Dr. May Berenbaum

Professor

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Biography

May Berenbaum is a professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, serving as the head since 1992 and holding the Swanlund Endowed Chair since 1996. Her research focuses on characterizing the biochemical, genetic, and molecular mechanisms underlying interactions between insects and plants and their implications for natural communities and agroecosystems. Berenbaum's work has been supported by the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, resulting in over 300 refereed scientific publications and 40 book chapters. She is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and has chaired various National Research Council committees, including those addressing future pesticides and the status of pollinators in North America. Devoted to teaching and scientific literacy, she has authored numerous articles and six books aimed at the general public, pioneered outreach efforts like the Insect Fear Film Festival and the citizen-science project Beespotter, and contributed to the UIUC Pollinatarium. She graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in honors biology from Yale University in 1975 and received her Ph.D. in ecology and evolutionary biology from Cornell University in 1980.

Research Interests

Requirements for University of Illinois

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:17
Reading
Required:19
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:103
GRE General
Prerequisites
Mathematical background Linear Algebra Calculus
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

GRE is optional for admission to all graduate programs in Statistics. Full status admission requires higher language scores than limited status.