Cran Career Spotlight: Entomologist

Protecting crops from insects and understanding their role in the environment takes careful observation, scientific expertise, and a passion for discovery. In this Cran Career Spotlight, we meet an Entomologist. This career combines biology, research, problem-solving, and fieldwork to study insects and their impact on plants, ecosystems, and agriculture. From identifying insect pests and beneficial species to developing sustainable pest management strategies, entomologists help growers make informed decisions that protect crops while supporting environmental health.

For rural communities, careers like this are essential to maintaining productive and sustainable agricultural systems. In the cranberry industry, entomologists help identify and manage insect pests that can affect vine health, fruit quality, and crop yields. Their research supports integrated pest management practices that reduce crop losses, encourage responsible pesticide use, and promote healthy ecosystems. By helping growers protect their crops through science-based solutions, entomologists contribute to the long-term success of cranberry farming and the strength of rural communities.

Overview

Entomologists are people who study insects.

What is this career like?

Being a scientist (entomologist) is tremendously fulfilling and allows me to solve real problems while hunting down new discoveries. Typically, my work involves the process of studying a system, then asking key questions to serve as the basis for experimentation. Experiments are set up to tell us something critical about the system, and often this spawns new questions, and ultimately, our answers may become useful. We deliver answers!  Training and mentoring students is an important part of this career. Students are taught to conduct science and communicate findings to stakeholders and the general public. 

Some of the things you might do:

Search for native, insect-eating nematodes by setting traps for them. The traps are baited with caterpillars, and when the nematodes come to the scent of food (caterpillars), they enter the trap, attack the caterpillars, and then we bring the caterpillars home. The nematodes reproduce inside the caterpillars, and emerge about 1-2 weeks later. With a colony of nematodes, we can then screen them for their ability to kill a wide variety of insects.  When we find an especially lethal species of nematode, we can mass-propagate it and use if for pest control in agricultural settings.  

What skills are needed?

1. Expertise in insect identification;

2. Ability to use a wide variety of microscopes; 

3. Ability to design experiments and analyze data;

4. Skill with colony maintenance; 

5. Expertise in the use of specialized instrumentation; 

What education is required?

PhD or M.S. degrees serve as the foundation of a career in science.