UGA student awarded for entomology

Courtesy Cheri Abraham

? Cheri Abraham, who won an entomology award, is researching ways to increase the competitiveness of the cut-flower industry.

A University student turned his passion for entomology into an award and $2,000 cash prize.

Cheri Abraham, a first-year Ph.D. student, won the Larry Larson Graduate Student Award for Leadership in Applied Entomology. The award and cash prize were granted by The Entomological Foundation – an organization devoted to building interest in entomology by using insects to educate students about science.

Abraham is conducting his research with Kris Braman, professor of entomology. The research project focuses on increasing the competitiveness of the cut-flower industry.

Leafminers, or larvae of various insects which eat the leaf tissue of plants, can be controlled using attacking wasps. However, the biological control is interrupted when secondary pests such as mites also attack the plants.

Since pesticides are used to kill these secondary pests, they also kill the primary biological control agents – the wasps.

Abraham’s research involves a system of creating more effective strategies to control both the primary and secondary pests.

Only five students applied for the national award this year.

“Cheri is very deserving of this award,” Braman said. “He has demonstrated academic and research achievement and has very effectively and creatively communicated the results to a wide audience. He has shown leadership in our profession through service to the department and our professional society.”

Abraham said he hopes to teach at the University after he completes his Ph.D. However, he said receiving this award is an honor and hopefully will open people’s eyes to entomology and insects.