List of schools and organizations related to forensic entomology
Encyclopedia
Forensic entomology
is the study of insects
related to humans. There are three areas associated with forensic entomology; urban entomology, stored products entomology
, and mediocriminal entomology. This page deals only with the area of mediocriminology and the schools and organizations associated with it. Mediocriminology is the interaction of the criminal justice system
and the use of insect
s for investigations pertaining to the deaths of humans. This is a growing science in which nations around the world are partaking in research to expand its applications. The following list of schools and organizations is not comprehensive due to the ever changing nature of forensic entomology.
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
. This program offers the first B.S. in this field in Texas. 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. Another noteworthy entomologist at Texas A & M is Adrienne Brundage, a Lecturer since spring 2008 with a M.S. in organismal biology, with experience in many aspects of crime scene investigation as relating to entomology.
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 USDA Entomology Research Facility. While there is a wide range of entomology and forensic classes offered at A & M, as of the spring semester 2008, only two courses in forensic entomology are offered. The Science of Forensic Entomology presents students with a closer look at insects as applied to forensics, with a focus on investigations, and their impact in the court-of law. Applied Forensic Entomology is the corresponding lab to the previous class with hands-on application of practices involved in investigations
of human and animals deaths.
offers an educational tour at a facility they call the "Bug House." The Bug House tours present audiences with information of one of the most numerous kinds of animals in the world, bugs.
Fun Facts offered by the Bug House:
In 1966 MSU's Entomology department designed a program for kindergarten through 6th grade to "introduce children to the fascinating world of insects." They have since expanded in order to relate to groups of all ages. The Bug House gives tours to school groups, organizations, and the public. The Bug House explains to its tourists how to examine insects by structure and function, value, behavior and diversity through up-close observation. Using both live and pinned insect displays they offer hands-on activities and discussion to educate their audience.
The Bug House is staffed by graduate students, staff, and faculty from its own Entomology Department.
The Bug House confidently claims "you will leave with a new appreciation for the beauty of insects and the way in which they are vital to the function of our world."
(http://www.ent.msu.edu/)
in January 1967. The meeting was coordinated by Ian Mackerras, who put forth four important goals to inspire the success of the AES, these goals included: “Acquiring wealth, setting a high attainable standard of excellence, having a clear central purpose and source of inspiration, and finally existing as a group for what the group can give back to society, not what it can get(AES WEBSITE).” Now chiefed by president Jonathan Majer and vice president and chairman of the executive Murray Fletcher, AES members consitsts of about seventy-five percent professionals and around twenty five percent amateurs. Membership is not restricted to any one person they just have to be interested in the study of insects. A person must also gain two nominations by financial members to finally be inducted into the group. The AES includes a number of affiliates such as, The Entomological Society of Queensland
, The entomological Society of New South Wales
, and The Entomological Society of Victoria
. The AES also consists of business firms who have sustained membership.
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 entomologists career. The AES awards prizes and even research grants for the young entrepreneur. The Phil Carne Prize is intent on recognizing superior research on entomological issues. The Phil Carne Prize is restricted to those attending or enrolled in an Australian University, however the entrants do not have to be a member of the AES to obtain this prestiges award. The only requirement the writer must abide by is, their topic must relate to an entomological topic.
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 the highest award, 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. Fed J.D McDonald, and Dr. Courtenay N. Smithers.
Two of the AES’s important publications include the Australian Journal of Entomology and the Myrmecia. The Australian Journal of Entomology is what the AES call its “Flagship publication.” This Journal “promotes: the study of biology
, ecology
, taxonomy
, and control of insects and arachnids within Australia. The journal has been known to publish originals, peer reviewed research articles, and many others. The journals current editor-in-chief is Dr. john Mattheissen. The internal publication Myrmecia is produced quarterly. This publication reports on the activities and research projects of the group and new members who have just recently joined Myrmecia's editor and chief is Dr. Aaron Simmons.
.
OCEA is now expanding it’s 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 President
, the President-elect, the immediate-past President, the Treasurer
and the Secretary. The President shall serve as the chair of the Board. The term of the president shall be one year with re-election for a maximum of two consecutive terms. The Treasurer shall collect, receive, and be in charge of all the funds of OCEA and file IRS forms. The Secretary shall keep and archive all OCEA documents including the Bylaws, brochures, and resolutions. The president for the year 2008 is Qisheng Song from the Department of Entomology at the University of Missouri
. The Vice President and President Elect is Qingquan (Quentin) Fang from the Department of Biology
at Georgia Southern University
. The past president (2007) was Qing-He Zhang.
The annual meeting are held in order to advance education and training, as well as to fine tune the framework of the Association ie. 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 scientist
, pathologist or someone with a medical or forensic background who is readily active in the field of entomology. One must also be within the EU. For anyone who does not fall within these criteria an Associate Membership status is open to people who are willing to contribute to the work of EAFE. Also membership is on a personal basis.
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 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 numerous 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 insects, mainly Diptera
. More features are available to members only.
Forensic entomology
Forensic entomology is the application and study of insect and other arthropod biology to criminal matters. It is primarily associated with death investigations; however, it may also be used to detect drugs and poisons, determine the location of an incident, and find the presence and time of the...
is the study of insects
Entomology
Entomology is the scientific study of insects, a branch of arthropodology...
related to humans. There are three areas associated with forensic entomology; urban entomology, stored products entomology
Home stored product entomology
Home stored product entomology is the study of insects which infest foodstuffs stored in the home. It deals with the prevention, detection and eradication of the pests...
, and mediocriminal entomology. This page deals only with the area of mediocriminology and the schools and organizations associated with it. Mediocriminology is the interaction of the criminal justice system
Criminal justice
Criminal Justice is the system of practices and institutions of governments directed at upholding social control, deterring and mitigating crime, or sanctioning those who violate laws with criminal penalties and rehabilitation efforts...
and the use of insect
Insect
Insects are a class of living creatures within the arthropods that have a chitinous exoskeleton, a three-part body , three pairs of jointed legs, compound eyes, and two antennae...
s for investigations pertaining to the deaths of humans. This is a growing science in which nations around the world are partaking in research to expand its applications. The following list of schools and organizations is not comprehensive due to the ever changing nature of forensic entomology.
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University'sTexas A&M University
Texas A&M University is a coeducational public research university located in College Station, Texas . It is the flagship institution of the Texas A&M University System. The sixth-largest university in the United States, A&M's enrollment for Fall 2011 was over 50,000 for the first time in school...
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
Forensic entomology
Forensic entomology is the application and study of insect and other arthropod biology to criminal matters. It is primarily associated with death investigations; however, it may also be used to detect drugs and poisons, determine the location of an incident, and find the presence and time of the...
. This program offers the first B.S. in this field in Texas. 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
University of Georgia
The University of Georgia is a public research university located in Athens, Georgia, United States. Founded in 1785, it is the oldest and largest of the state's institutions of higher learning and is one of multiple schools to claim the title of the oldest public university in the United States...
graduate with a Ph. D in entomology. Another noteworthy entomologist at Texas A & M is Adrienne Brundage, a Lecturer since spring 2008 with a M.S. in organismal biology, with experience in many aspects of crime scene investigation as relating to entomology.
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 USDA Entomology Research Facility. While there is a wide range of entomology and forensic classes offered at A & M, as of the spring semester 2008, only two courses in forensic entomology are offered. The Science of Forensic Entomology presents students with a closer look at insects as applied to forensics, with a focus on investigations, and their impact in the court-of law. Applied Forensic Entomology is the corresponding lab to the previous class with hands-on application of practices involved in investigations
Investigations
Investigations may refer to:* Griffin Investigations, the most prominent group of private investigators specializing in the gambling industry* "Investigations" , the 36th episode of the television series Star Trek: Voyager...
of human and animals deaths.
Michigan State University
Michigan State UniversityMichigan State University
Michigan State University is a public research university in East Lansing, Michigan, USA. Founded in 1855, it was the pioneer land-grant institution and served as a model for future land-grant colleges in the United States under the 1862 Morrill Act.MSU pioneered the studies of packaging,...
offers an educational tour at a facility they call the "Bug House." The Bug House tours present audiences with information of one of the most numerous kinds of animals in the world, bugs.
