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K-State Today

June 7, 2012

Ruberson named new entomology department head

Submitted by Mary Lou Peter

Kansas State University has named John R. Ruberson to head its department of entomology, effective Aug. 5.

Ruberson, who has won awards for both teaching and research, has been on the faculty at the University of Georgia’s department of entomology since 1994.

At K-State, he will lead a department that includes 46 faculty members, as well as 24 office, postdoctoral and technical support staff members, 29 graduate students and other temporary personnel and student employees involved in research.

“John Ruberson brings a wealth of experience, energy, and ideas to Kansas State University and we look forward to his leadership,” said Gary Pierzynski, interim dean of the K-State College of Agriculture, in announcing the appointment.

Ruberson earned a bachelor’s degree in biology teaching at Brigham Young University and a master’s degree in zoology, also at BYU. He earned a doctorate in entomology with a minor in plant pathology at Cornell University.

His research focus at Georgia has been on the biological control of insect pests and integrated pest management in row-crop and vegetable systems. His studies blend basic and applied emphases to improve sustainability and profitability of crop production.

At Georgia, Ruberson has been serving as the site coordinator for entomology research, extension and instruction, or REI, activities at the university’s Tifton campus, where eight entomology faculty members and nine staff members are based. In that role he also coordinated activities with REI coordinators of seven other UGA departments on the Tifton campus, and research leaders of several U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service units.     

At Tifton, he has taught one course and co-taught two others annually.