Three biology students at UNC Pembroke were recognized for their independent research at the joint annual meeting of the Entomological Society of America, Entomological Society of Canada, and Entomological Society of British Columbia.

The conference was held at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia, November 13-16. The theme for the event was ‘Entomology as Inspiration: Insects through art, science, and culture.’ 

Kinsley Adams, a senior biology major, gave an oral presentation entitled “How to Safely Remove Honeydew Insects using Histo-Clear Prior to DNA Amplifications,” which was well received.

Erika Rivera, a junior environmental science major, earned first place in the biodiversity poster competition for her project, “How do invasive ants interact and impact ant communities within the longleaf pine savannas of North Carolina?”  

Hunter Ivey, a sophomore biology major, earned second place for his poster, “Understanding Connections Between Diets of Honeydew Insects and Fire Ants in Longleaf Pine Savannas of North Carolina.”

The students gained valuable experience, networked, learned about diverse topics in the field of entomology, and received feedback on their research. Their research mentors are Drs. Kaitlin Campbell and Lisa Kelly in the Department of Biology.