Fun Facts offered by the Bug House:
- There are more kinds of beetleBeetleColeoptera is an order of insects commonly called beetles. The word "coleoptera" is from the Greek , koleos, "sheath"; and , pteron, "wing", thus "sheathed wing". Coleoptera contains more species than any other order, constituting almost 25% of all known life-forms...
s in Michigan than there are varieties of birds on earth. - Insects range in size from mothMothA moth is an insect closely related to the butterfly, both being of the order Lepidoptera. Moths form the majority of this order; there are thought to be 150,000 to 250,000 different species of moth , with thousands of species yet to be described...
s as large as bats to tiny waspWaspThe term wasp is typically defined as any insect of the order Hymenoptera and suborder Apocrita that is neither a bee nor an ant. Almost every pest insect species has at least one wasp species that preys upon it or parasitizes it, making wasps critically important in natural control of their...
s smaller than grains of sand. - Their life spans can last a week to over twenty years.
- They live nearly everywhere, in pools of petroleum and in the brine of the Great Salt Lake.
- They survive the heat of Death Valley and the cold of the Antarctic coast.
- They are the stars of the Bug House.
- Did you know that a cricketCricketCricket is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of 11 players on an oval-shaped field, at the centre of which is a rectangular 22-yard long pitch. One team bats, trying to score as many runs as possible while the other team bowls and fields, trying to dismiss the batsmen and thus limit the...
has ears on its knees? - That a flyFlyTrue flies are insects of the order Diptera . They possess a pair of wings on the mesothorax and a pair of halteres, derived from the hind wings, on the metathorax...
has tastebuds on its feet? - Or, that an antAntAnts are social insects of the family Formicidae and, along with the related wasps and bees, belong to the order Hymenoptera. Ants evolved from wasp-like ancestors in the mid-Cretaceous period between 110 and 130 million years ago and diversified after the rise of flowering plants. More than...
can lift 50 times its own body weight, the equivalent of a human lifting two small cars? - "Let the Department of Entomology's Bug House surprise and educate your group about the wonders of the insect world."
- "Get ready to explore the amazing world of insects"
In 1966 MSU's Entomology department designed a program for kindergarten through 6th grade to "introduce children to the fascinating world of insects." They have since expanded in order to relate to groups of all ages. The Bug House gives tours to school groups, organizations, and the public. The Bug House explains to its tourists how to examine insects by structure and function, value, behavior and diversity through up-close observation. Using both live and pinned insect displays they offer hands-on activities and discussion to educate their audience.
The Bug House is staffed by graduate students, staff, and faculty from its own Entomology Department.
The Bug House confidently claims "you will leave with a new appreciation for the beauty of insects and the way in which they are vital to the function of our world."
(http://www.ent.msu.edu/)
Australian Entomological Society
The Australian Entomological Society (AES) now with more than six hundred members, is one of the most prevalent biological science organizations in Australia. AES began August 17, 1965 and had its first public meeting in MelbourneMelbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
in January 1967. The meeting was coordinated by Ian Mackerras, who put forth four important goals to inspire the success of the AES, these goals included: “Acquiring wealth, setting a high attainable standard of excellence, having a clear central purpose and source of inspiration, and finally existing as a group for what the group can give back to society, not what it can get(AES WEBSITE).” Now chiefed by president Jonathan Majer and vice president and chairman of the executive Murray Fletcher, AES members consitsts of about seventy-five percent professionals and around twenty five percent amateurs. Membership is not restricted to any one person they just have to be interested in the study of insects. A person must also gain two nominations by financial members to finally be inducted into the group. The AES includes a number of affiliates such as, The Entomological Society of Queensland
Queensland
Queensland is a state of Australia, occupying the north-eastern section of the mainland continent. It is bordered by the Northern Territory, South Australia and New South Wales to the west, south-west and south respectively. To the east, Queensland is bordered by the Coral Sea and Pacific Ocean...
, The entomological Society of New South Wales
New South Wales
New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...
, and The Entomological Society of Victoria
Victoria (Australia)
Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively....
. The AES also consists of business firms who have sustained membership.
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 entomologists career. The AES awards prizes and even research grants for the young entrepreneur. The Phil Carne Prize is intent on recognizing superior research on entomological issues. The Phil Carne Prize is restricted to those attending or enrolled in an Australian University, however the entrants do not have to be a member of the AES to obtain this prestiges award. The only requirement the writer must abide by is, their topic must relate to an entomological topic.
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 the highest award, 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. Fed J.D McDonald, and Dr. Courtenay N. Smithers.
Two of the AES’s important publications include the Australian Journal of Entomology and the Myrmecia. The Australian Journal of Entomology is what the AES call its “Flagship publication.” This Journal “promotes: the study of biology
Biology
Biology is a natural science concerned with the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy. Biology is a vast subject containing many subdivisions, topics, and disciplines...
