Lina Bernaola to Become the First Latina President of the Entomology Society of America

Lina Bernaola, assistant professor in the Texas A&M University AgriLife Research Department of Entomology is the new vice president-elect for the Entomology Society of America. She will become vice president of the Entomology Society of America this November and take the presidency in November 2024. She will be the first Latina president of the association.

The Entomological Society of America is the largest organization in the world serving the professional and scientific needs of entomologists and individuals in related disciplines. Founded in 1889, ESA has more than 7,000 members affiliated with educational institutions, health agencies, private industry, and government.

A native of Lima, Peru, Dr. Bernaola earned a bachelor’s degree in biology at Universidad Nacional Major de San Marcos. She then worked at the International Potato Center in Lima. Dr. Bernaola later earned a master’s degree in agronomy and a Ph.D. in entomology at Louisiana State University.

Professor Bernaola’s research focuses on pests that prey on rice crops in Texas. Broadly, her research seeks to identify and develop sustainable and cost-effective management programs for insect pests of rice.