Crochet representatives of insect diversity at Rice Creek Field Station
Contact Information
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Karen Sime
Others involved: Dr. Richard Back and Rice Creek Associates
Major: Zoology
Research Details
What is the focus of your research and why is it important?
My goal is to create realistic crochet models of insects that can be found at Rice Creek Field Station through the RCA Small Grants Program. These will serve both as an artistic display presented at RCFS and as realistic models for insect education. Each model will be paired with real preserved specimens of the species for comparison. Through these models, I hope to promote interest in entomology and the local insect species of Oswego.
What have you learned about conducting research?
I learned that dried insects can be preserved very well for a long time if maintained properly. Many of the insect specimens used along with the models are over 50 years old! This was achieved simply by pinning insects and letting them fully dry out. As long as the insects remain protected from the environment, they hold their shape and quality for many years.
Describe a memorable research experience at Rice Creek Field Station.
During this project I often did field surveys at Rice Creek Field Station to see the types of insects I could use for the crochet models. One summer morning, I went out to the field station without realizing there was an air quality warning in effect regarding wildfire smoke. Luckily, I believe the abundance of trees at RCFS kept me from feeling any effects from the smoke. As it turns out, it was one of my best insect sighting days I had all summer!
Where did you grow up and how did you become interested in science?
I grew up about a 3 hour drive away from Oswego in Clifton Park, NY, just north of Albany. I have always been interested in any animal I could find outside! I recall searching my backyard for hours in the summer collecting caterpillars. In school, science was always my favorite subject and had my favorite teachers too. I knew by the end of high school that majoring in Zoology at SUNY Oswego would be the right choice to pursue my passion.
What are your plans for the future?
In the near future, I plan to present my project at the Small Grants Symposium and lead educational programs using my crochet models while finishing my degree at Oswego. Beyond that, I will continue to crochet as a hobby and artistic outlet. I will always enjoy entomology and have a place for it in my life, but I am not sure if it will be a central component of my career going forward. I also anticipate attending graduate school to further my studies in Zoology.
