As an entomology graduate student, James Harwood has had the opportunity to collaborate with researchers from other departments on campus, as well as other institutions. Harwood has worked with scientists from UC Berkeley, Stanford University and El Colegio de la Frontera Sur in Mexico. The faculty and staff at UC Davis are supportive of graduate students and strive to see them succeed. The ease of collaboration and support of the faculty at UC Davis provide a great environment to conduct research and prepare students for a career in science.

“When I decided to enter graduate school, UC Davis was my top choice,” says Harwood. “Because of the university’s prestigious entomology department and the reputation Davis has as a research institution – my choice was simple.”

As an undergraduate at CSU, Bakersfield, Harwood knew that if he wanted to attend graduate school he would have to set himself apart from other students. “I worked hard in my courses and went out of my way to gain research experience,” says Harwood. “I had opportunities to work with several faculty members in the biology department and serve as a research assistant for the USDA. The research experience that I accumulated as an undergraduate was instrumental in my acceptance to UC Davis.”

Harwood is pursuing a Ph.D. in entomology because he is fascinated with the subject, enjoys the research, and he would like to eventually have a career in academia. “Being able to study entomology at UC Davis is a great honor and a dream come true for me,” says Harwood.

Learn more about Harwood’s research.