WILLIAM HOCKEIMER RECEIVES
THE AMERICAN ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY'S
2006 CALVERT AWARD

<>In 1987, the American Entomological Society initiated the Calvert Award to be presented to a young person who has demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in insect-related study. The Award is named in honor of Dr. Philip P. Calvert who joined the Society as a teenager, later became its president, and was a member for 74 years. As Professor of Biology at the University of Pennsylvania and an Associate of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, Dr. Calvert played an important role in stimulating an interest in insects among young people.

This year, the twentieth Calvert Award was presented to William Hockeimer, from Narbeth, Pennsylvania, a ninth grade student at Friends Central High School in Wynnewood. His project was entitled, “PCR Amplification of mitochondrial DNA from a Mexican Geometrine Moth Species.” His project was selected from among about 25 insect-related science projects presented at the annual Delaware Valley Science Fairs held April 5 at the Expo Center in Fort Washington, PA. The judges for the award, Rick Donovall and Anthony Gonzon, thought that William did a “spectacular” job. They said a project of this caliber would be unexpected from a high school student, let alone one so young.

All students were honored at the Calvert Award ceremonies held April 26 at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. Dr. Susan King, president of the American Entomological Society, presented them with certificates of accomplishment and memberships in the American Entomological Society. William also received a $100 check, Sarah a $50 check, and Andrew a $25 check.

(Larger images of all pictures can be obtained by clicking on an image.)

 
William Hockeimer, a ninth grade student at Friends Central High School, Received the 2006 Calvert Award for his project, "PCR Amplification of mitochondrial DNA from a Mexican Geometrine Moth Species".  The judges said:

"This student did spectacular job!  It was quite unexpected to see this type and caliber of work from a High School student, let alone such a young one!  He shows great promise as a systematic taxonomist and his interest in this type of work is impressive, especially for a High School freshman.  This project has great promise and could form the basis for a future graduate project."

 
 Natalie Raider, a twelfth grade student from West Chester, Pennsylvania, was the first runner up in the 2006 Calvert Award Competition. Her project, “The effect of hyperoxic environment of the development and fecundity of Drosophila melanogaster”, also impressed the judges who felt that, Her idea is amazingly well thought out and the experimental design is impressive.  Through this project, she has already learned the value of making important contacts in the scientific community (including a Yale University graduate student and a British Archaeologist).  She is quite creative and has a bright future ahead of her.  With a little more time and effort, her work may lead to some significant finds in Palaeoentomology.


  Second runner-up went to eleventh-grader Andrew Anderson of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania for his project, “Arthropod behavior: taxis, kinesis, communication, and predation.” According to the judges, This budding behavioral ecologist shows great promise.   He needs some more work on design and could use some help in developing clearer ideas about learned behaviors and marks of intelligence, but his creativity and ingenuity will be quite beneficial in the future.

 
 Jennifer Huang, an eighth grade student from Arcola Intermediate School, Norristown, Pennsylvania studied, “Can garlic and onions be used as a natural pesticide against ants?”

This young scientist showed an amazing ability to combine ideas from her readings with scientific study.   She showed great creativity and scientific ability in producing her own techniques based on personal research.  She pays great attention to detail.  We will have to look for this student in future competitions and encourage her growth in the field of Entomology.

 
 Jenna Kennan, an eighth grade student at Manalapan-Englishtown Middle School, Manalapan, New Jersey, studied, “Mosquito, where art thou?"

For a Middle School student, a great beginning!  This student shows that she can think on a scientific level and has shown the drive and ingenuity to obtain her desired results.  She needs a little work on comparing and developing datasets and increasing frequency of trials, but, overall, a great start.

The featured speaker for the evening was Christopher M. Ranger, a postdoctoral associate at the Philip E. Marucci Center for Blueberry and Cranberry Research and Extension Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, who spoke on the  topic, "A Sticky Situation: Leafhopper Encounters with Plant Glandular Trichomes".

Natalie Raider, Andrew Anderson, Jennifer Huang,
Jenna Keenan, and William Hockeimer
Andrew Anderson discussing his project
with Jamie Cromartie.
William Hockheimer with Susan Franks.

Natalie Raider, Andrew Anderson, Jennifer Huang,
Jenna Keenan, and William Hockeimer
Bill Day talking with Jennifer Huang
about her project.
AES members looking at Jenna Keenan's
project.

Calvert Award Home Page
Created 29 April 2006, Last up dated 30 April 2006 by Hal White [halwhite at udel.edu]
Copyright 2006, The American Entomological Society