Nebraska students may major in insect science

This may be considered a distraction in other buildings, but in this building on East Campus, where there are posters about alfalfa weevils and flight activity of moths in Central Nebraska and nets and boots in the hallway, the chirping is not a distraction – it's research.

Entomology, the study of insects, is a major for the graduate program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln – insect science is the name for the undergraduate program. The program, which is part of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, encompasses the different sciences related to insects and their interactions with various organisms, said Tiffany Heng-Moss, an associate professor and insect science major coordinator.

"There are so many interesting aspects (of insects)," Heng-Moss said. "There are so many questions that haven't been explored; it's a great science."

There are four options within the undergraduate insect science major: A basic science option, pest management science, forensic entomology and public health. Though the entomology graduate program has been around for many years, the insect science major for undergraduates was approved in 2006.

"We had this established graduate program, and we had interested students," Heng-Moss said. "That's why we launched the undergrad program, for student interests."

The number of those involved in the major is still relatively small – there are only 18 undergraduates. The program is growing, though. There are currently 11 potential students thinking about UNL, nearly triple the previous number of four potential students. Last year they had seven graduates, the largest graduating class yet.

"We like the small size of our major," Heng-Moss said. "It allows us to have professional advising and talk about internships and teaching, so it's more than just picking out classes."

There are also around 30 resident students and more than 80 active students pursuing their non-thesis masters online, including second year entomology graduate student Dori Porter, who said that insects are her passion. Porter received her bachelor's degree in insect science at UNL.

"My favorite part is that it is small enough for you to have opportunities presented to you and can be very involved in the department," Porter said. "Everyone knows you."

While Porter has been on the entomology track at UNL throughout her college career, first year entomology graduate student Travis Prochaska started in June after graduating from Concordia University.

"I chose UNL because the people here were so knowledgeable," Prochaska said. "I really liked the atmosphere, and I wanted to remain in agriculture without farming, because I don't have that background."

The department encourages experience outside of the classroom, in both faculty research labs and study abroad programs. Those with an insect science degree can go on to careers in agriculture, natural resources, public and animal health and education and outreach, such as at museums and zoos. A significant number of students also go on to graduate school, according to Heng-Moss.

"A lot of people don't know you can have a career from entomology," Porter said. "But there are lots of aspects and a lot of things you can do."

Plus, Prochaska said, insects are "fun and exciting," though ten years ago he would have had nothing to do with them.

"You could have chased me with them," Prochaska said.

But now, in the entomology building of chirping, nets and boots, Prochaska has no trouble handling the cockroaches.

paigecornwell@dailynebraskan.com