Annual Meeting
Acarological Society of America
2026 Symposia at the Annual Meeting
Each year, ASA members meet to host acarology-focused symposia in conjunction with the Entomological Society of America’s annual meeting. Calls for contributed papers typically open in February, and students are invited to participate in competitions for monetary awards. Join your fellow acarologists this year — and consider contributing a paper in a future symposium.
The Programme
We have two symposia scheduled
Two sessions at the 2026 meeting: one advancing the applied, ecological, and systematic science of the Acari, and one focused on outreach and science communication with mites and ticks.
Current Advances in Acarology
Organizers: Emilie Demard & Pavel Klimov
This symposium provides a forum for a diverse group of researchers whose work advances our applied, ecological, and systematic knowledge of the Acari. It highlights innovative research that pushes the field forward and encourages discussion across subdisciplines within acarology.
The symposium is open to all ASA members, including students interested in participating in the student presentation competition.
Outreach & Science Communication with Mites & Ticks
Organizers: Emilie Demard, Orlando Combita, Jeremy Naredo & Allan Busuulwa
This symposium aims to bridge the gap between acarologists and broader audiences — including growers, ranchers, gardeners, students, and local communities. Although acarology includes many economically important species, researchers often face challenges in engaging stakeholders, attracting students, and communicating research to the public.
The session explores practical strategies for strengthening public engagement and increasing the visibility and impact of acarological research. Topics include:
- Engaging the next generation in medical and agricultural acarology
- Improving public perception of mites and ticks
- Translating research into real-world applications
- Using outreach to support mite pest and vector management
- Identifying funding opportunities and effective proposal strategies
- Developing educational tools to broaden impact
Student Presentation Competition
2026 Student Abstract Award Winners
The students recognized at this year’s competition. Read their full submitted abstracts in the 2026 award booklet (PDF).
First Place
Entomology & Animal Science
Research Topic
Not Just a Blood Buffet: Assessing Host Immune Responses to Repeated Tick Infestations in White-Tailed Deer
The Honor Roll
Second, third & fourth place
Five more students recognized for research spanning marine serology, peatland systematics, emerging crop pests, field methodology, and honey-bee health.
From Parasite to Immune Signature: A Serological Approach to Detecting Nasopulmonary Mite Exposure in Southern Sea Otters
Population Structure and Diversification of Two Nearctic Species of Moss-Dwelling Dinychus Using DNA Barcoding
Host Shift and Specialization in a Novel Spider Mite Pest of Florida Blueberries
Developing a Standardized, Visual Method for Assessing Engorgement in Host-Derived Ticks
Evaluating Oxalic Acid Formulations & Vaporization Temperatures for Varroa destructor Control in Honey Bees
Stay Connected
Follow the Acarological Society
Updates on meetings, the webinar series, and student opportunities.
2025 Annual Meeting Pictures
