Scholarships and Financial Aid - Department of Entomology

Students at Texas A&M get a world-class education at a reasonable cost—and graduate with far less college-related debt than their peers at other universities. We award over $50,000 in scholarships annually to undergraduate students in the Department of Entomology and support graduate students through assistantships and fellowships, travel and research grants. This funding is made possible by donors and supporters of the department including former students, family and friends, former faculty and industry sponsors.

View Current List of Entomology Scholarships

Undergraduate Scholarships
Undergraduate Urban Entomology Scholarships
Graduate Scholarships and Fellowships

Non-Resident Tuition Waiver

Available for graduate or undergraduate students, The Competitive Scholarship waiver, authorized under Texas Education Code 54.213a, is an optional waiver that institutions can implement. An eligible non-resident student who holds a competitive academic scholarship of a specified minimum dollar amount for the academic year or summer for which the student is enrolled may be eligible to pay the fees and charges required of Texas residents without regard to the length of time the student has resided in Texas. Learn more about requirements and eligibility for the non-resident tuition waiver.

Undergraduate Scholarships

Our department offers over 35 scholarships annually to undergraduate students to help make higher education more affordable and accessible. To be eligible for these scholarships, undergraduate students need to fill out the university scholarship application. Scholarship awards are assessed each year and given based on need and availability of funds. Students may be eligible for different scholarships based on the type of student they are. For more information on application deadlines, please visit the Important Dates page on the university website. Students will be notified by the department if they have received an award. Undergraduate scholarships are given during the annual undergraduate entomology student recognition banquet.

Graduate Funding Opportunities

There are a number of fellowship and scholarship opportunities that are available to graduate students. The following discussion summarizes some of the major opportunities currently available. Most provide a nonresident tuition waiver. Check with the department graduate office and Office of Graduate Studies for details. Students holding fellowships should check the current graduate catalog to determine registration requirements.

Graduate Scholarships and Fellowships

To be eligible for university scholarships, graduate students need to fill out the university scholarship application. In addition to university scholarships, the Department may offer a limited number of competitive or travel scholarships based on merit and financial need. Recipients of such scholarships are eligible for a waiver of non-resident tuition. Requests for applications will be announced and distributed through the department.

Graduate fellowships are awarded annually based on availability of funding and need. They are open to master’s and doctoral students in the Department of Entomology through our department or the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Graduate Student Research and Presentation Travel Award

The Graduate and Professional School’s Graduate Student Research and Presentation (RAP) Travel Award provides graduate students with educational and professional development opportunities through reimbursing up to $750 for travel expenses associated with academic conferences and research projects in the United States and abroad.

Graduate Assistantships

Most graduate students in the Department of Entomology are supported by research assistantships awarded by individual faculty. A limited number of teaching assistantships in the department are available and generally used to supplement other support. To be competitive for research assistantships, students should apply early. We recommend no later than February 1 for programs to begin in the following fall semester.

Graduate Research Assistantships

As a graduate research assistant, students work alongside our scientists and faculty experts to advance their research aims within their lab. In addition to funding, students get experience conducting and leading research projects, mentoring undergraduate researchers, presenting at regional, national and international conferences and preparing their work for publication in top-tier journals.

To be competitive for research assistantships, students should apply early. We recommend no later than February 1 for programs to begin in the following fall semester. We also highlight recommend that as students identify and reach out to faculty they might be interested in working alongside.

Graduate Teaching Assistantship Program

We offer qualified graduate students in good standing with the Department of Entomology with opportunities to obtain education, training, mentoring, and experience in college-level teaching to prepare them for careers in academia or education. Our teaching assistants are highly valued and contribute greatly to the experiences of our undergraduate students in the classroom, lab or field.

Learn about the Graduate Teaching Assistant Program

Current List of Entomology Scholarships

Undergraduate Scholarships

Burruss McDaniel/Entomology Systematics Scholarship

The Burruss McDaniel/Entomology Systematics Scholarship was established in memory of Dr. Burrus McDaniel, who received his Ph.D. from Texas A&M University and who was a faculty member for 5 years with the Department of Entomology. Dr. McDaniel exhibited a passion for the insect systematics, which will be promoted through this scholarship.

Department of Entomology Scholarships

The Department of Entomology scholarships are given to students that are in good standing with the Department of Entomology and the University and currently majoring or interested in Entomology or Forensic and Investigative Sciences.

