At first glance, Wanghao Shen from China and Erick Martinez from Honduras might seem worlds apart. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find a surprising connection: a shared passion for ecosystems and, more specifically, entomology. Shen grew up watching insects in the countryside where his grandparents farmed. For Martinez, agriculture was simply part of daily life in his rural community.
Their paths converged at The Ohio State University’s Department of Entomology. Established in 1891, the department is one of the oldest and most respected of its kind in the US. It’s also the only university in Ohio offering an undergraduate major and minor in entomology. But what makes the department stand out is its curricula that is shaped by scientific leaders and guided by student and industry feedback. For students like Shen and Martinez, it’s the community in which to explore, learn, grow, and research.
With state-of-the-art labs and generous funding, entomology student Erick Martinez leads research projects that make a difference. Source: The Ohio State University
Learning that lasts
Entomology pathways at Ohio State consists of unique blends of biological sciences and in-depth learning in insect biology and applied entomology, giving students both depth and breadth in the field. For Shen, who is majoring in entomology and minoring in plant pathology, it was the ideal match. “In addition to general entomology and pest management courses, there are many courses related to insect behaviour and ecology,” he says.
For example, he learned about the social behaviour and evolution of insects in the Social Insects course, while the course Insect Symbioses helped him better understand how insects, plants, fungi and other organisms interact. “These courses have trained my ability to find literature, interpret papers, and summarise new research topics,” he says.
Martinez took a different route. During his undergraduate degree, he needed to complete an international internship — and Ohio State provided that opportunity. “The experience was transformative,” he recalls.
So much so that he returned for his PhD. “My research centres on controlling one of the deadliest animals on the planet: mosquitoes,” he says. “I’m especially passionate about identifying natural, plant-based alternatives to synthetic insecticides to reduce the risks these chemicals pose to humans and the environment.”
A student displays queen bee rearing as part of one of the countless student groups that build lasting connections in one of the US’s biggest metropolitan areas. Source: The Ohio State University
Real research. Real support. Real impact.
That kind of meaningful research is at the heart of Ohio State’s Department of Entomology. Students are guided by an ecological approach that considers sustainability, productivity, and social impact. Supporting it all are award-winning faculty who make both lab and field research accessible to students. “Many professors and the faculty in our Department of Entomology and related institutions have been very helpful to me in terms of academic planning, skill development, courses, and work experience,” says Shen of his journey.
But what impressed him most was the department’s culture of collaboration. “It’s common to see researchers sharing resources, ideas, and feedback,” he says. “That kind of environment makes a massive difference in how you grow as a scientist.”
It’s the same for student Addison Copen. “Each educator cares about my well-being, the state of my education, and the outlook of my career, which has allowed me to prosper in my short time here,” states Copen.
Beyond academic support, faculty members go the extra mile to help students connect with the wider scientific community. Copen, for example, is already publishing research, presenting at national conferences, and being awarded grants as an undergraduate.
Regarding collaboration, when Martinez joined the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) annual meeting, he was surrounded by experts tackling similar challenges. There were no shortage of new ideas, real-world insights, and deep perception of the field. “It was also a great chance to network with scientists, industry professionals, and public health experts,” he says. “Those conversations are helping shape my research and could even lead to future opportunities.”
Students experience real, hands-on research in laboratories, greenhouses, museums, and more. Source: The Ohio State University
Experiences like these have prepared both Shen and Martinez for what’s next. For Shen, Ohio State gave him the tools to make a real impact. “From using pesticides to exploring biological control and genetic engineering, I am ready to solve problems in agriculture or urban landscapes,” he says. His next step is to work as a research assistant before applying to graduate school in entomology.
Martinez feels the same. “Through my work, I’ve had the chance to engage with experts from around the world, travel to places I never imagined I’d go, and learn far beyond what I thought I signed up for at the start of my programme,” he says. “And while my current focus is on mosquitoes and public health, my training applies to so many areas in pest management. Whatever comes next, I know I’m ready.”
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