What is your position at the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center?
I am a research technologist in the Agroecosystems Entomology Laboratory. My focus is providing support to the lab’s research projects and leading a project investigating integrated pest management for Western Corn Rootworm, particularly biological control from entomopathogenic nematodes and predatory arthropods.
What drew you to the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center?
I grew up in rural, small town, Nebraska and liked the idea of staying in a more rural area, but I did not plan to work directly in agriculture. My academic background is more focused on conservation biology, but when I looked into the Agroecosystems Entomology Laboratory and talked with Dr. Julie Peterson, I discovered that a lot of the work she was focusing on with the lab was dealing with integrated pest management. A lot of the research we are doing brings together aspects of agriculture and ecology, which I think is really important, and kind of a cool way to merge my personal and academic backgrounds. I was also drawn by the opportunity to work with people from diverse backgrounds.
What aspect of working in an educational setting do you enjoy the most?
I really like being able to see the importance of the work and research that is being conducted here at the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center and in Nebraska. Sometimes it can be difficult to see the importance and impact of the research that is being done. Being in a position at a location that is focused heavily on extension, there are more opportunities to share what we are learning, both professionally at conferences such as the Entomological Society of America, or at local extension events, where we can get direct feedback from producers and stakeholders on how our work can impact their operations, or learn about problem areas they see that we can focus future work on. I also enjoy the days when students visit and the opportunity to share knowledge with the next generation.
What is your greatest achievement?
My childhood dream was to be an entomologist, and my family fully supported it. I was the child that ran around outside for hours on end with a butterfly net and my identification book catching as many butterflies and other insects as I could. At the age of 8, and for the next 12 years, I started keeping bees with my late grandfather. I took the Midwest master beekeeping course that the University of Nebraska—Lincoln offered and became a master beekeeper shortly before my grandfather passed away. I have a lot of fun memories of going out to check the bees with him, but this experience also opened the door to owning my own business and speaking opportunities when I was younger. It really helped me develop a lot of skills that I still use today, and although I do not keep bees anymore, I am still working in entomology and with insects on a daily basis, truly living out my childhood dreams.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
In 2023, I had the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica, through the Organization for Tropical Studies, and participate in a field course called Canopy Biology. The focus was on learning safe techniques for climbing trees in order to conduct biological and ecological research at the canopy level of the rainforest. We spent time at three biological research stations in different rainforest ecosystems. It was truly one of the most amazing experiences of my life.
What is your life like outside of work?
I like to spend time outdoors, fishing, as well as traveling and exploring new places. I also enjoy spending time with my boyfriend and family.
