The buzz on the new insect/arthropod diagnostician at MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostics
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EmailFollowing the retirement of Howard “Bugman” Russell, Sarah Hughson has begun her role as the new insect/arthropod diagnostician.
After 44 years of dedicated service, Howard Russell, also known as Bugman, has retired from Michigan State University. He spent the last 37 of those years as the Michigan State University (MSU) insect/arthropod diagnostician. In this role, he helped thousands of clients identify and manage arthropods over the phone, through email and Ask Extension, and by examining physical samples. He also taught entomology in the MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology. Russell took time to educate Extension Master Gardeners and other community groups. He was also a popular media presence, always available to comment on the latest scare or outbreak. His knowledge and service have had immeasurable, lasting impacts on the residents and agricultural communities of Michigan.
Starting this summer 2024, Sarah Hughson, PhD, has returned to her home state of Michigan to join MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostics as the new arthropod diagnostician. She earned her B.S. in biology from Saginaw Valley State University and her M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois, focusing on western corn rootworm research. Hughson spent the last six years serving as the entomology extension specialist in the Pesticide Safety Education Program at the University of Illinois. In addition to providing expertise and training in entomology and pesticide safety, she was the liaison for structural pest control with the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Hughson’s experiences throughout her academic and professional career will be an asset to the Plant and Pest Diagnostic clients and to the students she will teach.
