Dr. John C. and Mary Beth Reese Scholarship

This award was established by Dr. John C. and Mary Beth Reese. Dr. John C. Reese was a professor at Kansas State University for 34 years, from 1982 to 2016. Prior to that he was a professor at the University of Delaware, and did post doctoral work in Albany, Ca. and Madison, Wi. John got his B.A. and his Masters in Entomology at the University of Missouri, and his Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin. John taught Economic Entomology and Plant Resistance to Insects. John’s research focused on plant resistance to insects. He specialized in aphid salivary enzymes in insect-plant interactions, plant resistance to aphids and plant tolerance to aphid feeding damage. John has published more than 120 peer reviewed journal articles. Also, he advised a student who silenced a gene that is expressed in aphid salivary glands. This led to a better understanding of RNAi host plant resistance. John has mentored many students both Masters and PhD graduate students. John is the recipient of the IPRI award for his outstanding contributions to plant resistance to Insects. In 2013, John was elected a Fellow with AAAS, American Association for the Advancement of Science. Mary Beth got her B.A. at the University of Missouri and her Masters in Social Work at the University of Wisconsin. She worked with the elderly, medical social work, and school social work. She most enjoyed working with youth. The generosity of Dr. John C. and Mary Beth Reese in supporting the growth of our students is greatly appreciated!