51 - A tale of the journey from the independent mosquito and vector control district to military entomologist and back again

Abstract: This paper will explore the role of the medical entomologist as both researcher, manager, and policy maker. It will differentiate between increasing responsibility beyond the microscope and bottle bioassay to responding to national emergencies and the development of tools of the trade, and mentorship. Is there a set route that a career entomologist or public health biologist should take or eschew? The presentation will also test the value of a military career as a preparation for later managing a local government agency. Pitfalls, successes, and job satisfaction will also be analyzed.