{"id":417150,"date":"2023-10-19T08:55:00","date_gmt":"2023-10-19T12:55:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/?p=417150"},"modified":"2023-11-15T14:03:46","modified_gmt":"2023-11-15T19:03:46","slug":"insect-ambassadors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/news\/insect-ambassadors\/","title":{"rendered":"Insect Ambassadors"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n<p>Most people shy away from bugs, especially big ones. And those that make noise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But Zachary Everson and Elizabeth Wiles aren\u2019t afraid of bugs. In fact, they might say they\u2019re <em>obsessed<\/em> with bugs. Everson and Wiles are doctoral students studying entomology \u2014&nbsp; the study of insects \u2014 in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. They\u2019re also the outreach coordinators for the <a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/entomology-and-plant-pathology\/entomology-graduate-student-association\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Entomology Graduate Student Association<\/a> (EGSA).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Volunteers with the EGSA visit museums, schools and events, including Packpalooza and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences\u2019 <a href=\"https:\/\/naturalsciences.org\/calendar\/bugfest\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">BugFest<\/a>, to talk about the importance of bugs, and give people a safe opportunity to conquer their fears of the creepy crawly organisms. The group\u2019s outreach stars include a foot-long giant centipede named Captain Crunch, hissing cockroaches and tarantulas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/EPP_EntomologyOutreach_group_101223.jpg\" alt=\"students smiling while volunteering\" class=\"wp-image-417156\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/EPP_EntomologyOutreach_group_101223.jpg 600w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/EPP_EntomologyOutreach_group_101223-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The EGSA attended the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences&#8217; Bugfest in September.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI think most people\u2019s favorite is the hissing cockroaches because they can hold them,\u201d Everson says. \u201cThey\u2019re so slow and calm, and they make a unique hissing sound that either scares or intrigues people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Everson takes care of the bugs and coordinates their travel logistics, and Wiles plans the outreach events and schedules volunteers. The group is supported by Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor <a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/entomology-and-plant-pathology\/people\/sorenson\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Clyde Sorenson<\/a>. Everson and Wiles are working to expand the opportunity to undergraduate students with help from <a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/entomology-and-plant-pathology\/people\/tlhoctor\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Terri Billeisen<\/a>, director of undergraduate programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Everson, a native of Cary, North Carolina, has known he wanted to work with bugs and outreach ever since his dad, who earned a master\u2019s in entomology from North Carolina State University, brought bugs to his elementary school when he was a child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/EPP_Millipede_outreach_101223.jpg\" alt=\"someone holding a millipede at an outreach event\" class=\"wp-image-417157\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/EPP_Millipede_outreach_101223.jpg 600w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/EPP_Millipede_outreach_101223-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A volunteer holding a millipede at Packapalooza.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAs soon as I learned that a graduate student is allowed to run those events and take care of those bugs, I was like, \u2018That\u2019s going to be me.\u2019 I just want people to feel as happy about stuff like that as I feel,\u201d Everson shares.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Everson earned bachelor\u2019s degrees in plant biology and biology with a minor in entomology from NC&#160;State in the spring of 2021 and started his doctoral degree soon after.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-ncst-pullquote has-red-400-text-color\"><div class=\"pullquote-container\"><p class=\"pullquote-content\"> &#8220;It makes me happy to see kids learning about something that they never thought was possible.\u201d <\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Wiles didn\u2019t have experience with bugs during her childhood. She grew up in Princeton, North Carolina, and she first worked with bugs during her undergraduate research at Campbell University. Wiles earned bachelor\u2019s degrees in biology and environmental science in 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhere I grew up, I didn\u2019t have a lot of exposure to this kind of science,\u201d she says. \u201cIt\u2019s important to me to reach people who don\u2019t have as many educational opportunities. It makes me happy to see kids learning about something that they never thought was possible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to teaching people about bugs, Everson and Wiles promote NC&#160;State as a great place to study entomology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/EPP_Bugfest_101223.jpg\" alt=\"volunteers talking to the public about bugs at a museum\" class=\"wp-image-417158\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/EPP_Bugfest_101223.jpg 600w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/EPP_Bugfest_101223-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Volunteers talking to visitors at BugFest.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s a good opportunity for us to talk to the public about our graduate program or to talk about NC&#160;State if somebody is trying to find a college where they can work with insects and science in general,\u201d Everson says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While sharing facts about insects and NC&#160;State, EGSA volunteers also get to improve their communication skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt benefits grad students because they get to improve their science communication skills by talking to all members of the public, not just other scientists,\u201d Wiles says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Everson adds, \u201cIt helps us as scientists. Being able to interact with the public is one of the most important things that we&#8217;ll ever have to do.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":"<!-- wp:ncst\/dynamic-header {\"block\":\"ncst\/default-immersive-post-header\"} -->\n<!-- wp:ncst\/default-immersive-post-header {\"caption\":\"The Entomology Graduate Student Association brings tarantulas and other critters to outreach events, including NC State's Packapalooza\u2122.\",\"displayCategoryID\":1174} \/-->\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/dynamic-header -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Most people shy away from bugs, especially big ones. And those that make noise.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>But Zachary Everson and Elizabeth Wiles aren\u2019t afraid of bugs. In fact, they might say they\u2019re <em>obsessed<\/em> with bugs. Everson and Wiles are doctoral students studying entomology \u2014&nbsp; the study of insects \u2014 in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. They\u2019re also the outreach coordinators for the <a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/entomology-and-plant-pathology\/entomology-graduate-student-association\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Entomology Graduate Student Association<\/a> (EGSA).