Montana State University professor Bob Peterson has been named a fellow of the Entomological Society of America (ESA), an honor recognizing his contributions to the field of entomology. Peterson, who joined MSU’s faculty in 2002 and currently leads the Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences, was one of nine entomologists nationwide selected as ESA fellows for 2025.
Peterson’s research centers on agricultural and biological risk assessment. He also established and directed MSU’s professional master’s program in environmental sciences, earning two awards for excellence in online teaching. His work in entomology includes developing resources to help the public learn about insects and their environments.
“Being selected as a fellow of the Entomological Society of America is a tremendous honor,” Peterson said. “As a kid with a fascination for insects, I could have never imagined having such a fulfilling career as an entomologist and being recognized for it by others.”
The ESA fellowship recognizes outstanding achievements in research, teaching, and public engagement within entomology. Peterson was acknowledged particularly for his research contributions. The new fellows will be formally recognized at the ESA annual meeting scheduled for November in Portland, Oregon.
According to the ESA, Peterson has produced more than 145 peer-reviewed articles, contributed 15 book chapters, and authored two books. The organization cited his “diverse, yet interrelated, research program with important and broad advances for entomology,” including a notable 2006 study on the risks associated with mosquito insecticides on human health. At MSU and through his involvement with ESA, Peterson has mentored numerous graduate students and early-career faculty members while teaching thousands of students.
“We are exceptionally proud of Dr. Peterson’s distinguished recognition. He has been a wonderful faculty member, administrator and entomologist who has been dedicated to the land-grant mission throughout his career,” said Darrin Boss, associate director of the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station and associate dean for research at MSU’s College of Agriculture. “His research and mentorship of the students of MSU is truly commendable and his programming always has the needs of Montana’s agricultural and natural resource industries at its forefront.”
Peterson previously served as president of the ESA in 2019 where he led new initiatives within the organization. He received MSU College of Agriculture’s Distinguished Faculty Award in 2021 and was named an honorary member of ESA in 2023.
The Entomological Society of America represents nearly 7,000 members from educational institutions, health agencies, private industry, and government sectors worldwide.
