Bug Talk

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Lukasz Stelinski, an agricultural entomologist and professor in the Department of Entomology and Nematology at the University of Florida, has spent his career developing sustainable solutions to some of agriculture's most challenging pest problems. A two-time graduate of Michigan State University Entomology, he earned his master's degree in 2001 and his doctorate in 2005 before joining the University of Florida faculty in 2007. 

Nationally and internationally recognized for his research and extension work, Stelinski focuses on integrated pest management strategies that improve agricultural productivity while reducing environmental impacts. His research has advanced understanding of insect behavior, pheromone-based mating disruption and management of invasive pests and citrus greening disease. Elected a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2022 and the Entomological Society of America in 2023, he has helped develop innovative tools for growers across a wide range of agricultural systems. In recognition of his contributions to entomology, research and extension, he was selected to receive the Michigan State University Department of Entomology's 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award. 

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In this episode, we spoke with Dr. Jen Roedel and Karma Thomas about the Bee Urban Growers (BUG) Project, a North Central Region SARE-funded initiative focused on supporting pollinators and small-scale urban farmers. The project centers on cucurbit crops like squash and pumpkins, which rely heavily on pollinators, and works to improve habitat and pollination services in urban agricultural systems.

Learn more about the BUG Project here.

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In this episode, we spoke to Dr. Zsofia Szendrei, a professor of entomology at Michigan State University, and the original host of Bug Talk! Her research and extension program focuses on the ecology and management of arthropod pests in vegetable production, with the goal of helping farmers grow healthier crops with fewer pesticides. She works closely with growers across the state of Michigan to develop more sustainable pest management solutions, and she emphasizes the importance of clear communication and collaboration across all of her projects.

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In this episode, Alyssa, a MSU sophomore, chatted with Dr. Andrea Glassmire, an Assistant Professor of Chemical Ecology at Michigan State University. Andrea’s work spans a broad variety of topics, including community ecology, plant chemistry, experimental design, and statistics. Her research aims to better understand insect pest management and biological invasions by exploring how plant trait diversity affects interactions between plants, insects, and soil microbes.

You can learn more about the work being done in her research program here!

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In this episode, we chatted with Dr. Eric Benbow, a professor of aquatic and decomposition ecology at Michigan State University. His work highlights the broad applications of entomology, with a primary focus on how insects and microbes interact with each other across a variety of settings. More specifically in the ways diseases spread, decomposition, and even the ways that insects can be used as food and livestock feed in Africa!

Learn more about Dr. Benbow's work here!

Watch this episode on YouTube here!

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[RE-UPLOAD FROM MARCH 1, 2022]

In this episode, Zsofia has a conversation with Megan Fritz, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Maryland.

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[RE-UPLOAD FROM OCT. 11, 2021]

This week Jen and Zsofia talked to Dr. Julio Bernal, professor of entomology at Texas A&M. Julio told us about his background in agriculture and how he became interested in entomology! We also discussed his graduate and postdoc experiences.

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[RE-UPLOAD FROM JULY 8, 2021]

this week Zsofia chatted with Henry Mochida, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Communications Manager at Michigan State University. Henry works to strategically elevate MSU’s diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, practices, and programming with staff in University Communications and the Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives. We talked about his cultural heritage, growing up in Hawaii, his film making career, interest in economics and his current position at MSU.

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[RE-UPLOAD FROM MAY 3, 2021]

his week Ariana, Jen, Natalie and Zsofia chatted with Jenna Walters about the Entomology Research and Outreach Fellowship (EROF). We discussed how Jenna was inspired by Insects for Inclusion to start a program similar here at MSU! We also discussed EROF’s experiences with starting the program, looking for funding, recruiting and interviewing potential candidates, and finally offering 7 awesome students fellowships for this summer.

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[RE-UPLOAD FROM MARCH 30, 2021]

This week we talked with Dr. Marianna Karageorgi. Marianna is a postdoc at Stanford University and studies insect adaptation to host plant toxins. We discussed her path into the fascinating world of insect behavior, differences between the US and European academic systems, and what scientific research has in common with dancing the tango!

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