Bruce McPheron, professor of entomology in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, has been named the college’s associate dean for research and graduate education and director of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station.

“Bruce’s outstanding record in research and graduate education, along with his prior work in cooperative extension, provide ideal experience for this important position on our leadership team,” says Robert Steele, dean of the college. “We are delighted that he has joined us.”

McPheron’s research in insect molecular ecology has focused on population genetics, the genetics of insecticide resistance and the genetic history of insect incursions into new geographic areas. His extensive research on the genetics and geographical origin of Mediterranean fruit fly infestations has taken him around the world to conduct field work and collect specimens. He also has studied pesticide resistance and population dynamics of Pennsylvania agricultural pests such as tufted apple bud moth and apple maggot.

His research has been supported by 18 funding agencies, including the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Pennsylvania, Florida, and California departments of agriculture. He has authored or co-authored more than 75 refereed and non-refereed journal articles and book chapters.

McPheron credits his experience in 4-H as a youth for starting him on his career path. “I started collecting insects at the age of 11 after seeing 4-H displays at the county fair,” he says. “4-H taught me technical knowledge, interpersonal skills, leadership, and public speaking, and it provided financial support in the form of a college scholarship.”

McPheron has taught undergraduate and graduate entomology courses and has mentored 15 graduate students and four postdoctoral scholars. He has served on numerous departmental, college, and University committees. In addition, he is a member of several professional societies and serves as a reviewer for 21 scientific journals and eight granting agencies.

McPheron joined Penn State in 1988 as an assistant professor of entomology. He became associate professor in 1994 and attained the rank of full professor in 2000. Since 2000, he also has served as an administrative fellow in the Office of Research and Graduate Education, where he has addressed issues of intellectual property management; federal, state, and university accountability; and industry relations.

Before coming to Penn State, McPheron was a postdoctoral researcher at Louisiana State University, a teaching assistant at the University of Illinois, and a county extension agent for 4-H and youth development in Clermont County, Ohio.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture with a concentration in entomology from The Ohio State University. He received his master’s degree in biology and his doctorate in entomology from the University of Illinois.

—Chuck Gill