List of schools and organizations related to forensic entomology
Schools
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University's Entomology Department announced the Forensic and Investigative Science Program November 23, 2007 as a means to prepare students to address and solve problems through the use of various techniques, including forensic entomology.[1] This program offers the first B.S. in this field in Texas.[2] The staff consists of several professors and lecturers, most notably Dr. Jeff Tomberlin, assistant professor since fall 2007 and member of the American Board of Forensic Entomology Certified Entomologists and University of Georgia graduate with a Ph.D. in entomology.[1][2] Another noteworthy entomologist at Texas A&M is Adrienne Brundage, a lecturer since spring 2008 with an M.S. in organismal biology, with experience in many aspects of crime scene investigation as relating to entomology.[3]
The facilities for entomology at Texas A&M include the Heep Center, housing the Department of Entomology, the Entomology Research Laboratory, the Biological Control Facility, as well as the
Michigan State University
Michigan State University offers an educational tour at a facility they call the "Bug House". The Bug House tours present audiences with information about bugs.[4]
University of California, Davis
Faculty and graduate students in the Entomology Department at
Organizations
Australian Entomological Society
The Australian Entomological Society (AES)
The AES bestows itself on teaching the adolescence of Australia about entomology. Student members of the AES are able to get together with well-known entomologists to help familiarize themselves with issues pertaining to entomology. Such meetings help to further the early
The AES has many objectives in their role of the advancement of knowledge in the entomological field. The objectives are met by publishing a journal, a report to all members and affiliates, scientific seminars, research grants, and awards for different contests. Different competitions are offered to better the knowledge of members and non-members in the entomology field. For example, an illustration and photographic competition is held annually. This contest is said to promote and acknowledge excellence for entomological illustrations. This contest includes three categories the student illustration section, the open illustration section, and the photographic section. Awards given out by the AES include the Mackerras medal which is given out every two years. The recipient must be under age fifty and had “demonstrated excellence: in entomology. Honorary life awards also recognize those with outstanding achievements, some recipients include” Dr. Bruce Champ, Dr. Gordon Hooper, Dr. Fred J.D McDonald, and Dr. Courtenay N. Smithers.
Two of the AES’s important publications include the Austral Entomology and Myrmecia. The Australian Journal of Entomology is what the AES call its "Flagship publication". This Journal promotes the study of
Overseas Chinese Entomologists Association
OCEA, Overseas Chinese Entomologists Association (http://www.go-to-ocea.org),
OCEA is now expanding its network to more individuals as well as other organizations to aid in the advancement of the science of entomology. Many Chinese and non-Chinese entomologists work closely together to exchange information related to the science of entomology, this is especially true for the entomologist in the U.S.
OCEA is composed of volunteers and its membership is unrestricted. Anyone who is applying for membership will have to agree to the OCEA Bylaws and pay an annual membership fee. All members have equal status and all have the right to participate in elections (to elect or to be elected) for any elected office. OCEA members also have the right to freely express opinions, make proposals, enjoy all privileges and benefits that OCEA may offer and of course the right to vote in the decision-making process. OCEA members must follow the rules and regulations and abide by the procedures of democratic operations. Currently, OCEA has around 200 members.
The Executive Board and the Advisory Board govern OCEA. The Executive Board is composed of the
European Association for Forensic Entomology
EAFE, European Association for Forensic Entomology,[7] was founded in 2002 and vastly growing in size. There are close to about 100 members and 41 associate members. The aim of EAFE is to encourage the advancement of forensic entomology all through Europe and to encourage co-operation with related international bodies. According to EAFE, “This growth reflects the growing interest by the forensic and entomological community in forensic entomology, but at the same time highlights the need for guidelines for the science and support for it from an association like EAFE". EAFE provides its services as a professional partner for police and legal authorities. EAFE holds regular meetings and workshops in order to raise awareness and knowledge of their science.
The annual meeting are held in order to advance education and training, as well as to fine tune the framework of the Association i.e. Constitution, membership, etc.
In order to become a member of EAFE one must meet certain criteria such as their profession. You must be a qualified
The Board governs the EAFE, and is composed of 4 officers and 2 members. One President, one Vice president, one Secretary, one Organizer and 2 Members. Jens Amendt is currently (as of 2008[update]) the President of E.A.F.E. The President shall be elected for 1 year with a possibility to be re-elected each year. The other members but the organizer of the next meeting shall be elected for two years with a possibility to be re-elected.
The EAFE website includes large amounts of information for anyone who is interested in the field of entomology. Specifically they have links to websites that will aid in the identification of
North American Forensic Entomology Association
NAFEA hosts annual meeting on the field.
Conclusion
The number of schools and organizations associated with forensic entomology is ever growing, making homicides and other manors of human deaths easier to help solve. The ever-growing numbers of universities studying forensic entomology constantly contribute their research to forensic entomologists to help aid them in solving crimes. The organizations worldwide promote the study of entomology by targeting younger individuals in hopes of further increasing the number of forensic entomologists.
See also
- Forensic Science
References
Chanault, Edith. "Hot Topics." Texas IPM. 16 Nov. 2007. Texas A&M University. 27 Feb. 2008 [2].
Fletcher, M J. "The Website for the Australian Entomological Society." 25 Feb. 2008. AES. 16 Feb. 2008 [3].
"Insect Systematics." Discover Entomology. 2004. Texas A&M University. 14 Feb. 2008 [4].
Merritt, Richard W. "American Board of Forensic Entomology." 2008. Michigan State University. 1 Mar. 2008 [5].
"Recent News." Overseas Chinese Entomologists Association. 16 Feb. 2008. OCEA. 30 Jan. 2008 [6].
"Welcome." European Association for Forensic Entomology. 2 Jan. 2008. EAFE. 7 Feb. 2008 [7].
Wells, Jeffery D. "North American Forensic Entomological Society." 2007. NAFEA. 15 March 2008 [<http://www.nafea.net/].