Young Scientist of the Year Program
Young Scientist of the Year Program Bayer and NPMA Support Next-Generation Research With Second ContestBayer Environmental Science and the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) announce the second Bayer Environmental Science Young Scientist of the Year contest, a scholarship and grant program where graduate students compete for scholarships, grants and a trip to PestWorld 2006.
The competition showcases graduate student research that advances knowledge about the biology, behavior, ecology or management of pests.
To enter, entomology students seeking master's or doctoral degrees at an accredited university submit their research to a panel of university and industry professionals. An entry deadline will be announced in 2006. Three finalists will be introduced at PestWorld 2006, Oct. 25 -- 28, in Lake Grapevine, Texas. At the event, finalists will present their research and the Young Scientist of the Year will be named. Finalists will receive scholarships worth $1,000 to $2,500, and the Young Scientist of the Year also will receive a $10,000 grant for continued research. Each school represented by the finalists will receive a $1,000 donation to its general scholarship fund.
Take a look at work by the 2004 Young Scientist finalists.
Research by 2004 Young Scientist of the Year J. Chad Gore, North Carolina State University, demonstrated that large-scale reduction of German cockroaches can be achieved using inexpensive, reduced-risk, targeted approaches that could prove valuable in sensitive environments where conventional insecticides may not be an option. At NPMA PestWorld 2005, Gore reported, "I met industry leaders not normally accessible to those in academia, greatly strengthening my ties to the pest control industry. Bayer's dedication to emerging scientists and commitment to supporting applied and basic research proves it is a company devoted to the future of the pest control industry."
Finalist Marc Fisher, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, completed exploratory work describing the species of bacteria present in the termite gut and developing tools for their study. He says, "The Young Scientist contest exposed my research to a broad audience in the urban pest management community. It's obvious Bayer has a strong vision for the future, seasoned leadership and the means to provide effective products."
Finalist Donald A. Oswalt, Clemson University, continues his research with nesting sites, central place foraging and the effects of non-repellant insecticides on black carpenter ants. He says, "Being able to attach 'Young Scientist of the Year finalist' to my name has increased my visibility within the industry."