Dial and Eva Martin Memorial Scholarship

Dr. Dial F. Martin served 18 years on the faculty of the Texas A&M Department of Entomology and 24 years with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He was well known for his teaching of entomology and research on pecan and cotton pests. He was dedicated to service of others, and was president of the Southwestern and Southeastern branches of the Entomological Society of America. His wife Eva remains a vibrant supporter of the Department, and frequents many Department functions.

Dr. Perry L. Adkisson Scholarship

The Perry L. Adkisson Scholarship is established in honor of Dr. Perry Adkisson. Dr. Adkisson served as chair of the Department of Entomology from 1967-1978 and as the Texas A&M University System Chancellor from 1986-1990. Prestigious honors bestowed upon Dr. Adkisson are his election to the National Academy of Sciences as well as the Wolf Prize for his contributions to improving agriculture through integrated pest management. He was inducted into the Heritage Hall of Honor in 1998 and received the the 1980 Alexander von Humboldt Award for outstanding contribution to agriculture. Dr. Adkisson endowed the scholarship for undergraduate students interested in entomology and are in good standing.

Entomology Outstanding Faculty Scholarship

This scholarship is named each year for the faculty member selected for the outstanding faculty member by the students for the prior year. It is established for students having an outstanding academic performance and service with the Department and the community.

Fowden G and Katherine G Maxwell Scholarship

Dr. Fowden Maxwell joined the faculty at Texas A&M in 1978 where he served as Head of the Department for 18 years. During that period, the department gained expertise in biological control, systematics, systems science, toxicology, physiology, and molecular biology.

Honorah Doré Scholarship

The Honorah A. Doré Scholarship was established in memory of Honorah A. Doré. The scholarship is set up to help current students majoring in Entomology.

Horace and Shirley Burke Scholarship

Dr Burke’s first position in entomology at Texas A&M was as a research assistant in the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station in 1954. He was then appointed to an assistant professor position in the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station in 1956 and then in 1958 with Texas A&M University. Burke taught as an Entomology professor for 35 years.
Dr. Burke’s primary research interests are the systematics of weevils, particularly the subfamily that contains the boll weevil (Anthonominae). As curator from 1959-1996, Dr. Burke increased the Department’s collection to where it became recognized as one of the premier land-grant-university based entomological research collections in the United States.
The scholarship is established for students with a good standing in the Department and are majoring in Entomology or Forensic and Investigative Sciences.

Len P. Quattrochi Memorial Scholarship

The scholarship is in memory of Len P. Quattrochi, owner of B&G Pest Control. Mr. Quattrochi was a dynamic force in the pest control industry and was enthusiastic about learning entomology. This scholarship is for students that have the same enthusiasm that Mr. Quattrochi had for insects and learning entomology.

Manning A. Price Scholarship

Dr. Manning Price was a longtime teacher in the areas of veterinary and medical entomology in the Department of Entomology. Many entomologist and veterinarians received their introductions to insect, tick and mite pests of domestic animals in the Undergraduate and graduate courses he taught. Dr. Price was deeply involved in the promotion of professional students in Entomology.

Paul Truman Riherd Memorial Scholarship

Paul Riherd graduated from Texas A&M College in 1936 with a B.S. degree in Entomology. He received the M.S. degree from the University of Florida in 1938 with an interest in the ecology and control of mosquitoes. In 1939 he joined the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station at Weslaco conducting research on vegetable insects.
During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy in charge of malaria control. He rejoined the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas in 1949 conducting research on control of a variety of insect pests. From 1954 to 1972 he was self-employed as a consulting entomologist in the Lower Rio Grande Valley and northern Mexico. He retired near Stephenville, Texas.

hand wearing Aggie ring with an insect sitting on it

Undergraduate Urban Entomology Scholarships

Alice Jean and George E. Novy Memorial Scholarship

The scholarship was named for Dr. Roger Meola, who served a 27-year tenure as a faculty member in the Department. Dr. Meola was an exceptional teacher and research scientist, where he addressed the physiology and behavior of a number of insects. Dr. Meola brought a kind and caring approach to working with his colleagues, and with the many undergraduate and graduate students who continue his legacy throughout the world.

Bill and Casey Clark Endowed Scholarship

Bill Clark was a former student of Texas A&M University and active member in several organizations, including the College of Agriculture Development Council and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Clark was instrumental in starting the endowed chair in urban and structural entomology in the late 1980s and setting up several scholarships for students interested in studying in the urban entomology field.

Clay Stroope Endowed Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is established in memory of Clay Stroope, son of Joanne and Don Stroope of Stroope Pest Control in Waxahachie, Texas. Clay, a graduate of Texas A&M in 1980, was the former owner of Stroope Pest Control in Austin. He passed away at an early age. The scholarship bearing Mr. Stroope’s name is for students interested in studying urban and structural entomology.

