Dr. Kimberly Gwinn
Identifying Natural Biopesticides One Molecule at a Time
We are upset by the violent killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and others. We also recognize the difficulty of being #BlackInNature like Christian Cooper. We condemn all racism & brutality; and we will uplift, follow, & amplify the voices of the black community.
-the EPP Diversity and Inclusion Committee
Julian Cosner
The Office of Research & Engagement interviewed Julian Cosner. Check it out here: https://research.utk.edu/graduate-student-spotlight-julian-cosner/
Upcoming Events
Apr
15,
2021
2:00 pm
Apr
16,
2021
10:30 am - 11:30 am
Scientific
The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology provides leadership in the generation and dissemination of knowledge on insects, related arthropods, and plant and animal diseases that affect the quality of life of all Tennesseans. Our Department is the only academic unit in Tennessee with the mission and responsibility to provide basic and applied information on questions of plant diseases and insect related problems affecting plants, animals, and humans. Successful fulfillment of the mission requires a diverse complement of disciplinary expertise working in a highly integrated environment of teaching, research, extension, and outreach. Departmental programs focus primarily on solving problems within Tennessee, yet draw on information generated worldwide and, in turn, provide information that is useful throughout the world.
academics
EPP students have the opportunities to study a range of topics related to plant pathology, entomology and bioinformatics.
extension & outreach
UT Extension works with communities to improve lives by addressing problems and issues at the local, state and national levels.
MISSION
The mission of the Entomology and Plant Pathology (EPP) Department is to advance scientific knowledge and to provide science-based information to improve the sustainability of food and fiber production, protect natural resources, and enhance the lives of all people in Tennessee and across the world.
VISION
Our vision is to be a recognized and innovative leader in discovery, education, development, and applications related to entomology and plant pathology.
DIVERSITY
We are committed to a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive environment. We welcome students, postdoctoral research associates, visiting scholars, and others regardless of age, appearance, disability status, gender, gender identity, geographic background, marital/partnered status, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, and all other characteristics that make each of us unique. We continually work to create an inclusive environment that reflects the diversity of society in general. We aim to cultivate an environment built on mentorship, encouragement, tolerance, and mutual respect. We believe diversity brings together a wide range of abilities, experiences, perspectives, and world views that are crucial to enriching experiences and addressing challenging research questions.
News & Events
Nick Strange & Swati Mishra – Proposal Seminar
EPP graduate students Nick Strange and Swati Mishra will present their…
Living Collection Collaboration Project
Read about collaboration studying dogwoods between the Arboretum and the University…
Mosquito-Borne Virus in Appalachia
UTIA Assistant Professor Rebecca Trout Fryxell discusses the rise of…
Mechanism of Field-Evolved Resistance to Bt Corn Identified
UTIA Professor Juan Jurat-Fuentes and colleagues publish results of a…
Recent Posts
Ramadan Mubarak!![]()
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Yesterday marked the first day of the Muslim holy month called Ramadan.![]()
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Ramadan is the 9th month of the Arabic calendar and it is a time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion and worship for each Muslim. Every day fast begins at dawn with a meal called Suhoor/Sehri. Fast ends at sunset with a meal called Iftar/ftoor which is shared by family and friends together. On the last day of Ramadan (29th or 30th day, depending on the lunar calendar), Muslims celebrate its ending with Eid al-Fitr—the “festival of breaking the fast''.![]()
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We wish each other by saying “Ramadan Mubarak” or “Ramadan Kareem”. May you have a happy and peaceful Ramadan.![]()
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Here are some links for additional information about Ramadan: ![]()
ing.org/ramadan-information-sheet/![]()
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www.islamichelp.org.uk/media-centre/news/interesting-facts-about-ramadan/
Arab American heritage has been celebrated sporadically throughout the U.S., beginning in the 1990s and primarily in school districts. However, National Arab American Heritage Month was not officially recognized until Arab America began an initiative in 2017 to coordinate with all US states. The community asked U.S. Congresswoman Dingell to issue a congressional resolution proclaiming National Arab American Heritage Month. It was then introduced to the house on April 30th, 2019, and then referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.![]()
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While it is not (yet!) federally recognized, for the month of April, the Entomology and Plant Pathology Diversity and Inclusion Committee will celebrate and recognize National Arab American Heritage Month!
Following the National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29th, the EPP Diversity and Inclusion committee wants to highlight UT’s recognition and support of veterans. ![]()
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Home to approximately 600 identified student veterans, UT was recently named a 2021-2022 Military Friendly Gold School for its practices, outcomes, and effective programs for the military community. The UT Veterans Success Center (established in 2017) plays a major role by offering assistance and guidance to active-duty service members, veterans, reservists, guards, and family members using their VA educational benefits. Their many programs help provide supportive and positive experiences that enhance success during and after student veterans’ time at UT. The student veterans, themselves, are also a big reason for the recognition – their hard work and achievements were part of the assessment for the Military Friendly recognition. This is not the first recognition UT has received for supporting veterans - in 2014, UT was named a Purple Heart-designated university for its commitment to veterans and the military. ![]()
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UTIA contributes by offering initiatives such as the Tennessee Beginning Farmer Outreach Program, which helps to educate military personnel and veterans desiring to transition into farming after their tenure in the military. This is achieved through educational programming to deliver the information and skills needed to realize a successful new farming operation and increase success rates of new farm start-ups. ![]()
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Our committee is grateful for the experiences and perspectives veterans add to our student body and university programs. We celebrate and congratulate the UT military students and the UT Veterans Success Center on their successful efforts and recognitions! ![]()
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Want to learn more? We want to encourage UT students, staff, and faculty to take part in an upcoming Green Zone training on April 20th from 10am-12:00pm that focuses on increasing military cultural competency. Please contact the Veterans Success Center (utkva@utk.edu) for more information.
Check out Dr. Frank Hale's thoughts on the upcoming cicada brood!![]()
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www.wate.com/news/its-a-biggie-east-tennessee-event-cicada-experts-discuss-brood-x/
‘It’s a biggie East Tennessee event’: Cicada experts discuss ‘Brood X’
www.wate.com
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) – “Brood X” cicadas are expected to emerge in Tennessee within the next couple of months. According to experts, East Tennessee will see a higher ci...
We are happy to announce that registration is now open for the TN Master Beekeeping Program virtual, live Thu evening sessions from April 22 to July 8. Attendance and participation in at least 10 of the 12 weeks qualifies for certification for the TN Ag Enhancement Program. Sign up soon - limited seats available.![]()
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Find out more at tiny.utk.edu/apiculture