Christopher Marley and James McWilliams to Give Plenary Speeches at Entomology 2010

Entomology 2010, the 58th Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America, will feature two plenary speakers during the meeting in San Diego, California, December 12-15, 2010.

Christopher Marley, an author and insect artist, will explain how he changed from a former “insect-phobe” into an aficionado during a speech called "The Aesthetics of Insects." Marley's life path started in Covina, CA in the late 1960’s, where he had a great aversion to insects that persisted throughout his childhood in Oregon and even into his time as a missionary in Northern Chile. Upon his return from his missionary trip, he alternated semesters at BYU studying design, with travels abroad working in fashion advertising. Over time, his perspective on insects began to morph from phobia to intense appreciation. The radical morphological variances of insects became an almost obsessive fascination, and he began to incorporate insects into his design work until they became the central focus. He opened his first gallery in Hermosa Beach, CA in 1999, and after two years took his unique form of artwork into hundreds of stores and galleries throughout the US, Canada, Japan. Meeting attendees will see samples of his beautiful work shown in galleries around the world, and they’ll have the opportunity to purchase a signed copy of his book Pheromone on Monday at the ESA booth.


James McWilliams, a historian at Texas State University and the author of four books, including American Pests: Our Losing War on Insects from Colonial Times to DDT, writes regularly for the New York Times, Slate, and The Atlantic, and is a contributing writer at the Texas Observer. In 2009 he received the Heitt Prize in the Humanities, given by the Dallas Institute for the Humanities to a scholar whose work promises to "change the way the world thinks." During his speech entitled "Historical Perspectives on Insect Control in Early America," he will share his insights on the history of early American pest control and much more.

Christopher Marley will speak Monday, December 13, from 12:30-1:15. James MCWilliams' speech will be held on Tuesday, December 14, from 12:15-12:45.

During Entomology 2010, thousands of entomologists and professionals from related disciplines will gather from around the world to exchange scientific information and ideas, enhance professional knowledge and skills, network with colleagues and re-acquaint with old friends. In addition, students will compete in the President’s Prize and in the Linnaean Games, and there is a Career Center where job vacancies and resumes are posted. A commercial exhibition will feature entomological equipment, supplies, and reference materials, as well as the opportunity to purchase gifts for friends and family, and attendees will have the opportunity to participate in tours around San Diego.

Click here for more information about Entomology 2010.