I’ve always been obsessed with inverts, which is probably why I managed to earn the nickname “snail girl” in primary school. Although, zoologically wise I’d count myself as a generalist, as I’ve worked with most major animal taxa. However I’ve always found myself drawn to the weird little critters you can find hidden in the garden.
This fascination with strange animals did lead to a BSc in Zoology, followed by an MSc in Entomology, and ultimately getting my career started with my fist published paper!! I’m a coleopterist through and through, with my research centred around tracking techniques for ground beetles, alongside professional experience in saproxylic beetle IDing and trapping.
Beetles in general are my professional speciality, but my main love is everything to do with Lucanids specifically. I can happily occupy hours with finding the answers to any question I can think of to do with their mandible shape and anatomy. Beetles aren’t the only arthropods I adore though! My second love are Cambrian beasties, and to say I’m obsessed with Radiodonts and Opabinia is an understatement.
I’m also incredibly fortunate to have found a job in the field straight after my post grad, and it’s something I genuinely love. I get to spend my days talking to professionals about insect pheromones, learning about different pests and their behaviour, and generally finding excuses to talk about insects.