Outreach

Entomology Society at USF Environmental Outreach

During my undergraduate experience, I co-founded the Entomology Society at USF (ESSF) with Taylor Rand, Dayana Gutierrez-Sotelo, and Shane Brown. 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 or in-person events. The society also collaborates with local environmental organizations and institutions to promote conservation initiatives and citizen science projects. Members are encouraged to share their insect discoveries through platforms like iNaturalist, creating a database that contributes to broader research efforts. By connecting individuals with shared passions, the Entomology Society at USF has become a cornerstone for entomology outreach and education in the region. Through its activities, ESSF not only celebrates the fascinating world of entomology but also fosters a sense of community among insect enthusiasts.

Nature-based Learning Through iNaturalist

Entomology Society at USF offers to incorporate a diverse community-based project on iNaturalist for members to share their bug observations for research grade photos. Since insects are part of our daily lives, members are encouraged to take photos of their findings whenever they come across a bug. Once observed, entomology society members are allowed to upload onto the iNaturalist group.

Citizen Scientists

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.

Previous Personal Involvement (2022-23)

The list of virtual events, in-person events, hikes, and insect pinning seminars while hosting for the entomology society. I had a wonderful experience getting to know the enthusiastic bug-side from the University of South Florida. These events taught me the valuable lesson of community outreach.

Academic Seminars, Guest Speakers, and Nature Hikes Galore

• 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)

Events Specialties

Academic Tours, Bug Seminars, Nature Hikes, Guest Speakers, Pinning Lessons
- Academic Tours: Introduced either on-campus or off-campus for a personalized tour to learn about insects. Prior event were held at the Little Red Wagon Native Nursery.
- Bug Seminars: Presented by entomology society officers 1-2 times a month at the University of South Florida Tampa Campus. Normally at the College of Environmental Sciences, Chemistry Building, or Marshall Student Center (MSC). Seminars ranging from instructional to group participation. Members can join in-person.
- Nature Hikes: Held within the Tampa Bay Area of Florida at least once a semester. Prior locations: Lettuce Lake Park, USF Botanical Gardens, Violet Cury Preserve, etc.
- Guest Speakers: Hosted by professionals, researchers, and graduate students. Each guest speaker brings in their own specialty to a seminar and discuss their life experiences.
- Pinning Lessons: Instructed by Dr. Lajeunesse from the USF biology department and club advisor. Bring in your own dried insect or choose available insect specimen available for pinning.

Platforms

For official Entomology Society at USF announcements and updates,

please visit Linktree ---> Instagram (ig: @usf.entomologysociety)

Tabling outreach for the Winter University of South Florida Botanical Gardens Farmers Market.

University of South Florida Botanical Gardens bug club hike. (Image credit: Jarred Hammond)

Lettuce Lake entomology society bug hike observing a large swallowtail butterfly.

First bug pinning hosted by Marc Lajeunesse with the Entomology Society at USF. (Image credit: Taylor Rand)

December Farmers Market bug society!

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