291 - From Larvae to Leadership: How Entomologists Strengthen Public Health Preparedness

Abstract: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established regional Centers of Excellence (CoEs) and Training and Evaluation Centers (TECs) to expand the nation’s capacity to prevent and control vector-borne diseases (VBDs) through research, training, and partnerships. A key goal was to strengthen the public health entomology workforce. As part of a larger evaluation project, this study assessed certain hiring trends related to U.S. state, territorial, local, and tribal organizations' employment of entomologists and the training these employers value when hiring. An electronic survey was distributed via professional listservs, direct emails, invited meetings, and word of mouth between January 6 and March 14, 2025. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and selected association tests. Interestingly, the survey period coincided with a federal administration change, potentially affecting response rates. From across the U.S., 54 responses were received, with the majority from state health departments and from the northeast region. Most organizations (≈70%) reported employing at least one degreed entomologist, though few required a degree specifically in entomology. Hiring entomologists was associated with increased communication with local health departments, greater outreach to nearby vector control programs, and higher organizational confidence in responding to VBD outbreaks. Despite limited participation during a politically dynamic period, findings reinforce the essential role of entomologists in public health preparedness. Continued investment in CDC CoEs and TECs remains critical to training and sustaining the next generation of public health entomologists.