Texas A&M entomologist receives international honor

Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu
Contacts: Dr. Jim Woolley: 979-845-9349, JimWoolley@tamu.edu
Dr. Brad Vinson: 979-845-9754, bvinson@neo.tamu.edu

COLLEGE STATION – International research-related honors were recently awarded a faculty member in Texas A&M University’s department of entomology.

Dr. Bradleigh Vinson, a professor in the department, was awarded the Distinguished Research Medal of the International Society of Hymenopterists for 2012, said Dr. Jim Woolley, who nominated Vinson for the award. Woolley is a peer of Vinson’s and also a professor in the department.

“This medal is awarded only every two to four years by the society to a scientist who has made outstanding contributions to research on Hymenoptera over a lifetime of work,” Woolley said.

The aim of the society is to encourage scientific research and promote the diffusion of knowledge about insects in the order Hymenoptera, which includes sawflies, bees, ants and other wasps, according to its website www.hymenopterists.org/ .

Woolley said Vinson is known throughout the world for his work on the physiological ecology of parasitic wasps. He has also conducted largely independent research programs on the ecology and biology of red imported fire ants and the field ecology of solitary bees.

“His impact in all of these fields has been enormous,” Woolley said. “The research has resulted in over 535 journal articles, 87 book chapters, 11 review articles, seven books and numerous other publications. He has served as major advisor to 76 graduate students 44 postdoctoral students, many of which have gone on to distinguished and successful research and teaching careers.”

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