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Pi Chi Omega, the international fraternity for pest management professionals, continued its longstanding commitment to supporting the next generation of entomologists and pest management leaders through its annual scholarship program. Since establishing the program in 1976, Pi Chi Omega has awarded 189 scholarships totaling more than $301,000 to students studying entomology and related fields.
The organization’s first scholarship recipient was Bobby Corrigan, Ph.D., now one of the most respected and recognizable figures in the pest management industry on rodent control. Like many scholarship recipients over the years, Corrigan credits Pi Chi Omega’s support as an important part of his professional journey. Through the scholarship program, Pi Chi Omega not only encourages research and academic achievement that benefits the structural pest management industry but also helps cultivate a strong pipeline of talented entomologists who often go on to build careers within the industry after graduation.
Stephanie Hill, Ph.D., Chair of the Scholarship Committee and a 2010 scholarship recipient herself, shared in a news release, “This year’s applicant pool showcased an outstanding level of passion, academic achievement and commitment to advancing the pest management industry. The committee was truly encouraged by the caliber of students pursuing careers in our field.”
Hill also recognized the efforts of the scholarship committee, stating, “We are grateful to the committee members for their thoughtful evaluation process and dedication throughout the selection process. Choosing just six recipients from such a strong and deserving group of applicants was no easy task.”
Pi Chi Omega President James Miller, ACE, emphasized the organization’s continued investment in future industry leaders. “Supporting the next generation of pest management professionals and entomology researchers is central to Pi Chi Omega’s mission,” added Miller. “These students demonstrate exceptional promise and we are proud to invest in their future success.”
Miller continued, “Our scholarship program reflects Pi Chi Omega’s ongoing commitment to advancing the industry through education, leadership and research. Scholarship recipients are selected for their academic achievement, passion for the field and potential to make meaningful contributions to the profession.”
Below are the following recipients of the 2026 scholarship awards:
- John Osmun Scholarship awarded to graduate student Bandana Shrestha, University of Kentucky – $3,500
- Founders Endowment Scholarship awarded to graduate student Jun-Yin Lum, University of California, Riverside – $2,500
- Alain VanRyckeghem Memorial Scholarship awarded to graduate student Ashmita Sapkota, Auburn University – $2,500
- Austin Frishman Scholarship awarded to graduate student Fan-Ling Liu, Texas A&M University – $2,500
- Norm Ehmann Scholarship awarded to graduate student Austin McKay, Louisiana State University – $2,500
- R. Randall Rollins Memorial Scholarship awarded to graduate student Babatunji Daramola, Rutgers University – $2,500
Students interested in applying for a Pi Chi Omega scholarship can learn more here. Applications are accepted each winter beginning in mid-January and are due by mid-March.
About Pi Chi Omega
Pi Chi Omega is a national fraternity for pest management professionals. Initiated in 1950 by six students of PMP Hall of Famer Dr. John Osmun at Purdue University, including fellow Hall of Famer Bill Brehm, the fraternity today is comprised of nearly 450 members representing 38 states and 4 foreign countries.
