACE, Industry Grant Program Chair, shares how Pi Chi Omega’s Industry Grant Program continues to invest directly in the people, ideas, and initiatives advancing urban pest management. Industry Grant Program Chair highlights the Spring 2026 recipients and shares three ways members and industry professionals can help shape the future of the profession. |
| | Glen Ramsey, Ramsey MS, BCE, PCQI, Chair of the PI Chi Omega Awards Committee, encourages members to nominate fellow members, or themselves, to be recognized for their outstanding service! Pi Chi Omega is accepting nominations for three awards honoring members whose dedication, generosity, and professional contributions have strengthened the fraternity and advanced the structural pest management industry. Nominations are due August 16, and recipients will be recognized at the Annual Membership Meeting during PestWorld. |
| | Pi Chi Omega proudly awarded six scholarships to outstanding graduate students in 2026, continuing nearly five decades of supporting the next generation of entomologists and pest management professionals. Since 1976, the organization has awarded 189 scholarships totaling more than $301,000. Congratulations to this year's recipients for their academic excellence and commitment to advancing our industry. |
| | "My research aims to bridge the gap between academia and the pest control industry by delivering practical, evidence-based solutions that are realistic for pest management professionals to use."Bandana Shrestha is a doctoral student in Urban Entomology at the University of Kentucky whose research is focused on developing practical, science-based solutions for one of the pest management industry's most persistent challenges—German cockroaches. Her work is designed to help pest management professionals prevent infestations before they become established while improving treatment effectiveness in homes, schools, hospitals, and other public spaces. |
| | "The results from my work will be instrumental in informing future treatment decisions of pest management professionals in order to mitigate insecticide resistance in this species in the long term."Jun-Yin Lum is a doctoral student at the University of California, Riverside, whose research focuses on one of the pest management industry's biggest challenges—insecticide resistance in German cockroaches. By studying how resistance develops and evaluating different treatment strategies, Jun-Yin hopes to provide pest management professionals with practical guidance for maintaining effective cockroach control well into the future. |
| | "My research goal is to develop improved control strategies by understanding how viral infections influence fire ant behavior and bait performance."Fang-Ling "Chloe" Liu is a Ph.D. candidate at Texas A&M University whose research explores new ways to improve fire ant management. By studying how viral infections affect fire ant behavior, she is developing practical strategies to help pest management professionals increase the effectiveness of bait treatments and better manage invasive fire ant populations. |
| | "I aim to advance safer public health practices, especially in lower-income communities."Ashmita Sapkota is a graduate student at Auburn University whose research focuses on improving cockroach management through a better understanding of cockroach biology and behavior. Originally from Nepal, Ashmita's passion for urban entomology has been fueled by a deep appreciation for education and a desire to develop practical solutions that help pest management professionals work more effectively while protecting public health. |
| | "My long-term career goal is assisting the pest control industry through research, extension, and the education of future scientists."Austin McKay is a Ph.D. student in Entomology at Louisiana State University whose research focuses on the Formosan subterranean termite—one of the most destructive structural pests in the southern United States. Growing up in the New Orleans area, Austin witnessed firsthand the damage termites can cause, inspiring him to pursue research that will help improve termite management and protect homes and communities. |
| | "Effective pest management requires both rigorous science and a deep understanding of community needs."Babatunji Daramola is a final-year master's student and Graduate Research Assistant in the Department of Entomology at Rutgers University–New Brunswick. His research focuses on the public health impacts of urban rodents and other pests, with the goal of helping communities reduce disease risks through science-based pest management. Before coming to Rutgers, Babatunji gained hands-on experience in Nigeria's pest management industry, giving him a unique perspective that combines practical field experience with academic research. |
|
|
Upcoming Events
|
October 19, 2026
3:00PM - 5:00PM CDT | Open to all Pi Chi Omega MembersGaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center, Grapevine, TX - Ft. Worth 3-4 The Pi Chi Omega Board will be meeting in person during PestWorld, and all members are invited to attend. Take this opportunity to see your volunteer Board in action and gain valuable insight into how our organization operates. You may even be inspired to step into a leadership role yourself! At the very least, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for the strength and spirit of Pi Chi Omega. Guest RSVP for Board Meeting |
| October 19, 2026
9:15PM - 11:00PM CDT | A Time to Shine the Light on Members Being Recognized with Industry Awards During PestWorldGaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center, Grapevine - TX Dallas 1 |
| October 20, 2026
10:00AM - 12:00PM CDT | Open to All PestWorld AttendeesGaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center, Grapevine, TX - San Antonio 6 Join us for the 2026 Membership Meeting, taking place during PestWorld in Grapevine, TX! This special gathering is open to all PestWorld attendees—current members and those interested in becoming part of our community. Come discover more about our organization and learn about ways you can engage with our community. RSVP for Membership Meeting |
|
|
|
|
|
|
