An entomologist studies insects. Studying insects includes describing new insect species and the groups to which they belong, as well as examining the direct and indirect impact of insects on the environment.
As a scientist, two characteristics that have helped me are being curious and a careful observer. I pay close attention to forests and other ecosystems that I visit and study. I become very curious about the interactions between insects and their environment and how these interactions affect insects and their host plants.
I was asked to identify an insect, specifically a bark beetle, which was attacking spruce trees because it was different from other bark beetles that were known to attack that tree in Colorado.
In my field, I use different types of microscopes. A dissecting microscope amplifies my view of insects so I can look at them in detail. A high power light microscope allows me to study fungi transported by many insects.
I discovered an insect that lives hanging from the threads of a spider’s web and steals food from the spider.
I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a scientist. I knew it before I even knew what it really meant.
