Michelle Samuel-Foo facts for kids

Dr. Michelle Susan Samuel-Foo is an American scientist who teaches biology at Alabama State University. She is also the President of a group called the Southeastern Entomological Society of America, which focuses on insects. In 2020, she made history by becoming the first African-American person to win a big award for studying insects. This award was the Founders' Memorial Recognition from the Entomological Society of America.

Early Life and Education

Michelle Samuel-Foo grew up in Sangre Grande, Trinidad and Tobago. Her parents were farmers who grew crops to sell. She often helped them sell vegetables at local markets.

When she started college, Michelle wanted to study biology. But she soon became very interested in the world of entomology, which is the study of insects. She earned her first degree from Brewton–Parker College with a scholarship. After talking with her science teacher, David McMillin, she decided to continue her studies.

She went on to graduate school at the University of Georgia. There, she studied how a type of wheat called Triticum aestivatum (common wheat) could resist a pest called the Mayetiola destructor (or hessian fly). At that time, she was one of only two minority students in her department. Her research helped her learn about DNA sequencing and how to improve plants using science.

Research and Career

In 2009, Dr. Samuel-Foo joined the team at the University of Florida. She helped farmers in the Southern States and Puerto Rico with special crops. She also became a leader for a project called the United States Department of Agriculture Interregional Research Project No. 4 (IR-4). This project helps make sure new products for farming are safe and effective.

From 2015 to 2017, Dr. Samuel-Foo was the President of the International Association of Black Entomologists. She also served on the board for the Caribbean Food Crops Society.

Teaching and Sustainable Farming

In 2018, Dr. Samuel-Foo started teaching at Alabama State University. She now leads a program that studies industrial hemp. When she arrived, she also created an urban teaching garden. This garden helps students learn about sustainable agriculture, which means growing food in ways that protect the environment.

Protecting Honey Bees

In 2020, Dr. Samuel-Foo became the President-Elect of the Southeastern Entomological Society of America. She also gave important advice to the United States Congress. She spoke about the Murder Hornet Eradication Act. This act aims to get rid of the Asian giant hornet, also known as the murder hornet. These hornets are an invasive species, meaning they are not native to the U.S. and can cause harm.

Dr. Samuel-Foo explained how dangerous murder hornets are to honey bees in the United States. She also warned about their possible threat to important farm crops. In May 2020, she received the Entomological Society of America Founders' Memorial prize. She dedicated her award speech to the work of Ernest J. Harris. He was the first Black entomologist to be honored with the Founders' lecture.