The Entomology Society of America (ESA) has recognized Cesar Rodriguez-Saona, extension specialist in blueberry and cranberry entomology, with the Eastern Branch Award for Excellence in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Changlu Wang, extension specialist in urban entomology, with the Eastern Branch Distinguished Achievement Award in Extension. The awards are presented by ESA to scientists who have distinguished themselves through their contributions to entomology.
Cesar Rodriguez-Saona.
The Award for Excellence in Integrated Pest Management recognizes outstanding contributions to IPM, with special consideration for independence of thought and originality. Rodriguez-Saona’s research on IPM in blueberry and cranberry crops has provided growers with practical, science-based tools to manage insect pests while reducing reliance on broad-spectrum insecticides. His work has significantly advanced the use of behavior-based strategies, biological control, and reduced-risk insecticides.
Through his extension program, Rodriguez-Saona has reached hundreds of growers across New Jersey and beyond, promoting sustainable pest management practices that enhance both the economic and environmental sustainability of berry production systems. He has delivered more than 300 presentations to growers, crop consultants, extension agents, and researchers nationally and internationally. His outreach efforts include field days, grower meetings, newsletter articles and educational videos focused on pest identification and management.
“I am honored to receive the Award for Excellence in Integrated Pest Management from the Eastern Branch of the Entomological Society of America. I am deeply grateful to my colleagues, growers, research collaborators, and funding agencies for their invaluable support of my work in insect pest management research and extension,” said Rodriguez-Saona.
Changlu Wang at work implementing integrated pest management in multi-family housing.
The Distinguished Achievement Award in Extension recognizes outstanding contributions in the area of extension and demonstrated excellent performance through program creativity, impact, achievement and delivery. Wang’s research on IPM in apartment buildings have provided practical solutions on how to implement IPM in multi-family housing and the benefit of IPM for reducing indoor health risk including pests, pest allergens, and insecticide residues. His extension program has reached thousands of low-income homes throughout New Jersey and other states, with the goal of reducing pest problems and environmental risks in the urban environment, improve quality of life and protect public health. Wang has also presented numerous talks to pest management professionals, housing staff, public health workers in the U.S. and internationally.
“I feel honored to receive this prestigious award from the Eastern Branch of ESA. I am thankful to the colleagues, housing authorities, funding agencies for supporting my effort in urban pest management research and extension,” said Wang.
As part of a broad-based urban pest management outreach program, Wang has produced several highly impactful bed bug videos with the most popular video receiving 47 million views.
