The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology is excited to welcome the newest member of its academic faculty, Charity Owings. Owings assumed her role as a research assistant professor on August 1, 2023.

In this role, Owings will teach multi-level classes, including a forensics entomology course and EPP’s esteemed “Bugs, Bizarre, Beautiful and Beneficial”, in which students are introduced to the diverse world of insects and the integral interactions between insects and humans.

Owings is no stranger to the world of teaching and course management. Prior to joining UTIA, she served as a lecturer within the Department of Anthropology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. “There are so many things that I am looking forward to, but I am most excited about getting the opportunity to develop and teach new entomology courses to the next generation of bug enthusiasts,” Owings said.

Owings received a bachelor’s degree in forensics and investigative sciences and entomology and a master’s degree in entomology from Texas A&M University. She earned her Ph.D. in biology from Indiana University –Purdue University Indianapolis. Her dissertation is titled, “Mediators of fine-scale population genetic structure in the black blow fly Phormia regina (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae)”.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Owings has a diverse set of interests. In her free time, she enjoys creating lasting memories with her daughter and husband. She also indulges in activities that showcase her inner “grandma”, such as gardening, breadmaking, and crocheting.