FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Four graduate students in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences entomology program at the University of Arkansas recently took first or second place in poster competition at the Entomological Society of America national meeting.

Clinton Trammel, a master’s candidate, won first place in the systematics, evolution and biodiversity section. Trammel, who is from Springdale, was advised by professor Allen Szalanski.

Beth Ferguson placed first in the master’s category in the plant-insect section, and was advised by professor Tim Kring. Ferguson, from Chico, Texas, earned her master’s degree from Oklahoma State University, but is now working on her doctorate at the U of A.

Also in the master’s category, Matthew Ethington of Salt Lake City, Utah, and advised by University Professor Fred Stephen, was second in the plant-insect section. Fredericka Hamilton, who is from Colonial Heights, Virginia, and worked with associate professor Ashley Dowling, was second in the systematics, evolution and biodiversity section.

In the doctoral category, Amber Tripodi of Logan, Utah, was second in the plant-insect section working with Szalanski.

The Entomological Society of America is the largest organization in the world serving the professional and scientific needs of entomologists and individuals in related disciplines.

The annual meeting was held in Portland, Oregon, in November.