May Berenbaum: A Distinguished Career in Entomology and Science Leadership
May Berenbaum has established herself as a towering figure in the field of entomology—the scientific study of insects. Through her dual commitment to rigorous academic research and public outreach, she has spent decades bridging the gap between complex biological science and the general public.
Academic Leadership at University of Illinois
Since 1980, Berenbaum has been a vital member of the faculty within the department of entomology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Her leadership capabilities were formally recognized in 1992 when she began serving as the head of the department, a position she has held for over three decades.
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Prestigious Honors and Editorial Influence
Berenbaum's contributions to science have earned her election to some of the most prestigious academic bodies in the United States. In 1996, she was elected as a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and became a member of the American Philosophical Society.
Beyond her research, she has wielded significant influence over scientific literature. She served as the editor of the Annual Review of Entomology for twenty-one years, from 1997 until 2018. In 2019, she reached a new pinnacle of editorial leadership when she was named the editor-in-chief of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA (PNAS).
National Policy and Committee Work
Her expertise has been sought by the National Research Council to guide critical environmental and agricultural policies. Berenbaum has chaired two pivotal committees:
- The Committee on the Future of Pesticides in U.S. Agriculture (2000)
- The Committee on the Status of Pollinators in North America (2007)
Science Communication and Public Engagement
Dedicated to making entomology accessible, Berenbaum has authored numerous magazine articles and several books designed for the general public. Her writing often blends scientific fact with engaging narratives to demystify the world of insects.
| Year | Book Title |
|---|---|
| 1989 | Ninety-nine gnats, nits, and nibblers |
| 1993 | Ninety-nine more maggots, mites, and munchers |
| 1995 | Bugs in the system: insects and their impact on human affairs |
| 2000 | Buzzwords: a scientist muses on sex, bugs, and rock'n roll |
| 2009 | Earwig's tail: a modern bestiary of multi-legged legends |
| 2010 | Honey, I'm homemade: sweet treats from the beehive across the centuries and around the world |
In addition to her literary work, Berenbaum is known for her unique approach to community engagement as the organizer of the Insect Fear Film Festival at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Key Facts
- Faculty Tenure: Member of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign since 1980.
- Departmental Head: Led the entomology department since 1992.
- Major Editorial Role: Editor-in-chief of PNAS since 2019.
- Academic Honors: Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (1996).
- Policy Impact: Chaired National Research Council committees on pesticides (2000) and pollinators (2007).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is May Berenbaum's role at the University of Illinois?
She has been a faculty member in the department of entomology since 1980 and has served as the head of that department since 1992.
Which major scientific journals has she edited?
She was the editor of the Annual Review of Entomology from 1997 to 2018 and became the editor-in-chief of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA in 2019.
What national committees has she chaired?
She chaired the National Research Council's Committee on the Future of Pesticides in U.S. Agriculture in 2000 and the Committee on the Status of Pollinators in North America in 2007.
Does May Berenbaum write for the general public?
Yes, she has written numerous magazine articles and several books, including "Bugs in the system" and "Honey, I'm homemade," to share insect science with a wider audience.
What is the Insect Fear Film Festival?
It is a unique event organized by Berenbaum at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.