, ecology
Ecology
Ecology is the scientific study of the relations that living organisms have with respect to each other and their natural environment. Variables of interest to ecologists include the composition, distribution, amount , number, and changing states of organisms within and among ecosystems...
, taxonomy
Taxonomy
Taxonomy is the science of identifying and naming species, and arranging them into a classification. The field of taxonomy, sometimes referred to as "biological taxonomy", revolves around the description and use of taxonomic units, known as taxa...
, and control of insects and arachnids within Australia. The journal has been known to publish originals, peer reviewed research articles, and many others. The journals current editor-in-chief is Dr. john Mattheissen. The internal publication Myrmecia is produced quarterly. This publication reports on the activities and research projects of the group and new members who have just recently joined Myrmecia's editor and chief is Dr. Aaron Simmons.
Overseas Chinese Entomologists Association
OCEA, Overseas Chinese Entomologists Association (http://www.go-to-ocea.org), is a non-profit organization. OCEA is set up to help interactions and cooperation among Chinese entomologists around the world. OCEA also helps in providing job opportunities as well as research institutions in China. It was first established in 1988 and holds an annual meeting each year, which takes place during the annual meeting of the Entomological Society of AmericaEntomological Society of America
The Entomological Society of America was founded in 1889 and today has more than 6,000 members, including educators, extension personnel, consultants, students, researchers, and scientists from agricultural departments, health agencies, private industries, colleges and universities, and state and...
.
OCEA is now expanding it’s 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 President
President
A president is a leader of an organization, company, trade union, university, or country.Etymologically, a president is one who presides, who sits in leadership...
, the President-elect, the immediate-past President, the Treasurer
Treasurer
A treasurer is the person responsible for running the treasury of an organization. The adjective for a treasurer is normally "tresorial". The adjective "treasurial" normally means pertaining to a treasury, rather than the treasurer.-Government:...
and the Secretary. The President shall serve as the chair of the Board. The term of the president shall be one year with re-election for a maximum of two consecutive terms. The Treasurer shall collect, receive, and be in charge of all the funds of OCEA and file IRS forms. The Secretary shall keep and archive all OCEA documents including the Bylaws, brochures, and resolutions. The president for the year 2008 is Qisheng Song from the Department of Entomology at the University of Missouri
University of Missouri
The University of Missouri System is a state university system providing centralized administration for four universities, a health care system, an extension program, five research and technology parks, and a publishing press. More than 64,000 students are currently enrolled at its four campuses...
. The Vice President and President Elect is Qingquan (Quentin) Fang from the Department of Biology
Biology
Biology is a natural science concerned with the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy. Biology is a vast subject containing many subdivisions, topics, and disciplines...
at Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southern University is a national public university located on a campus in Statesboro, Georgia, USA. Founded in 1906, it is part of the University System of Georgia and is the largest center of higher education in the southern half of Georgia offering 117 academic majors in a comprehensive...
. The past president (2007) was Qing-He Zhang.
European Association for Forensic Entomology
EAFE, European Association for Forensic Entomology, 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 ie. Constitution
Constitution
A constitution is a set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is governed. These rules together make up, i.e. constitute, what the entity is...
, membership, etc.
In order to become a member of EAFE one must meet certain criteria such as their profession. You must be a qualified scientist
Scientist
A scientist in a broad sense is one engaging in a systematic activity to acquire knowledge. In a more restricted sense, a scientist is an individual who uses the scientific method. The person may be an expert in one or more areas of science. This article focuses on the more restricted use of the word...
, pathologist or someone with a medical or forensic background who is readily active in the field of entomology. One must also be within the EU. For anyone who does not fall within these criteria an Associate Membership status is open to people who are willing to contribute to the work of EAFE. Also membership is on a personal basis.
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 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 numerous 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 insects, mainly Diptera
Diptera
Diptera , or true flies, is the order of insects possessing only a single pair of wings on the mesothorax; the metathorax bears a pair of drumstick like structures called the halteres, the remnants of the hind wings. It is a large order, containing an estimated 240,000 species, although under half...
. More features are available to members only.
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.External links
- http://www.ent.msu.edu/
- http://new.eafe.org/identification.htm
- http://www.agric.nsw.gov.au/Hort/ascu/myrmecia/society.htm
- http://www.forensicentomology.com/index.html
- http://www.go-to-ocea.org/home