As climate change brings more insect pests to Canada’s farms and forests, a newly funded research and teaching chair at the University of Guelph is intended to help manage infestation threats to crops and trees.  

The new E. Alan (OAC ’60) and Jule A. Cameron Chair in Ecological Pest Management will be funded by a $3-million gift from Alan, a graduate of the Ontario Agricultural College, and his wife, Jule.  

Their gift will support this new chair in the School of Environmental Sciences for an unlimited term.  The new position will be filled in 2023.  

“Sustainable pest management is a vital aspect of protecting healthy ecosystems while supporting a robust agricultural industry,” said University of Guelph president Dr. Charlotte Yates. “On behalf of all of us at the University, I want to express my gratitude to the Camerons for their visionary gift that will grow our collective understanding of pest management best practices.” 

Added Dr. Rene Van Acker, OAC dean, “We are so grateful to the Camerons for their tremendous generosity and for their vision in funding this new chair. The future of insect pest management will always be built upon a fundamental understanding of the ecological context.  

“The establishment of this chair ensures that we have the entomological and insect management research and teaching capacity that will lead us into the future.”  

The new faculty member will study ecologically based pest management strategies such as biological controls, semiochemicals (e.g., pheromones), and chemical and biological pesticides with minimal environmental impact.

The chair will also teach both undergraduate and graduate courses in environmental science and interact with industry, farmers and government agencies. 

Source:  University of Guelph November 11, 2022 news release