Rachel Arango

Overview

Education

Ph.D., Entomology, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Evaluating the role of gut associated Actinobacteria in wood-feeding subterranean termites (Rhinotermitidae: Reticulitermes spp.).
M.S., Entomology, University of Wisconsin-Madison. A survey of the death-watch and spider beetles of Wisonsin (Coleoptera: Ptinidae).
B.S., Biological Aspects of Conservation, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Research Interests

Exploring critical mechanisma to design next-generation antimicrobials for wood protection
Investigating new and improved wood protectants that balance adverse impacts to the environment, public safety and lasting performance
Understanding various aspects of subterranean termite biology that may lead to the development of new and innovative targeted treatment options for protecting in-service wood from termite attack

Awards & Honors

2020 - Letter of Recognition, Department of Army, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command; Stan Lebow, Rachel Arango, Vina Yang, and Sam Zelinka. For their immediate response to implement a mold-inhibiting chemical into Army Wood Preservative Treatment Systems, providing the U.S. Military with critical improvements to Readiness and Soldier Safety.
2017 - Inspiring Women Award, for "Outstanding mentor/coach". United States Department of Agriculture.
2016 - Ron Cockcroft Award, to present a paper at the International Research Group on Wood Protection Annual Meeting in Lisbon, Portugal, $1,250.00.
2014 - Kinney Merit Travel Award, to present a paper at the Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting in Portland, OR, University of Wisconsin-Madison Entomology Department, $600.
2013 - Second place poster, "Mechanisms of termite spread in Wisconsin and potential consequences as a result of changing climate trends", American Wood Protection Association Annual Meeting, $500.
2011 - GMFAA Partnership/Teamwork Award, certificate of special congressional recognition presented to the Wood Preservation and Biodeterioration Team.
2011 - Certificate of Merit, "For superior performance of your duties in durability and wood protection research," United States Department of Agriculture.
2010 - Certificate of Merit, "For your role in safely relocating laboratory equipment to the Centennial Research Facility (CRF) without negative impact on your normal duties resulting in substantial savings for the Forest Products Laboratory," United States Department of Agriculture.