The Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences, or PEPS, brings together experts in several fields (plant pathology, entomology, weed science, integrated pest management, to name a few) that are dedicated to protecting both crops and the environment. The department's purpose is to develop and disseminate environmentally friendly plant protection principles and practices for the tropics and subtropics, protect the structural integrity of buildings from destructive pests, provide strong programs in fundamental science and provide a quality education in related areas.