DATE: 10/4/04

CONTACT: Eric Benson, (864) 656-7860

Donny Oswalt, (864) 656-7847

WRITER: Diane Palmer, (864) 656-4741

Clemson Ph.D. student  wins national honor

CLEMSON – Donny Oswalt, a Ph.D. student and graduate research assistant in the Department of Entomology, Soils and Plant Sciences at Clemson University, has been chosen one of three finalists for the Bayer Young Scientist of the Year award.

Bayer Environmental Science will be sending Oswalt to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) Annual meeting in Hawaii in October for the award presentation.

Since coming to Clemson in 2001, Oswalt has been doing research on the black carpenter ant. His focus is on several aspects of the ecology, feeding behavior and pest management.

“These are the large black ants that people often see around their homes,” said Oswalt. “This ant makes its nests in hollow trees and logs in natural settings. However, they often will establish nests inside the structural framework of buildings and cause damage to the wooden timbers.”

If Oswalt is chosen the top recipient he will receive $2,500, Clemson will receive $1,000 and the urban entomology program will receive $10,000 to support Oswalt’s research.

If he’s not chosen as the top award winner he will still receive a $1,000 scholarship along with an all-expense paid trip to Hawaii and Bayer will donate $1,000 to the Clemson general scholarship fund.

“No matter what happens, being a finalist is quite an honor for Donny and the research he is doing in our lab,” said Eric Benson, Clemson Extension urban entomologist.

In addition to his courses and research, Oswalt has published a trade journal article at Clemson and has made presentations at the South Carolina Pest Control Association annual meeting in 2002 and 2003. He also made presentations on rodent control and pest control equipment at the Master Pest Control Technicians Course.

Last year, Oswalt was one of 40 winners in the nation chosen as leaders of the pest management industry who are under the age of 40 by Pest Control Technology Magazine.

Oswalt has been in the pest control business almost all his life. He started work for his family pest control business at the age of 7. He was owner and manager of his own company in Alabama before coming to Clemson for his Ph.D. He also served on the state board of the Alabama Pest Control Association.

Bayer Environmental Science joined with NPMA to honor young scientists and encourage their continued pursuit of excellence.

“It’s an honor to be selected as one of the finalists for this national award, and I consider it a privilege to represent Clemson and the Department of Entomology, Soils and Plant Sciences,” said Oswalt.

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