University Catalog 2025-2026

Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology

Entomology

Undergraduate instruction in entomology provides introductory and advanced courses in the basic science of entomology and the management of beneficial and pest insects. Courses at the 200- and 400-level fulfill General Education Requirements in Natural Sciences or Science and Technology and serve students majoring in biological sciences, agronomy, horticultural science, agricultural education, crop science, forestry and plant biology. They also provide fundamental training for graduate study in entomology (see the Graduate Catalog).

Opportunities

For graduates with advanced degrees in entomology, opportunities include research, teaching, and extension positions in colleges and universities; research, development, production, control, and sales positions in private industries; consultative positions in pest management; research and regulatory positions with state and federal agencies; and curatorial positions in museums.

Curricula

While we do not currently offer any undergraduate majors, our Entomology minor is taken by 80+ students across 20 departments and 6 colleges at NC State. We offer undergraduate courses in entomology and plant pathology that can help students fulfill program requirements and complement their interests.  Those students with a primary interest in entomology are advised to choose a general biological science curricula and minor in entomology.

Plant Pathology

Plant Pathology is a diverse discipline that provides fundamentally important information to many of the undergraduate degree programs offered in CALS at NC State. Undergraduate instruction in plant pathology provides introductory and advanced courses on the biology of plant pathogens and the nature and control of plant diseases to students majoring in crop science, horticultural science, the life sciences, and forestry. It also provides the fundamental training necessary for graduate study in plant pathology and related fields.

Kelman Scholars

Thanks to the generosity of Dr. Arthur and Mrs. Helen Kelman, family and friends, the department offers the S.E. Kelman Memorial Scholarship to one or more outstanding undergraduates enrolled at NC State or other universities. This competitive program allows selected applicants to gain research experiences as interns working under the supervision of a faculty member in the Department of Plant Pathology. For details about this scholarship program, please see scholarship's information page.

Opportunities

As a graduate department, our graduates, with advanced degrees in plant pathology, are competitive for employment in many areas.  Employment opportunities at the M.S. and Ph.D. levels include research, extension, teaching and regulatory sciences with universities and colleges, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, including APHIS and a wide array of agriculturally related industry, and private consulting. The rapid development of biotechnology, regulatory sciences, agricultural chemicals and biocontrol offers numerous opportunities for exciting and rewarding careers that service societal needs and advance our sciences. 

Curricula

There is no undergraduate major or minor in plant pathology we provide a certificate in Plant Pests, Pathogens, and People, which offers a course of study in the biology, ecology, economic significance, and management of plant diseases and insects. This program may be completed on-campus or totally online.

For more information about this department, including contact information, visit the department website.

Faculty

Department Head

  • Carolyn Young

Associate Department Head

  • Steve Frank

Director of Undergraduate Programs

  • Terri Billeisen

Director of Graduate Programs for Entomology

  • Michael Reiskind

Director of Graduate Programs for Plant Pathology

  • Dorith Rotenberg

Department Extension Leader

  • Dominic Reisig

Professors of Distinction

  • Marc Cubeta, Alumni Association Distinguished Graduate Professor
  • Ralph Dean, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor
  • George Kennedy, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor
  • Lina Quesada, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor
  • Jean Ristaino, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor
  • Mike Roe, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor
  • Coby Schal, Blanton J. Whitmire Professor
  • Clyde Sorenson, Alumni Association Distinguished Undergraduate Professor
  • James Walgenbach, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor
  • Anna Whitfield, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor
  • Brian Wiegmann, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor

Professors

  • Ignazio Carbone
  • Marc Cubeta
  • Ralph Dean
  • Steve Frank
  • George Kennedy
  • Jim Kerns
  • Marce Lorenzen
  • Peter Ojiambo
  • Charles Opperman
  • Lina Quesada
  • Dominic Reisig
  • Michael Reiskind
  • Jean Ristaino
  • David Ritchie
  • Michael Roe
  • Dorith Rotenberg
  • Coby Schal
  • Max Scott
  • Clyde Sorenson
  • James Walgenbach
  • Anna Whitfield
  • Brian Wiegmann
  • Carolyn Young

Associate Professors

  • Adrienne Gorny
  • Aram Mikaelyan
  • David Orr
  • Anders Huseth
  • David Rasmussen

Assistant Professors

  • Daisy Ahumada
  • Michael Bradshaw
  • Alejandra Huerta
  • LeAnn Lux
  • Gareth Powell
  • Sara Villani

Assistant Extension Professors

  • Lorena Lopez

Research Professor

  • Allen Cohen

Extension Associate

  • Matt Bertone
  • Terri Billeisen
  • William Cline
  • Chris Hayes
  • Inga Meadows
  • Liz Driscoll

Principal Research Scholars

  • Tika Adhikari
  • Ayako Katsumata
  • Logu Ponnusamy
  • Tim Sit

Senior Research Scholars

  • Jennie Fagen

USDA

  • Peter Balint-Kurti
  • Christina Cowger