MSU Entomology professor named 2015 Entomological Society of America Fellow

Michigan State University Entomology professor James R. Miller was recently elected a 2015 Fellow of the Entomological Society of America.

Jim Miller poses with his award with Chris Adams, graduate student and collaborator.

Michigan State University Entomology professor James R. Miller was recently elected a 2015 Fellow of the Entomological Society of America for his pioneering research in insect physiology, chemical ecology and behavior that has significantly enhanced insect detection and management.

Among his research accomplishments, Miller and collaborators introduced the field of chemical ecology to the internal standard method for accurately quantifying tiny amounts of natural products; made the wind-tunnel accessible to all as the recommended method for quantifying insect orientational behaviors; produced a classic series of papers on onion fly-onion interactions establishing that resource acceptance is strongly influenced by visual and physical cues in addition to chemicals; originated the rolling-fulcrum model of animal decision making and the push-pull tactic of pest management, now of great practical importance to maize production in Africa. These findings have expanded knowledge of what constitutes suitable habitats for African malaria mosquitoes. His work has also included discovery that avermectins administered to African cattle just before the rainy season can suppress malaria epidemics.

"What a great honor for Jim and for the Department of Entomology,” said Bill Ravlin, professor and chair of the department. “His peers have recognized him for his excellence in research and teaching. He has a well-documented record of accomplishment in the classroom and as a mentor of multiple generations of entomologists. He exemplifies what it means to be an ESA fellow and richly deserves the title.”

Miller has taught insect physiology as well as insect behavior. His Nature and Practice of Science Graduate Seminar course has long been in demand by graduate students across MSU. From 1996-1999, he served as associate dean of MSU’s College of Natural Sciences and director of the Division of Science and Mathematics Education.

Recently, Miller has led a team in publishing a book and securing a grant for additional research toward better pest monitoring. Pest managers are challenged in making optimal decisions about whether or not to apply pesticides by a lack of quick and inexpensive methods for estimating the actual number of pest individuals per acre. Without this information, pest management decisions are based only on relative pest density using experience-based indices – often more of an art than a science. Miller and colleagues have successfully cracked this long-standing problem. These findings, likely to elevate insect pest management to a new level of precision and efficiency, have been assembled into a book, “Trapping of Small Organisms Moving Randomly – Principles and Applications to Pest Monitoring and Management” by Springer Publishers. 

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