Valerie
Wright
Konza Prairie Biological Station environmental
educator and adjunct professor of entomology at K-State
Preventing insect infestation of wheat and other grains is important for sustaining food supplies, especially in developing nations. Valerie Wright, Konza Prairie Biological Station environmental educator and adjunct professor of entomology at Kansas State University, has dedicated her career to studying stored-grain insects, and what can be done to prevent them from ruining food. She is also committed to educating the community about the Konza Prairie, and its biological importance.
Wright initially came to K-State in 1979, and has held six different positions at the university. She also spent several years as an educator in Honduras. Wright became an environmental educator and naturalist for the Konza Prairie Biological Station and an adjunct professor at K-State in 1996.
Her research interests include organisms, insects and grassland habitats. She has conducted research on dry bean storage systems and pest biology, management of stored-grain insect problems, effects of fungal metabolites on stored-grain insects, and early-detection of stored-grain insects.
Wright's professional memberships include the National Association of Interpreters, the Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education, the Kansas Entomological Society, and the Kansas Wildflower Society. She has served on the Permanent Committee for International Working Conferences on Stored-Product Protection for 15 years.
Wright has published more than 35 research publications, 14 extension pamphlets on stored grain, one book chapter, and made more than 30 presentations to international and national conferences. Wright has also conducted overseas training courses, seminars, and technical assistance in grain storage in 14 countries in Africa, Asia and Central America.
She received her bachelor's degree from Gustavus Adolphus, and her master's and doctorate in entomology and plant pathology from the University of Minnesota.
Wright can be reached for comment at 785-587-0381 or via e-mail at keepkonza@k-state.edu.