CSI coming to the Bug Daze family festival at the Virginia Museum of Natural History!

Experience an exciting 'CSI-style' presentation titled "The Use of Insects in Crime Investigation", by forensic entomologist Dr. Ralph E. Williams, professor of entomology at Purdue University. Don't miss this opportunity to learn about how bugs help scientists and investigators solve crimes, only at the Bug Daze family festival on April 19 at the Virginia Museum of Natural History! Click here to learn more about the study of entomology at Purdue University.

More about Dr. Ralph Williams:

Current Position: Professor of Entomology, Purdue University (joined faculty in 1976)

Education: BS Purdue University 1971; MS VPI & SU 1974; PhD Oklahoma State Univ. 1976

Memberships/Affiliations:
Entomological Society of America
Indiana Vector Control Association – Executive Secretary/Treasurer
American Academy of Forensic Science
Diplomate, American Board of Forensic Entomologists
North American Forensic Entomology Association
Indiana Homicide & Violent Crime Investigators Association
Indiana Coroner’s Association
Deputy Coroner, White County, Indiana

Summary of Teaching:  I coordinate the teaching of a minor in Forensic Science and teach a 3 course series in Forensic Science and a Forensic Entomology/Taphonomy course.  We also conduct several forensic workshops during the to law enforcement and the public.  I am a regular guest lecturer in other courses at Purdue.  I also lecture several times per year to high school classes around Indiana on forensic entomology.

Summary of Extension:  My extension appointment focuses in the area of arthropods of public health and veterinary importance.  Emphasis is placed on addressing the continuous need for development of integrated pest management strategies relative to the protection and productivity of livestock and poultry.  This goal is accomplished via field demonstrations, educational publications and programs, responses to daily contacts from clientele, and transfer of information developed from research efforts.  Collaboration is made with Extension Specialists in Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine and other Departments at Purdue.  The area of public health is addressed through publications and programs, pesticide applicator training, and responses to daily contacts from clientele.

Summary of Research:  My primary research program focuses on forensic entomology; the role of forensically important insects in death investigation.  I also conduct studies on the biology, economic impact, and control of livestock and poultry arthropod pests.  Current research activity in this area involves insect pests of livestock and poultry, evaluating control technologies for pasture fly pests of cattle and control of house flies and beetles associated with poultry operations.

Graduate Students (Current):  MS 1

Papers presented – 90+; Scientific Publications – 35+

Other Publications: Books and book chapters – 8; abstracts – 20+; extension publications – 60+; magazine articles – 40+; media presentations – 50+; meeting proceedings – 35+; extension meetings – 20+/year

Legal experience:  I have had extensive experience dealing with legal matters associated with insect nuisance associated with confined livestock and poultry, pests of public health concern, and forensic entomology death investigation and medico-legal concerns.