Outreach
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Outreach
During my undergraduate experience, I co-founded the Entomology Society at USF (ESSF). ESSF is a non-profit organization led by University of South Florida's faculty and students. The entomology organization was founded in December 2022, making it the first official insect-focused group of all USF campuses (Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota). Entomology society encourage South Florida insect enthusiasts to network for remote (virtual) or in-person events.
Citizen Scientists
Incorporate a diverse community-based project on iNaturalist for ESSF members to share their bug observations for research grade photos. The iNaturalist project bines together two objectives once ESSF members join. First, uplift entomology members to learn about Florida's native, endemic, and invasive insect species. Second, inspire collaboration with neighboring universities to quantify the number of bug observations with Geographic Information System (GIS) software. A total of 6+ ESSF members have joined the project to track insect populations throughout one's daily life.
Events
• Academic Tours
• Bug Seminars
• Nature Hikes
• Guest Speakers
• Pinning Lessons
Goals
1. Provide a community for entomology enthusiast.
2. Share interesting insect taxonomy and live specimen.
3. Learn about Florida's ecosystem of native insect habitats.
4. Spread awareness of insect species conservation and pest control management.
Platforms
Previous Personal Involvement (2022-23):
• Virtual (Remote) Society Engagement (12/1/22) - (8/24/23)
• Welcome & Bombardier Beetles (8/28/23)
• Donut Social & Water Bugs (9/11/23)
• Lettuce Lake Bug Hike (9/24/23)
• Pizza Social & Flower Beetles (9/25/23)
• Donut Social & Oak Treehoppers (10/9/23)
• USF Botanical Gardens Bug Hike (10/10/23)
• Halloween Social & Stag Beetles (10/23/23)
• Final Meeting & Polyphemus Moths (11/6/23)
Photo: Daniella Casanova tabling for ESSF at the USF Botanical Garden's Farmers Market.
