Roger Vargas

We are saddened to report the sudden loss of collaborator, alumnus, and PEPS affiliate professor Roger Vargas, a research entomologist at the USDA’s Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center in Hilo. He was killed in a car accident on Saddle Road on the Big Island. After earning his doctorate from CTAHR, Roger became an internationally renowned expert in the biological control of fruit flies using the area-wide IPM approach. From 2002 to 2010, he coordinated a national fruit fly-management program that earned seven awards for excellence, and he was recently awarded the C.M. Woodsworth award from the Pacific Branch of the Entomological Society of America. He published more than 250 research papers, made over 100 scientific presentations, and participated in workshops worldwide. He was also elected president of the Pacific Branch of the Entomological Society of America in 2010. See Roger’s obituary in the Hawaii Tribune-Herald for more on his life and accomplishments. Roger’s family asks that no flowers be sent, but cards and emails are welcomed; send to P.O. Box 2821, Kamuela, Hawai‘i 96743 or krvargas@hawaiiantel.net.