Deirdre Prischmann-Voldseth

Deirdre Prischmann-Voldseth is a Professor in the Department of Entomology at North Dakota State University's College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources. She maintains her office in 265 Hultz Hall and can be reached at (701)-231-9805 or deirdre.prischmann@ndsu.edu.

Her educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Entomology from Washington State University (2005)
• M.S. in Entomology from Oregon State University (2001)
• B.A. in Biology from Alfred University (1997)

Dr. Prischmann-Voldseth's research spans three primary areas with significant practical applications. Her work in Integrated Pest Management focuses on combining biological control and host plant resistance strategies to develop sustainable pest control solutions. In Rhizosphere-Insect-Plant Interactions, she investigates how soil properties and soil biota impact herbivorous arthropods and their natural enemies, with particular attention to microbial inoculants' effects on crop plants under insect attack. Her Cultural Entomology research explores the historical and artistic representation of insects, particularly in Japanese woodblock prints and industrial-era art.

Her recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on practical agricultural applications of entomological research, with particular focus on sunflower seed weevils, corn rootworms, and Hessian flies, while also maintaining a unique scholarly interest in the cultural representation of insects. This dual focus on applied agricultural entomology and cultural studies makes her research program distinctive in the field.

Dr. Prischmann-Voldseth has received numerous prestigious awards including:

• NACTA Educator Award (2021)
• NDSU CAFSNR Excellence in Teaching Award (2020)
• International IPM Award of Excellence (2018)
• Multiple NACTA Teaching Awards
• Entomological Society of America awards

As an educator, she teaches General Entomology (ENT 350), Overview of Entomology (ENT 696), and Principles of Insect Pest Management (ENT 431/631). Beyond academia, she is an accomplished children's book author (both fiction and non-fiction) who secured representation with the Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency in May 2022. Her unique combination of scientific expertise and creative writing demonstrates a commitment to making entomological knowledge accessible to diverse audiences.