STILLWATER, Okla. – The Oklahoma State University Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology’s Entomology Trivia Team has been named the 2024 national Entomology Games champion. The team earned the title at the Entomological Society of America’s Annual Meeting in November.
Each year, teams from universities across the country compete for the national championship, with competition beginning at the regional level. OSU advanced to the national competition following a win at the ESA Southwestern Branch meeting earlier this year.
At the national competition, OSU defeated teams from Michigan State University, Texas A&M University and North Carolina State University.
The team, consisting of five undergraduate and graduate students, was coached by Wyatt Hoback, entomology and plant pathology professor, and Melissa Reed, postdoctoral fellow. The 2024 team members include: Alex Harmon Elizabeth Carlson Faith England Ryley Hall Samantha Hittson The Entomology Games competition consists of teams competing in a quiz bowl format, covering questions on various topics including pest control, ecology and identification. To prepare for the national Entomology Games, the OSU team met weekly to practice answering questions and discuss information relevant to the competition.
Alex Harmon, team captain and entomology doctoral student, received his master’s degree in entomology at OSU and has been a member of the Entomology Trivia team since 2019. He said the years of practice and relationships he has built because of entomology trivia make the win much more rewarding.
“While winning entomology trivia was fun and exciting, it was really the years of practice leading up to this that added the most to my academic experience,” Harmon said. “I can certainly say that being on the team has given me a more well-rounded knowledge of entomology that I wouldn’t have otherwise.”
The Entomology Trivia Team members were among 12 OSU students who attended the ESA Annual Meeting.
“Attending the annual meeting and participating in activities including the trivia competition positively impacts students’ educational experiences, broadens their knowledge and helps them make connections,” Hoback said.
OSU is one of 17 universities in the U.S. with an undergraduate entomology program. The department offers handson learning and research opportunities, giving its students practical industry experience and preparing them for future careers.
“The balance of classes we offer and the fact we are a small department in a large university allows our students to get connected right away,” Hoback said. “There are opportunities to attend meetings and participate in guided independent research that gives them a small-college experience while being supported by the department and the Ferguson College of Agriculture.”
The Ferguson College of Agriculture believes in the value of hands-on education and the importance of having a well-rounded student experience. The college’s award-winning faculty members are dedicated to developing students and are passionate about adding value to the total educational experience. With 16 majors, a variety of study options and more than 60 student organizations, the college is committed to expanding minds and inspiring purpose. Learn more at agriculture.okstate. edu
