Pictures are linked to hi-res scans Ping Wang has been promoted to associate professor in the Department of Entomology at Cornell University's New York State Agricultural Experiment Station at Geneva, NY. Wang was appointed the first genomics faculty member at Geneva in 2001. Credit: J. Ogrodnick – NYSAES, Cornell University

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 21, 2007
Contact: Linda McCandless
Office: 607-254-5137
E-mail: llm3@cornell.edu

Cornell Molecular Geneticist Promoted to Associate Professor
by Joe Ogrodnick

GENEVA, NY: Ping Wang has been promoted to associate professor in the Department of Entomology at Cornell University's New York State Agricultural Experiment Station at Geneva, NY. Wang was appointed the first genomics faculty member at Geneva in 2001.

"Ping was hired to establish a program of basic research using genomic techniques and has proved to be an extremely valuable resource in the department," said Wendell Roelofs, professor and department chairman. "He has established many collaborations with other entomologists in the department by using molecular tools to identify exotic species and resistant populations or to follow pest population movements."

Roelofs added that Wang's combined applied research and diagnostic programs underscore the value of having someone with genomic skills in the department. "We anticipate exciting, new insect-control techniques to come from his research on the insect gut, along with ways to stop feeding by pest species," he said.

Wang's research interest is centered on the understanding of biochemical and molecular interactions of insects with their host plants, microbial pathogens and other environmental factors, and applying the knowledge gained from basic studies to develop novel insect control strategies.

"Understanding the biochemical and molecular basis of important physiological functions in insect digestive systems will provide us with a new opportunity for development of strategies for insect control, " said Wang "The insect digestive tract performs a crucial function in food digestion, the most essential physiological process, and is the primary site interfacing with various biotic and abiotic challenges from the environment."  

Wang received a B.S. in 1983 and M.S. in 1986 both from Fudan University in China. He received his Ph.D. in 1996 from Cornell.

Wang is a member of the Entomological society of America, the Society for Invertebrate Pathology, and the American Society for Microbiology. He is a peer reviewer for numerous journals including Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, and Journal of Insect Science.

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