The Larry Larson Graduate Student Award for Leadership in Applied Entomology Grant

The Larry Larson Graduate Student Award for Leadership in Applied Entomology Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Entomological Society of America (ESA)
Last Updated: March 24, 2026

Summary

The Larry Larson Graduate Student Award for Leadership in Applied Entomology honors the legacy of Dr. Larry Larson in insect management. This award is aimed at final-year master's or first-year Ph.D. students who are ESA members and whose research tackles applied entomological questions. Recipients receive a monetary award and an opportunity to present their research at the ESA Annual Meeting, alongside a visit to Corteva Agriscience headquarters.

Overview

The Larry Larson Graduate Student Award for Leadership in Applied Entomology This ESA* award recognizes Dr. Larry Larson's role as a leader and pioneer in insect management and carries that legacy to the next generation of leaders in applied entomology. Gifts in honor and memory of him are a tribute to his tireless and lasting contributions to the science and practice of entomology. For more than 28 years, Dr. Larson served Dow AgroSciences in a number of roles within discovery and field research and development. He was highly recognized both inside and outside of the company for his passion for science and his outreach to the scientific and local communities, including his commitment to young people. His contributions included serving as president of ESA and counselor and member of the Board of Directors for the Entomological Foundation, and helping Dow AgroSciences introduce new methods of pest management that won Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards, given by the Environmental Protection Agency. Honor Bestowed The award, which is presented at the ESA Annual Meeting, consists of an amount that varies depending on the interest earned from the endowment and a trip to the Corteva Agriscience corporate headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana. The trip includes a tour of the facilities, the opportunity to meet key personnel, and a small gift commemorating the occasion. In addition, the recipient will be asked to give a seminar covering his/her research.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Nomination packages must be received by ESA headquarters by June 1. This deadline refers to receipt by the awards administrator of a complete package in a readable format. Applicants must be ESA members. Only final-year master's students or first-year Ph.D. students are eligible. Applicants' research should address an applied entomological question. Also, students should have demonstrated and documented capability in the followingareas:Technical knowledge (academic achievement and research ability);Communication (written and oral communication skills aimed at a wide range of audiences including peers, non-entomologists, and the general public through professional, local society, inter- and intra-departmental presentations, etc.);Creativity (in the design, execution, and application of research, teaching, and/or extension);Leadership (among peers in both technical influence and outreach within the profession of entomology, including participation within his/her university);Professionalism (defined as the ability to work effectively with entomologists and non-entomologists through work on interdisciplinary projects, participation on cross-discipline committees, etc.);A broad interest in entomology and science (through outreach programs, campus science programs, and other programs besides the student's research); andProblem solving (through cooperation and/or applications of unique solutions, research designs, or techniques). Nominations may be made by anyone. Please note there is a maximum of two self-nominations allowed per year. All nominators and nominees will be required to sign the professional conduct disclosure form.Any candidate nominated but not selected may be renominated no more than two times within the two-year period after the initial submission. Nomination packages will be retained for two years by the awards administrator.Nominators must send a letter of renomination to the awards administrator by the nomination deadline. You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member.

Ineligibility

All nomination packets will not be able to be changed after June 1.