Therese Poland Receives NCB Legacy Contribution Award
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EmailTherese Poland has been honored for her long-standing contributions to protecting forest ecosystems from invasive insects.
Therese Poland has received the Entomological Society of America’s North Central Branch Legacy Contribution Award, recognizing her decades of work developing tools and strategies that help detect, manage and reduce the impact of invasive forest insect pests.
Poland’s research has centered on detection and management of tree‑killing insects that threaten forest health. Over the course of her career, she has collaborated with scientists across disciplines and institutions to design semiochemical-based management approaches for bark beetles, advance foundational knowledge on new invasive species and develop attractants and detection tools for woodborers including the European pine shoot beetle, Asian longhorned beetle and emerald ash borer.
“I was surprised and really honored to learn that I received this award,” Poland said. “I think it really reflects the amazing collaborations I have had throughout my career, and how we have worked together to develop tools and strategies to help protect our forest ecosystems from damaging invasive insects.”
Research from Poland and her collaborators has been implemented in national compliance programs for Christmas tree production and has informed quarantine regulations designed to slow the spread of invasive insects. Their findings have shaped surveillance programs at ports of entry, supported eradication efforts for the Asian longhorned beetle and guided national survey and biological control programs for emerald ash borer. Poland has also contributed to developing ash resistance breeding, an important step toward restoring forests devastated by emerald ash borer.
She credits much of her success to the people and environment around her. “We are really fortunate to have our Forest Service lab located here in the Entomology Department,” she said. “We receive wonderful support from all of the staff and have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues, especially those I have worked closely with over the years including Deb McCullough, Jim Miller, Marianna Szucs, Jim Smith, Anthony Cognato, and many graduate and undergraduate students.”
Poland’s work highlights how sustained research and partnership can lead to real-world solutions that protect natural resources. Invasive insects have reshaped forests across North America, and the tools her teams have developed are now part of the nation’s frontline response.
