Robert Hale Nelson (1903–1996) was an American entomologist, federal agriculture- and insecticide researcher, and leader within the Entomological Society of America.

Biography

Nelson was born June 13, 1903, on a farm in Bristow, Nebraska.[1][2] He received a B.S. in 1929 and a M.S. the following year from the University of Nebraska.[3]

Upon finishing his M.S. Nelson, in 1931, Nelson was hired by the USDA's Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quarantine. His entire career was spent at various positions in the USDA,[3] in 1946, being put in charge of insecticide and acaricide screening.[1] Moved in 1953 to USDA's Agricultural Research Service division, specifically ARS's Entomological Research Branch.[3][1]

During this time Nelson also took further graduate level courses at Iowa State College and Ohio State University.[1]

Starting in 1947, he simultaneously served on the Chemical Specialties Manufacturers Association's Insecticide Scientific Committee.[1]

Nelson held various positions within the ESA, most notably as Executive Secretary from March 14, 1955 – January 16, 1969.[4][3][1][2]

Retired from USDA, but still active within the ESA's administration, Nelson became its president for 1971.[5][6][2]

Upon truly retiring in 1972, he and his wife moved to Lanham, Maryland, and in 1987, he was honored with the ESA Eastern Branch's L.O. Howard Distinguished Achievement Award.[7] Later they moved to Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, where he died November 8, 1991.[2]

Legacy

The ESA holds an annual symposium series in his honor, the Robert H. Nelson Symposium, founded by Professor Marvin Harris.[8]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Robert H. Nelson Appointed Executive Secretary". Bulletin of the Entomological Society of America. Entomological Society of America (OUP). 1 (1): 3–3. 1955-03-01. doi:10.1093/besa/1.1.3. ISSN 0013-8754.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Deaths". Department of Entomology Newsletter, University of Nebraska. University of Nebraska Department of Entomology (6): 47. 1992.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "[untitled]". Department of Entomology Newsletter. University of Nebraska Department of Entomology (3). 1968.
  4. ↑ "Robert H. Nelson Appointed Executive Secretary". Bulletin of the Entomological Society of America. Entomological Society of America (OUP). 1 (1): 3–9. 1955-03-01. doi:10.1093/besa/1.1.3a. ISSN 0013-8754.
  5. ↑ "ESA Past Presidents". Entomological Society of America. 2021-10-20. Retrieved 2021-12-17.
  6. ↑ "Wallace P. Murdoch Appointed Executive Secretary". Bulletin of the Entomological Society of America. Entomological Society of America (OUP). 14 (3): 253–253. 1968-09-22. doi:10.1093/besa/14.3.253. ISSN 0013-8754.
  7. ↑ "Winners of the L.O. Howard Distinguished Achievement Award". Entomological Society of America.
  8. ↑ "ESA Names 2011 Honorary Members". Entomological Society of America.
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