Texas A&M AgriLife entomologists honored for excellence
Three insect experts recognized for advancing education, training
Three experts in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Entomology were recognized for their outstanding achievements by the Southwestern Branch of the Entomological Society of America.
These awards underscore the department’s continued impact in advancing entomological science and education.
Molly Keck, senior program specialist with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in San Antonio; Tonya Shepherd, Ph.D., senior research associate in Bryan-College Station; and Janet Hurley, AgriLife Extension senior program specialist in Dallas, were recognized for their exemplary work in education, outreach and integrated pest management.
Molly Keck
Keck received the Distinguished Achievement Award in Extension for her impactful role in integrated pest management, IPM, education and extension programming for Texans. Since 2005, she has delivered high-impact educational programs to a broad audience across Texas, including over 57,000 youth, 40,000 adults and 6,000 pest control professionals.
Her dynamic approach includes programming for gardeners, homeowners, landscape professionals, beekeepers and grassroots community organizations throughout the San Antonio region. Keck’s work continues to elevate public awareness and practical understanding of IPM statewide.
Tonya Shepherd
Shepherd received the Distinguished Achievement Award in Teaching, highlighting her dual role as a researcher and instructor. She manages the honey bee molecular genetics lab in the Heep Center on the Texas A&M University campus and the Janice and John G. Thomas Honey Bee Facility at Texas A&M-RELLIS.
She also serves as a lecturer for Honey Bee Biology, an online course that has reached more than 3,000 students. Her dedication to science communication extends beyond the classrooms and labs, as she regularly speaks at teaching conferences and beekeeping events across Texas, advancing bee biology understanding through education.
Janet Hurley
Hurley received the Award for Excellence in Integrated Pest Management for her statewide leadership in school IPM. She played an instrumental role shaping safe, preventative pest management strategies that protect Texas children and schools.
She leads statewide trainings for IPM coordinators and staff, manages and coordinates nationally recognized educational materials and participated in national and regional IPM committees.
Her work addressing pests, including bats and rodents, securing grants and cultivating strong partnerships with a range of stakeholders, including the Texas Department of Agriculture, has cemented her as a go-to expert in school IPM regulations and practice.
