As I am wrapping up my master’s degree, I have been enjoying my final year and the opportunities presented to me as a student, mainly the community that is so deeply rooted within my research. During my urban entomology endeavors, I have been fortunate enough to interact with many influential individuals within academia and the pest management industry, who’ve shared stories about their experience and have discussed hopes for the future of the industry. I was elated to receive this scholarship, as I have worked hard to convey the implications and benefits of my research for urban pest management.
While working towards graduation, I was busy completing the final chapters of my thesis, which explores German cockroach (Blattella germanica) biology and behavior. One of my greatest feats was finishing data collection on my longevity study, which evaluated the effects of different environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, diet) on cockroach survival times. I presented on this project at the 2025 Entomological Society of America annual meeting. I was also awarded the Medical, Urban, & Veterinary Entomology (MUVE) section’s student recognition award for my work and service. On the behavior side of my research, I completed projects that evaluated environmental factors that contribute to cockroach preference for choosing an initial harborage site and switching harborage sites. My goals in 2026 are to publish my research findings in both peer-reviewed and trade magazines to help improve the pest management industry.
On top of my research, I have focused heavily on extension and outreach as these areas are fun, fulfilling, and above all, beneficial. I believe opportunities that connect academia with, not only the public, but the industry as well, are fundamental aspects within the field of entomology. Working to improve management practices and emphasizing communication will make pest control more easily understandable and adoptable. Through extension and outreach, I have been able to improve my public speaking skills and communication. Public communication has also led me to meet new people, some of whom have been Pi Chi Omega members.
Being a part of the pest control community has been fascinating and equally inspiring. The pest control members are always welcoming, eager to help, and purely authentic. The scholarship that I received was not only appreciated financially, but also personally. Dr. Austin Frishman called me afterwards to congratulate me and hear more about my studies; I thought that was so sincere of him, and I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation. And that is just one example of many of the quality connections I have been able to make in this community. I would like to thank the Pi Chi Omega scholarship committee for recognizing my hard work and the organization for creating an opportunity to be a part of this community. I am honored to be surrounded by people who are dedicated to supporting one another and greatly appreciate the support provided by Pi Chi Omega.