<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Volunteers with the EGSA visit museums, schools and events, including Packpalooza and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences\u2019 <a href=\"https:\/\/naturalsciences.org\/calendar\/bugfest\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">BugFest<\/a>, to talk about the importance of bugs, and give people a safe opportunity to conquer their fears of the creepy crawly organisms. The group\u2019s outreach stars include a foot-long giant centipede named Captain Crunch, hissing cockroaches and tarantulas.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":417156,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/EPP_EntomologyOutreach_group_101223.jpg\" alt=\"students smiling while volunteering\" class=\"wp-image-417156\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The EGSA attended the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences' Bugfest in September.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cI think most people\u2019s favorite is the hissing cockroaches because they can hold them,\u201d Everson says. \u201cThey\u2019re so slow and calm, and they make a unique hissing sound that either scares or intrigues people.\u201d<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Everson takes care of the bugs and coordinates their travel logistics, and Wiles plans the outreach events and schedules volunteers. The group is supported by Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor <a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/entomology-and-plant-pathology\/people\/sorenson\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Clyde Sorenson<\/a>. Everson and Wiles are working to expand the opportunity to undergraduate students with help from <a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/entomology-and-plant-pathology\/people\/tlhoctor\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Terri Billeisen<\/a>, director of undergraduate programs.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Everson, a native of Cary, North Carolina, has known he wanted to work with bugs and outreach ever since his dad, who earned a master\u2019s in entomology from North Carolina State University, brought bugs to his elementary school when he was a child.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":417157,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/EPP_Millipede_outreach_101223.jpg\" alt=\"someone holding a millipede at an outreach event\" class=\"wp-image-417157\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A volunteer holding a millipede at Packapalooza.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cAs soon as I learned that a graduate student is allowed to run those events and take care of those bugs, I was like, \u2018That\u2019s going to be me.\u2019 I just want people to feel as happy about stuff like that as I feel,\u201d Everson shares.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Everson earned bachelor\u2019s degrees in plant biology and biology with a minor in entomology from NC State in the spring of 2021 and started his doctoral degree soon after.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/pullquote {\"value\":\" \\u0022It makes me happy to see kids learning about something that they never thought was possible.\u201d \"} -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-ncst-pullquote has-red-400-text-color\"><div class=\"pullquote-container\"><p class=\"pullquote-content\"> \"It makes me happy to see kids learning about something that they never thought was possible.\u201d <\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/pullquote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Wiles didn\u2019t have experience with bugs during her childhood. She grew up in Princeton, North Carolina, and she first worked with bugs during her undergraduate research at Campbell University. Wiles earned bachelor\u2019s degrees in biology and environmental science in 2022.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cWhere I grew up, I didn\u2019t have a lot of exposure to this kind of science,\u201d she says. \u201cIt\u2019s important to me to reach people who don\u2019t have as many educational opportunities. It makes me happy to see kids learning about something that they never thought was possible.\u201d<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In addition to teaching people about bugs, Everson and Wiles promote NC State as a great place to study entomology.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":417158,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/EPP_Bugfest_101223.jpg\" alt=\"volunteers talking to the public about bugs at a museum\" class=\"wp-image-417158\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Volunteers talking to visitors at BugFest.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s a good opportunity for us to talk to the public about our graduate program or to talk about NC State if somebody is trying to find a college where they can work with insects and science in general,\u201d Everson says.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>While sharing facts about insects and NC State, EGSA volunteers also get to improve their communication skills.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cIt benefits grad students because they get to improve their science communication skills by talking to all members of the public, not just other scientists,\u201d Wiles says.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Everson adds, \u201cIt helps us as scientists. Being able to interact with the public is one of the most important things that we'll ever have to do.\u201d<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->"},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Entomology graduate students at NC State teach the public about bugs and improve their science communication skills at outreach events.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3509,"featured_media":417155,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"views\/single-immersive.blade.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"source":"","ncst_custom_author":"","ncst_show_custom_author":false,"ncst_dynamicHeaderBlockName":"ncst\/default-immersive-post-header","ncst_dynamicHeaderData":"{\"backgroundColor\":\"red_400\",\"caption\":\"The Entomology Graduate Student Association brings tarantulas and other critters to outreach events, including NC State's Packapalooza\u2122.\",\"displayCategoryID\":1174,\"showAuthor\":true,\"showDate\":true,\"showFeaturedVideo\":false}","ncst_content_audit_freq":"","ncst_content_audit_date":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[1792,1181,1174],"tags":[1180,2709],"_ncst_magazine_issue":[],"coauthors":[2233],"class_list":["post-417150","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cals-weekly","category-newswire","category-students","tag-department-of-entomology-and-plant-pathology","tag-graduate-students"],"displayCategory":{"term_id":1174,"name":"Students","slug":"students","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":1174,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":2697,"count":516,"filter":"raw"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/417150","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3509"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=417150"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/417150\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":419568,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/417150\/revisions\/419568"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/417155"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=417150"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=417150"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=417150"},{"taxonomy":"_ncst_magazine_issue","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/_ncst_magazine_issue?post=417150"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=417150"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}