Daniel J. and Robert E. Klein Scholarship

The Pest Management Foundation has a number of scholarships for students. The application period is now closed. Scholarship applications are accepted from October 1 through November 30th each year. Scholarship recipients will be notified in mid-January.

Donor: Andrew Klein

Award Amount: One (1) award per year totaling $1,000

Scholarship Summary: Andrew Klein has generously endowed the Daniel J. & Robert E. Klein Scholarship. This $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a graduating high school senior entering college or trade school each year.

Scholarship Criteria

  • Student graduating from high school entering college or trade school, or a currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate college student majoring in any field with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
  • Priority given to those whose families serve in the pest control industry.

Application Submission Requirements

  • Resume or curriculum vita.
  • Current unofficial academic transcript.
  • A one-page (minimum) essay describing applicant’s professional goals and aspirations and how he/she plans to use their studies to contribute to their field.
  • At least one (1) letter of recommendation from the applicant's teacher or counselor addressing the applicant’s progress in studies, and his or her work ethic.
  • Other supporting documents (research papers and proposals, faculty research participation, related industry internship participation, fellowship projects, industry work experience, etc.) can also be submitted.

Scholarship Recipients

 

2025-2026 Recipient

Simona Principato

University of Kentucky

Simona Principato recently earned her Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of Kentucky. She holds a B.S. in Biotechnology from the Università degli Studi di Perugia in Italy and a M.S. in Entomology from Harper Adams University in the United Kingdom. Her research in the Urban Entomology Lab at the University of Kentucky, under the supervision of Dr. DeVries, focused on bedbugs, with particular emphasis on expanding knowledge of bed bug-derived histamine, on developing mitigation strategies, and improving in bed bug control methods. Her ongoing work investigates the effects of bed bug fecal exposure through both contact and inhalation, using in vitro models consisting of human airway epithelial cells and keratinocytes to assess the proinflammatory impacts of environmental exposure. Throughout her academic career, she has been dedicated to expanding her expertise and contributing meaningful, applied research to the pest management industry

2024-2025 Recipient

Carolyn He

TBD

Carolyn, a high school senior from NJ, is passionate about statistics and public service. Whether it's as a national finalist in Speech and Debate or NASA research intern developing wildfire satellite burn products, she's proud to combine data and advocacy. Through her nonprofit--A Sustainable Future--Carolyn has helped 80+ schools reduce excessive printing. A leader with Project Green Schools and the Jane Goodall Institute, Carolyn empowers youth in advocating for environmental change. Beyond environmentalism, she's passionate about making STEM more accessible through Women in STEM and EngineerGirl. Carolyn hopes to pursue a data-driven career at the intersection of science and policy.

 

2023-2024 Recipient

Kaila O'Connor

Columbia University

Hailing from a rural town, my academic journey has been marked by a commitment to excellence. With aspirations of becoming a surgeon, my dedication has driven my pursuits and allowed me to engage in activities that align with my mission. This past summer I attended the Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Sciences, delving into research and solidifying my commitment to a surgical career. Beyond academics, I nurtured my dedication to service by volunteering at my local pet shelter, as well as becoming an online math tutor for low-income students. Rooted in my Christian faith and propelled by personal stories, my aspiration to pursue a career in healthcare is not just a professional choice but a calling to heal with compassion. As I embark on my journey to Columbia University this fall, I carry with me my compassion to help others and desire to help make this world a better place.