Thiel Biology Professor presents student-faculty collaboration at international conference

Posted December 7, 2018Communications and Marketing Department

GREENVILLE, Pa.—Professor of Biology Michael Balas, Ph. D., presented the collaborative research conducted with four biology majors at the 2018 Joint Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America and Entomological Society of Canada in Vancouver, BC, Canada on November 13, 2018.

The paper, “Seasonal variation and species association in a Pennsylvania leaf litter ant community,” was a research project between biology students, Brooke Gates ’18, Lyndsay Krut ’18, Christopher Simpson ’18, and Hunter Young ’18 and Balas.

Their collaborative research reports seasonal variation in the appearance of ants in forest leaf litter, as well as a close association between two of the species that were documented.

About the Conference

The 2018 Joint Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America and Entomological Society of Canada is a conference that brought together over 3,800 entomologists from 68 different countries. Over four days, there were 265 scientific sessions featuring 2,430 oral and 569 poster presentations. This annual meeting provides symposia, conferences, submitted papers, and continuing education seminars that provide attendees the opportunity to hear and present research results. The meeting also provides a chance to interact informally with peers and prospective employers.

Related Links

Related Stories

Office of Admission


About Thiel College

Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.



Thiel College
75 College Ave
Greenville, PA 16125
1-800-248-4435