Entomology Society at USF Experience Reflection
Image: Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park. Photo credit by Cindy Zheng from Flickr.
As of December 2023, I reflect upon my experience after attending the Entomology Society at USF as club officer and co-founder. I am immensely proud of working with both, entomology members and club officers (Taylor Rand, Dayana Gutierrez-Sotelo, and Shane Brown). Despite my departure as officer, the organization is left with good hands. I am excited to see the future endeavors and projects from the entomology society!
Image: Bee pollinating a purple flower on a chilly morning at the USF Butterfly Garden section.
Entomology Society at USF Timeline
December 2022 – Entomology Society at USF Founded
- Starting December 2022, was the “brainstorming” era for the Entomology Society at USF (ESSF). Also, the year and month ESSF was founded. This month consisted of establishing social media platforms like Instagram, Discord, LinkedIn, etc. The goal was to spread the word for this newly-created organization. Fun fact: Before the focus of entomology, the club was initially intended to be a meteorology and weather organization before the change. This change was made in preference for a more hands-on science approach with monthly nature trails.
March 2023 – Official University Society Status
- The entomology society had to overcome a few obstacles to become an “official” University of South Florida organization. One of which, required a support of an amazing community to show interests and intent. Ultimately meeting the amazing officers (Taylor, Dayana, and Shane). Secondly, a USF faculty who could vouch for the society. This is where the officers met Marc Lajeunesse. Dr. Lajeunesse research interests are Meta-Analysis, Research Synthesis, Parasites/Herbivory, Ecology, and Evolutionary Biology. His overarching goal is to understand natural diversity of parasites and sustainable ecology.
May 2023 – iNaturalist Project Created
- In the month of May, the Entomology Society at USF iNaturalist project was born. This project encourages members alike to think as citizen scientists by reporting bug observations. iNaturalist participants use Geographic Information System (GIS) to geotag of species found in nature. This allows anyone to independently or with a team, identify insects for personal fulfillment and the entomology society. Once members join the iNaturalist project, all insect-specific observations will be synced.
August 2023 – First In-Person Seminar
- For the month of August, reflects the first in-person entomology seminar at the University of South Florida, Tampa Campus. With official club status, officers were able to rent out a community space at the Marshall Student Center. All walks of life are welcome to join regardless of one's expertise on the subject-matter. Food and snacks were offered as well during break time. The first seminar topic was on “Bombardier Beetles”.
September 2023 – First Bug Society Nature Hike
- The long-awaited bug hike became official during the month of September. The first bug hike took place at Lettuce Lake Park. The park is five minutes away from the USF Tampa Campus.
November 2023 – Bug Pinning Seminar
- The first bug pinning seminar with Marc Lajeunesse – faculty advisor and sponsor for the Entomology Society at USF.
November 2023 – Officer Elections
- For the continuation of entomology society, elections were held during the month of November. The 2023 – 2024 officers: Taylor Rand (President), Dayana Gutierrez-Sotelo (Vice-President), Reilly Mccollum (Treasurer), Jordan Depante (Secretary), Coen Mcgarrah (Event Coordinator).
Conclusion
- In conclusion, the experience attending the Entomology Society at USF was awesome! I applied my organizational skills learned from L'SPACE Academy to foster a community where people could grow their curiosity of insects and nature.
