What is the Urban Center?

In December of 1989, the Center for Urban and Industrial Pest Management was founded to further enhance the Purdue Entomology Department’s ability to serve the needs of the pest management industry. The mission of the Center is to further the understanding of urban pest problems and to promote their solutions through research and education programs. The Center provides the foundation for expanding our knowledge of urban pets, developing environmentally sound technologies for pest management, delivering technical information and training programs to homeowners, city dwellers and urban pest managers, as well as training scientists to undergird this process in the future.

The Center was designed by Dr. Gary Bennett with a multi-disciplinary approach in mind, drawing on the expertise of faculty and professional staff who have research experience and extension responsibilities for the disciplines that fall under the urban and industrial pest management umbrella.

Coordination of the Programs of the Center is currently administered by Dr. Barry Pittendrigh. He is also the John V. Osmun Endowed Chair Professor in Urban Entomology.

Meet the Center