U of A Entomology named a Top Workplace
From international research rankings to hands-on outreach programs, the department is recognized for excellence and collaboration.
Entomology professors Wendy Moore and Goggy Davidowitz flank Bruce Tabashnik at the Top Workplaces award ceremony October 23, 2025.
The University of Arizona’s Department of Entomology has officially joined a rare species: workplaces recognized among the best in Tucson. The department was named one of the Arizona Daily Star’s Top Workplaces for 2025, the first U of A department ever to earn that honor. Department head Bruce Tabashnik also earned recognition as a Top Leader.
The award is based on anonymous employee surveys that evaluate workplace culture, leadership, communication, and opportunities for growth. Departments are recognized for fostering collaboration, celebrating achievements, and supporting their staff, making the honor a reflection of both employee satisfaction and organizational excellence.
Department of Entomology faculty, students and staff gather in front of the Forbes Building on U of A main campus.
Tabashnik attributes the accolade to a people-first approach to science and discovery.
“The key is attracting, hiring, and retaining amazing people who are collaborative and love what they do,” he said. “When we recruit, we look for folks who not only have the expertise, but the cooperative attitude and passion to strengthen our positive culture. And we never miss a chance to celebrate their achievements.”
That focus on camaraderie has made the department famous not just for groundbreaking research, but for its team spirit. EduRank has ranked U of A Entomology as the No. 1 entomology program in the world for the last three years, citing its research impact and scholarly output.
The same teamwork that drives their research fuels one of Tucson’s most popular outreach events, the Arizona Insect Festival, where students, staff, and faculty share their fascination with thousands of visitors, spreading their love of all things six-legged and winged.
“Seeing a child’s eyes light up with scientific curiosity is immensely rewarding,” Tabashnik said.
This excitement and engagement with science does not stop at the festival, it carries throughout the year, shaping how the department connects with the community. Through Insect Discovery, the department’s K–12 outreach program, U of A entomologists reach more than 3,000 youth and families each year. Their Insect Identification service via Cooperative Extension helps Arizonans better understand the insects in their homes, gardens, and farms. And at the center of it all is the U of A Insect Collection, a world-renowned archive of over two million specimens representing 35,000 species.
All of these programs reflect more than just scientific expertise, they showcase a community built on collaboration, curiosity, and care. It’s proof that in a department full of bugs, the real magic comes from the people, Tabashnik said.
Read the feature in the Arizona Daily Star.