Sprague Pest Solutions announces the recipient of the Pest Management Foundation Sprague Pest Solutions Endowment Scholarship for the academic year 2025–2026. Jun-Yin Lum, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of California Riverside (UCR), has been selected for his research focused on insecticide resistance in German cockroaches (Blattella germanica).
Working under the guidance of Dr. Chow-Yang Lee, Lum’s research centers on evaluating resistance management strategies such as insecticide rotations and mixtures against the German cockroach, one of the most significant urban pests worldwide. While these strategies are commonly recommended to mitigate insecticide resistance, limited empirical research has been conducted specifically on German cockroaches. Lum’s work aims to address this gap and provide pest management professionals with more informed treatment strategies.
Originally from Malaysia, Lum began his academic journey at UCR as an international student and earned his Bachelor of Science in Entomology in 2022. His undergraduate capstone project examined the effects of anthropogenic disturbance on long-legged ant distribution. In addition to his dissertation research, Lum has contributed to several projects evaluating insecticide formulations against German cockroaches and brown-banded cockroaches, including work involving the novel active ingredient isocycloseram.
Established in 2022, the Endowed Scholarship Program is part of the Pest Management Foundation’s commitment to fostering the next generation of professionals in the field. This scholarship is awarded annually to outstanding undergraduate or graduate students who demonstrate a passion for disciplines such as urban entomology, rodentology, or biological sciences.
Ross Treleven, President & CEO of Sprague, expressed his pride in funding an endowment scholarship. “Education is fundamental to the growth and success of our industry and society as a whole. Congratulations to Jun-Yin Lum and all the recipients of this year’s scholarships. We are excited to see the positive impact they will make in the field of pest management.”