Clayton Wright Memorial Endowed Scholarship

This scholarship was established in memory of Clayton Wright. Mr Wright owned and operated B&G Chemical Company, a regional distributor of pest control supplies in Texas, Oklahoma and Arizona. Mr. Wright always supported universities that encouraged people to enter the pest control industry and this scholarship reflects his interest in students’ enthusiasm. Wright was also instrumental in the success of the Endowed Chair for Urban and Structural Entomology at Texas A&M in College Station.

C.R. Butler and W.J. Patrick Memorial Endowed Scholarship

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Dr. Harry Howell Memorial Scholarship

Dr. Harry Howell worked as an Associate Research Scientist for the Center for Urban and Structural Entomology in College Station for 16 years. He has contributed to the pest control industry and urban entomology by his outstanding research, seminars and workshops throughout the years. Dr. Howell passed away during the summer of 2005.
The scholarship is for worthy and deserving students currently enrolled at the University. Potential recipients must meet the following guidelines:
Must be either an undergraduate or graduate student
Must be currently pursuing a degree from the Department of Entomology, with an interest in Urban and Structural Entomology (urban pest management)

Dr. Roger E. Gold Endowed Graduate Scholarship

Dr. Roger E. Gold was hired in the department as the first holder of the Endowed Chair in Urban and Structural Entomology Program in 1989 until he retired in 2014. Dr. Gold developed an outstanding program for students and served as a valuable resource for the pest control for industry. He was an exceptionally gifted entomologist who led the effort to construct the Rollins Urban and Structural Insect Facility.
The “Dr. Roger E. Gold Endowed Graduate Scholarship” was established by James M (Mark) Ivey ’74, Bill L. Clark ’57, Mark A. Boyd ’80 and Rollins Inc. to honor Dr. Gold’s 25 years of service and is dedicated to support full-time graduate student(s) who are in good standing who are pursuing a degree in Entomology from Texas A&M University as well as studying in areas or conducting research activities which support the Endowed Chair in Urban and Structural Entomology.

Dr. Roger Walker Meola Scholarship

Gib Witten Scholarship

Gib Witten worked in the pest control industry in San Antonio and was active in the State Pest Control Association. This scholarship is for students that are currently pursuing an interest in urban and structural entomology.

Joanne Rowntree Endowed Memorial Scholarship

The scholarship was set up in the memory of Joanne Rowntree. Rowntree was the wife of Stroope Pest Control owner Don Stroope. Set up in memory of her, the scholarship is to help students that are currently enrolled or interested in pursuing a degree in Entomology.

Robert W. Jenkins Scholarship

This scholarship is established in memory of Robert W. Jenkins, a graduate of Texas A&M in 1959. The scholarship is named in memory of Mr. Jenkins and is for students interested in urban entomology and pest management. Mr. Jenkins owned what is now called ABC Pest Control Companies, which has offices in Houston, Dallas and Austin.

Urban and Public Health Endowed Chair Scholarship

Provided through the generosity of Dr. Roger Gold, Professor and Endowed Chair in Urban and Structural Entomology, this scholarship is established for eligible students focusing their studies on urban and structural entomology or public health entomology.

Students collecting insect samples on a cement patio

Graduate Scholarships and Fellowships

AB & Dr. CE Hoelscher ’62 Entomology Graduate Student Scholarship

The AB & Dr. CE Hoelscher ’62 Entomology Graduate Student Scholarship is dedicated to strengthening research, Extension, and instructional programs conducted by a full-time graduate student in good standing pursuing a doctoral degree through the Department of Entomology in the area of livestock and wildlife entomology. Dr. Hoelscher dedicated his career to Extension and livestock entomology and made significant contributions to the protection of Texas livestock.

Eligibility
Prospective applicants must submit:
1. a two-page statement outlining (a) the merits of their academic achievements, (b) the proposed body of work to be supported by the scholarship, (c) the anticipated impacts of their proposed research, Extension and/or instruction programs (d) the personal and societal value of their extra-curricular activities, and (e) an indication of their financial need
2. a letter of support from the Department sponsor or major professor
3. a complete and signed vita
4. all academic transcripts

The recipient of the AB & Dr. CE Hoelscher ’62 Entomology Graduate Student Scholarship shall receive up to $2,500 applicable to the payment of their tuition, fees, stipend, or other expenses consistent with the intent of the gift agreement during the award year. All awardees are expected to acknowledge support from AB & Dr. CE Hoelscher ’62 Entomology Graduate Student Scholarship in a in a letter to the donors and all presentations and publications as appropriate.

