Hannah Burrack

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Degrees:
PhD - Entomology, University of California, Davis
MS - Entomology, University of California, Davis
BS - Entomology & Rural Sociology, University of Wisconsin

Bio

Dr. Hannah Burrack became chairperson of Michigan State University’s Department of Entomology on January 1, 2022. In this role, she serves as chief academic and administrative officer, providing leadership in teaching, research, extension and international activities. She works closely with faculty, students, staff and MSU administration, as well as industry leaders and professional organizations. As chair, Burrack oversees departmental resources, supports long-term planning, and helps pursue funding opportunities to advance the department’s goals.

Before joining MSU, Burrack spent 14 years at North Carolina State University, where she led entomology research and extension efforts for blueberries, caneberries, grapes, tobacco and industrial hemp. She generated $10.8 million in funding, authored 71 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, and delivered more than 500 extension presentations to over 28,000 stakeholders. Internationally recognized for her work on invasive agricultural pests—particularly Drosophila suzukii (spotted-wing drosophila)—she also prioritized mentorship, advising or serving on committees for postdoctoral scholars, visiting scholars, and more than 30 graduate students.

Concentrations

Integrated pest management
Invasive species biology
Insect-plant interactions
Stakeholder engagement

Research

Prior to joining MSU, Burrack served as Professor & Extension Specialist at North Carolina State University for 14 years. At NC State, Burrack led entomology research and extension efforts for blueberries, caneberries, grapes, tobacco and industrial hemp. She generated $10.8 million in funding to support these efforts and authored 71 peer reviewed articles or book chapters. Burrack has a particular interest in the monitoring and management of invasive agricultural pests. Since 2010, she has been an international leader in coordinating research, education and extension efforts on Drosophila suzukii, the spotted-wing drosophila.

Extension & Outreach

Burrack has extensive extension experience, including including delivering over 500 extension presentations to audiences totally over 28,000 stakeholders, developing 24 production guides, 31 factsheets, 51 technical reports. Burrack's applied research and extension products have been featured in more than 100 popular press articles over the course of her career.