Entomology undergrad joins state fight against emerald ash borer
Print
EmailWorking at the USDA Forestry Lab on emerald ash borer gave Minali Bhatt the chance to help fight against this invasive species while gaining insight into the life of a researcher.
Name: Minali Bhatt
Hometown: Farmington Hills, Michigan
Future study or career plans: Research in plant-arthropod interactions.
Tell us about your experiences working at the USDA Forestry Lab on emerald ash borer. Working with emerald ash borer with Toby Petrice and Leah Bauer has been one of the best experiences of my career so far. The position gave me an amazing insight into the life of a researcher, especially during the field season. It was amazing to learn and interact with emerald ash borer, as it was something I had only previously read about.
What is the best selling point about an entomology major that you would like others to know? Entomology is one of the oldest programs at MSU and has many unique courses that are taught by very experienced professors. It’s nice that there’s such a big community for entomology.
What or who inspired your interest in entomology? My mom is an outdoorsy person and always brought me with her, and it fostered a passion for nature in me.
What has been your best experience with entomology? The people in the Entomology Department have made my entomology experience the best because of how helpful and friendly everyone is!
What is your favorite way to spend your time outside of your studies? I love to backpack in my spare time and spend time in the outdoors in general.
"The people in the Entomology Department have made my entomology experience the best because of how helpful and friendly everyone is!"
What is your favorite insect? Because of my job, probably emerald ash borer.
What is your favorite thing about MSU? Probably the Spartan Sierra Club, a club I’m a part of that promotes environmental activism.
Do you have advice for anyone interested in an entomology major? There are a ton of resources available for you from the people who are in entomology as well as events going on in the department; make good use of them.
Read more about our past featured students.
