Advertise on podcast: 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.  Stay connected with MSU Entomology on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky.

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. Stay connected with MSU Entomology on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky.

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. Stay connected with MSU Entomology on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky.

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! Stay connected with MSU Entomology on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky.

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! Stay connected with MSU Entomology on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky.

[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. Stay connected with MSU Entomology on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky.

[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. Stay connected with MSU Entomology on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky.

[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. Stay connected with MSU Entomology on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky.

[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. Stay connected with MSU Entomology on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky.

[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! Stay connected with MSU Entomology on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky.

[RE-UPLOAD FROM DEC. 2, 2020] this week Zsofia talked with Dr. Kelsey Graham. She was a postdoc in the Isaacs Lab until December 2020. She is now a research scientist at the USDA-ARS Bee Lab in Utah. They discussed job searching while in lockdown, her new responsibilities and expectations for the future!  Stay connected with MSU Entomology on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky.

[RE-UPLOAD FROM NOV. 6, 2020] Hey y’all, Bug Talk podcast is back!! EPISODE 40 IS LIVE! 🤩 this week Zsofia talked with Jessica Ware and Megan Wilson, members of the EntoPOC team @entomologists_of_color on Instagram. They discussed how Jessica and Megan paired 40 students with mentors for the 2020 Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America and how #entopoc provides support for the best meeting experiences for these students. They also discussed their recent publication in American Entomologist  Previous episode that was mentioned is unfortunately lost. Stay connected with MSU Entomology on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky.

[RE-UPLOAD FROM NOV. 5, 2020] This week Kayleigh and Zsofia talked with Emily Proctor from MSU extension. They discussed her role in connecting MSU with MI Indigenous People, her life growing up and her perception of the MSU Land Acknowledgement. They also went over how you should recruit indigenous students! Stay connected with MSU Entomology on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky.

[RE-UPLOAD FROM NOV. 3, 2020] This week Ariana and Zsofia talked with Dr. Ivette Perfecto, James E. Crowfoot Collegiate Professor of Environmental Justice at the University of Michigan. They discussed Ivette’s undergrad in Puerto Rico and her graduates studies at U of M. She shared with us how she became a professor and how her collaboration with her husband evolved. They also discussed Ivette’s coffee drinking habits and her favorite restaurants.  Stay connected with MSU Entomology on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky.

[RE-UPLOAD FROM OCT. 9, 2020] this week Zsofia chatted with Tatiana Cornelissen, a Brazilian scientist working on insect-plant interactions. Tati recently gave a department seminar over zoom about her research. They discussed her life growing up in Brazil, how she developed a passion for science, her graduate studies, and how she perceives the current status of science in Brazil. She also gave pointers on how to collaborate with Brazilian scientists!  Stay connected with MSU Entomology on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky.