May 13th, 2011
Dr. Fred Gould is currently the William Neal Reynolds Distinguished University Professor of Entomology and Genetics. Dr. Gould was born in New York, earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Queens College and a PhD in ecology and evolutionary biology from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He came to NC State as an research associate in 1978, was named full professor in 1990, and was named Reynolds Professor in 1993.
Dr. Gould's research accomplishments have been extensive. The major goal of his research program has focused on the ecology and genetics of insect pests to improve food production and human and environmental health. One of Dr. Gould's research projects involves genetically modifying mosquitoes to reduce their capacity to carry and spread dengue fever. In another project, Dr. Gould was among the first researchers to show that insects can develop resistance to transgenic crops. He has received funding from the National Science Foundation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the National Institutes of Health for his work.
In 2007, Dr. Gould won the George Bugliarello Prize from Sigma Xi for his article on genetic manipulation of pests for control of human disease vectors. In 2004, Dr. Gould received the Alexander von Humboldt Award, which is presented annually to the person judged to have made the most significant contribution to American agriculture during the previous five years, and this year he was awarded NC State’s Holladay Medal, the highest award presented for faculty achievement. Dr. Gould has served on National Academy of Sciences-National Research Council committees to study the environmental effects of the commercialization of genetically modified plants and to develop recommendations on genetically modified pest protected crops. He has also served on Environmental Protection Agency panels on genetically modified crops.
