For nearly four decades, Washington State University entomologist Elizabeth Beers has helped stop insect pests that spread damage and disease in Pacific Northwest apple, cherry, and pear orchards while training the next generation of scientists.
This summer, Beers was awarded her professional society’s highest recognition, Fellow of the Entomological Society of America (ESA).
The largest organization serving entomologists in the world, ESA was founded in 1889 and has nearly 7,000 members working in education, health, industry, and government. Fellows make outstanding contributions to the profession and inspire others through their accomplishments.
Part of WSU’s Department of Entomology since 1985, Beers leads a team of technicians, post-docs and student scientists, who work with Washington tree fruit growers to solve insect and mite pest problems plaguing apples, pears, cherries, and stone fruits. Her lab motto is “no bug left behind.”
Based in Wenatchee, Wash., she reaches out to growers to share knowledge and trains budding entomologists. Beers and her students study pests like the brown marmorated stink bug, a voracious invader, spotted wing drosophila, codling moth, aphids, and mites, as well as insect-spread diseases.
Beers did her undergraduate work at Cornell University and holds a doctorate from Penn State.
- Entomologists in WSU’s College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences support a more resilient Washington. Learn more about our mission for a secure food supply, sustainable natural resources, an adaptable workforce, and thriving communities.