UNCP Biology Students Take Their Research from the Field to the National Stage

February 17, 2026 Dr. Lisa Ann Kelly

Perseus Daily stands next to his research poster — Biology student Perseus Daily presents his research on springtail biodiversity at the 2025 Entomological Society of America national conference.

At his first national conference, UNC Pembroke biology student Perseus Daily took home first place for his research on soil-dwelling organisms, turning months of fieldwork into a standout moment on the national stage.

Daily earned top honors in the undergraduate poster competition at the 2025 Entomological Society of America conference, while fellow biology student Erika Rivera presented research on insect diversity at the Lumbee Cultural Center in Maxton.

Daily, a recipient of a Pembroke Undergraduate Research and Creativity Center grant, began working with faculty mentor Dr. Kaitlin Campbell in summer 2025. Over the following months, he collected and analyzed thousands of specimens from field sites, teaching himself to identify and study springtails — tiny but essential organisms that play a critical role in soil health. He compiled his findings through detailed imagery and data, building a project that stood out on the national stage.

“His expertise was evident to anyone who stopped by his poster,” Campbell said.

“I honestly didn’t expect to win anything,” Daily said. “I was very pleasantly surprised. It was very encouraging.”

student standing beside research poster — Biology student Erika Rivera presented her current research which is concentrated on insect diversity of the Lumbee Cultural Center in Maxton. Included in her data analyses were more than 7000 specimens that she and students in a UNCP entomology course collected over the span of multiple semesters.

Rivera, a seasoned presenter who previously earned first place at an international entomology conference in 2022, analyzed more than 7,000 specimens collected alongside fellow students in Campbell’s entomology course. Her research focused on insect diversity at the Lumbee Cultural Center and the effects of cultural burning, a key tool in habitat restoration.

Her findings showed a significant decline in invasive Asian needle ants following a single burn.

Campbell said the students’ work highlights both scientific impact and the strength of the university’s partnerships.

“Their presentations showcased our collaboration with the Lumbee Tribe and the meaningful biodiversity research happening at the cultural center,” Campbell said. “This work is helping us better understand how soil communities respond during restoration.”

For both students, the conference also provided an opportunity to connect with others in the field and gain confidence presenting their work.

“Going to this conference helped me connect with others who were interested in my research,” Daily said. “I was extremely nervous at first, but once I started talking with people, I realized how supportive the community is. It really helped me gain confidence.”

Rivera described the experience as one of her favorite parts of the semester.

“The insect community is an incredible group of people,” Rivera said. “I learn so much, make new connections and enjoy seeing the many ways insects are incorporated into science, art and personal expression.”

The PURC Center and the College of Arts and Sciences provided travel support for the conference.

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