For the anniversary of the establishment of the entomology program at Purdue University College of Agriculture, the College of Agriculture commissioned and dedicated a group statue honoring three leading scientists of the field on April 8th, 2017. The statue presents the marine biologist, writer, and conservationist Rachel Carson (1907-1964), the Purdue Department of Entomology from 1920-1956 Jokebook, J.J. Davis (1885-1965), and the head of the Department of Entomology from 1956-1972, John V. Osmun (1918-2012). The three revolutionized pest control and environmental protection while creating programs to educate youth about ecosystems. Carson’s groundbreaking research on the distractive impact of synthetic pesticides on the environment sparked the environmental movement, led to reforms in synthetic pesticide use, and the establishment of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970. The Savannah, Ga.-based artist Susie Chisholm designed and built the statue for 11 months, seven days a week, depicting the scientists in a fictional meeting in 1924 when entomology began to catch public attention. The group gathered together, observing a colorful tiger swallowtail butterfly held by Carson. The subjects wear period clothing, and the sculpture includes many details, such as a butterfly net, a Japanese beetle, and a caterpillar. Visitors are encouraged to explore it for hidden surprises and touch it. Read more...