Jon Lelito's Alumni Testimonial

Fredonia was instrumental in propelling my academic and professional career forward to where it is today. During my undergraduate career, I was able to design and perform a series of self-directed experiments that ultimately led to my Honors Thesis and a peer-reviewed publication. Following upon this work, I was able to design and perform another series of field experiments that earned me both an MS in Biology from Fredonia and another peer-reviewed publication. These experiences together helped to both build my reputation as a proven researcher and helped to earn me a spot in Penn State’s highly competitive Entomology Department’s PhD program – and that leap was critical in moving my career forward to running an internationally-known laboratory. That Fredonia offers these types of experiences is a testament to how valued students are, and to the high quality of faculty mentorship that is expected by the University. I was also able to benefit from incredible learning experiences such as a field ecology course taught in Yellowstone National Park and directing laboratory undergraduates and helping to build managerial skills. In short, Fredonia’s Biology Department really is a gem. The hands-on experiences, close camaraderie among faculty and students alike, and excellent mentorship by professors all create an environment where students can truly excel.

Jonathan Lelito, Ph.D.
B.S. in Biology, Fredonia, Class of 2003
M.S. in Biology, Fredonia, Class of 2006
Facility Manager
United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services
Emerald Ash Borer - Biological Control