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Published on 10/24/17

UGA entomologist's pioneering work on termites wins national recognition

By Merritt Melancon

University of Georgia entomologist Brian Forschler built his career studying termites, a pest that many homeowners don’t care to think about. 

For the last 25 years, Forschler's research on termite behavior and termite damage prevention formed the basis for treatments and preventive measures on which Southern homeowners rely. 

This November, Forschler’s colleagues will recognize his efforts through the Entomological Society of America’s (ESA) Recognition Award in Urban Entomology. Forschler, a professor in the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Department of Entomology, will receive his award on Nov. 7 at the ESA’s Entomology 2017 conference in Denver.

“Dr. Forschler is internationally recognized for his contributions and leadership in the field of urban entomology,” said Kris Braman, professor and UGA entomology department head. “His career-long contributions have significantly and positively impacted the industry. His dedicated mentorship has provided our next generation of scientists and practitioners (with knowledge) in this critical area of entomology. 

“His innovation, tireless effort and integrity have resulted in the sound science trusted by industry professionals and regulatory officials who have shaped policy.”  

Forschler is the second UGA entomologist to receive the ESA’s national urban entomology recognition award. Professor Nancy Hinkle, a UGA veterinary entomologist, took home the prize in 2014.

Forschler came to UGA in 1991 and currently works with the UGA entomology department’s Household and Structural Entomology Research Program.

He has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in urban entomology, mentored students and served on the Georgia Department of Agriculture Structural Pest Control Commission. He has also served on the national Association of Structural Pest Control Regulatory Officials’ Termiticide Scientific Review Panel and Termiticide Label Review Committee, which help to approve new termite treatments and termititcide uses.

In addition to his work with the U.S. termite control community, he has collaborated with international termite researchers in Europe and Asia and organized training sessions for industry and regulatory officials in the U.S., Europe, Australia and Asia.

He has organized 13 national and international symposia on urban insect pest biology and management and has authored more than 100 scientific and popular press articles on household and structural insect pests.

Forschler received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Kentucky and completed his doctoral work at UGA.

For more information about UGA’s Department of Entomology, visit caes.uga.edu/departments/entomology.html. 

Merritt Melancon, a public relations manager for the UGA Terry College of Business, previously served as a public relations coordinator for the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and UGA Extension.

Authors:
Merritt Melancon
Experts/Sources:
Brian T. Forschler
Brian Forschler, University of Georgia professor of entomology, has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in urban entomology, mentored students and served on the Georgia Department of Agriculture Structural Pest Control Commission. He has also served on the Association of Structural Pest Control Regulatory Officials' Termiticide Scientific Review Panel and the Termiticide Label Review Committee.
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