Newly hired entomologist looks to develop research, education on Louisiana pollinators

Morgan Christman is the first assistant professor of pollinator ecology at the LSU AgCenter and LSU College of Agriculture. While her research has already begun, she will begin teaching undergraduate and graduate students about pollinator ecology and conservation in spring 2026.

Christman earned a doctorate in ecology and later worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Ohio State University and a postdoctoral fellow at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Pollinating-Insect Biology, Management, Systematics Research unit.

“I’m excited I’m able to conduct that research that gives back to landowners, beekeepers and the general public and to be able to say, ‘Here’s what the research we’re doing is and why it’s so important,’” Christman said.

In her new role, Christman will be able to continue her postdoctoral research on the rusty patched bumblebee and its habitats in Wisconsin and Iowa. She also will be studying how to improve conservation practices for bumblebees before the American bumblebee, potentially gets listed under the Endangered Species Act, which she said would make research harder to complete. As part of the conservation process, Christman rears the bumblebees and eventually releases them back into the wild, which can prove to be difficult.

Christman also will be one of the first researchers to accumulate baseline data about pollinator species in Louisiana, specifically native bees. She will begin to find which specific species are in what areas of the state and try to get a grasp of their population changes over time to see what populations need the most support. With this data, Christman also will do research that looks at the threats and different anthropogenic factors on pollinator populations, specifically bumblebees.

■ Anthony Bailey

College of Agriculture Wins Honors at National Agricultural Alumni Development Association Conference

The LSU College of Agriculture received two first-place honors in the National Agricultural Alumni Development Association (NAADA) Publications and Projects Competition during the 2025 Annual Conference held in June at Purdue University.

The LSU College of Agriculture Alumni Association Membership Drive campaign was awarded first place in the campaigns for alumni category and for the print media category of magazines produced by a college or outside agency for The Stately Oak annual publication.

NAADA’s Publications and Projects Competition celebrates outstanding work in communications, alumni engagement and student outreach.

■ Staff report

College of Ag Student Places First in Louisiana Farm Bureau Meet

LSU College of Agriculture School of Animal Sciences student Abbygail Davis placed first in the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet.

The Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet is designed to simulate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each committee member. Participants build basic discussion skills, develop a keen understanding of important agricultural issues, and explore how groups can pool knowledge to reach consensus and solve problems.

Davis received a John Deere Gator, a trip to the American Farm Bureau Convention and over $1,700 in additional prizes.

■ Staff report

New entomology professor Morgan Christman will look to expand the research and knowledge that Louisianans have of local pollinator species. Photo by Anthony Bailey

The Stately Oak was designed by Roxanne Hare, assistant director of AgCenter Communications for graphic design, and edited by Tobie Blanchard, director of AgCenter Communications. Cover photo by Olivia McClure