Inaugural Offering in Spring 2022

C. Everette Salyer Fellowship in Cotton Research

The C. Everette Salyer Fellowship in Cotton Research is dedicated to sponsor pre-doctoral and post-doctoral fellowships in cotton research vital to the United States cotton industry.
Areas of potential research include, but are not limited to: genetics and breeding, pest management, mechanization, marketing and policy, computer modeling and decision aids, and food products from cottonseed.

Eligibility:
– Demonstrated aptitude for cotton research
– U.S. Citizen
– Pre-doctoral candidates must meet the admission requirements of department and university

Graduate Merit Fellowships

These prestigious fellowships are awarded through a University-wide competition. The fellowships are designed to encourage high-quality applicants to enroll for the first time in graduate programs at Texas A&M University. Nominations are made by the department to the College. These awards are for one year.

Heep Award for Excellence in Graduate Study

The Heep Award was created to enhance recruitment of the best prospective Ph.D. students. This is a three year award made to incoming Ph.D. students, and can be given in conjunction with an assistantship in the department. Nominations are made by the Department to the Office of Graduate Studies.

Herbert Dean Scholarship

Herbert Dean ’40 received his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in entomology. Dr. Dean worked at the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station in College Station, then moved to Weslaco to work on citrus insects. Dr. Dean retired in 1981 from his position as an assistant professor and passed away late September 2008. The scholarship is given to students who are currently attending Texas A&M University and majoring in the entomology or forensic and investigative sciences programs.

J.H. Benedict, Sr. Memorial Scholarship

The J.H. Benedict, Sr. Memorial Scholarship is awarded to graduate students currently enrolled in the Department of Entomology. Recipients must be of good standing with the Department and the university.

Prospective applicants must submit:
– Two-page statement*
– Letter of support from the department sponsor or major professor
– Complete and signed curriculum vita
– All academic transcripts

*Statement must include: 1) academic achievement; 2) personal and societal value of their extracurricular activities; 3) financial need.

John A. Jackman Endowed Scholarship

The John A. Jackman Endowed Scholarship is dedicated to support a full-time graduate student in good standing pursing a degree in Entomology from Texas A&M University. The recipient will be selected based on academic achievement, program of study that will lead to a career in entomology, and financial need.

The recipient of the John A. Jackman Endowed Scholarship shall receive $1,500 applicable to payment of their tuition and fees during the award year. Dr. Jackman was an exceptionally gifted Extension entomologist who excelled at adult learning and had a passion to teach others about entomology. Those applicants who have demonstrated an aptitude and appreciation for extension entomology will be given preference, but any graduate student in good standing in Entomology can apply for this scholarship. All awardees are expected to acknowledge support from the John A. Jackman Endowed Scholarship in a letter to the Jackman family and in all presentations and publications as appropriate.

Prospective applicants must submit:
– Two-page statement*
– Letter of support from the department sponsor or major professor
– Complete and signed curriculum vitae
– All academic transcripts

*Statement must include: 1) academic achievement; 2) goals of their graduate degree program and career aspirations; 3) personal and societal value of their extracurricular activities; 5) financial need.

Knipling-Bushland-Swahrf Graduate Student Scholarship

The Knipling-Bushland-SWAHRF Student Scholarship is dedicated to strengthen research, extension and instructional programs conducted by a full-time graduate student in good standing pursing a doctoral degree through the Department of Entomology in the area of livestock and wildlife entomology.

Prospective applicants must submit:
– Two-page statement*
– Letter of support from the department sponsor or major professor
– Complete and signed curriculum vitae
– All academic transcripts

*Statement must include: 1) academic achievement; 2) proposed body of work to be supported by the scholarship; 3) anticipated impacts of proposed research, extension and/or instruction programs; 4) personal and societal value of their extracurricular activities; 5) financial need.

National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships

The National Science Foundation, NSF, awards these fellowships and the money is administered through the Office of Graduate Studies. Applications can be obtained from the Office of Graduate Studies during September and October and sent directly to the NSF.

Regents Graduate Fellowships

These highly competitive awards are given to new graduate or professional students with exceptional credentials. The awards are for one year with an option for renewal by the College. Fellowship nominations are made by the Department to the College or by the intercollegiate faculties to the Office of Graduate Studies. The size of stipends varies depending on College guidelines.

Willie May Harris Charitable Trust Graduate Fellowship

The Willie May Harris Fellowship is awarded to first time graduate students who are citizens of the United States. The award is for a one-year term. Nominations are made by the Department to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Person touching insect samples that are sitting on plastic bag