July 2023

Growing up, I had conflicting feelings towards insects. On one hand, I was afraid of them, but on the other hand, I was fascinated by their intricate world. Additionally, I developed a deep interest in true crime. These seemingly unrelated interests eventually converged, leading me to discover the captivating field of forensic entomology.

My research focuses on understanding how genomes and their structures influence various natural processes in insects, particularly examining the variations in growth rates across different populations within the same species. This work has two seemingly contradictory applications, both grounded in the same underlying principles.

In the forensic context, comprehending the variations in growth rates among insects that consume human remains is crucial for estimating the postmortem interval—the minimum time since death. Similar to how there is height variation among a group of ten 7-year-old boys due to differences in their growth rates, fly maggots also exhibit variations in size that we can use to approximate their age. However, when there is significant variation in growth rates, the estimates of postmortem intervals become less precise, even if they remain accurate. This highlights the importance of understanding the genetic factors contributing to such variations.

Conversely, my latest venture involves applying the knowledge and skills gained from forensic entomology to address a pressing societal issue—feeding the growing global population, especially in the face of climate change. With the human population continuously expanding, protein production struggles to keep up with demand. Clearing forests to make way for pastures exacerbates climate impacts. To tackle this challenge, I collaborate with colleagues at the first research center dedicated to studying insects as a sustainable source of feed and food. Insects require less land, water, and emit fewer emissions compared to traditional livestock, while providing an equally, if not more, nutritious alternative. This applies not only to feeding humans but also to nourishing our pets and other animals we consume.

Within this broader context, my specific research aims to uncover the connections between the genomes of these insects and their traits, such as growth rates, feeding efficiency, and overall health. By deciphering these links, we can develop strategies to optimize insect production as a sustainable solution to address the protein needs of a growing population.

Approximately one-third of the global population is adequately nourished, while another third is categorized as overweight or obese. However, an equally significant one-third of the world suffers from protein deficiency, resulting in inadequate nutrition. This unfortunate distribution of nutrition leads to poor health conditions for nearly two-thirds of the global population.

I have a deep passion for learning and making a positive impact, no matter how small it may be. There's nothing quite like the thrill of uncovering new knowledge and exploring uncharted territory. The opportunity to delve into a subject and discover something that nobody else has thought of before is truly exhilarating. What makes it even more fulfilling is when a student is the one who makes the breakthrough or gains a newfound understanding. Witnessing their enthusiasm and growth adds to the level of excitement to the whole process.

In my laboratory, graduate and undergraduate students (and often high school students) play a pivotal role in driving our research forward. Currently, I am fortunate to have five dedicated students working with me. Three of them are focused on forensic-related research, while the other two are exploring the potential of insects as a sustainable food and feed source. These students, just like their predecessors, form the foundation of our work.

Science research thrives on teamwork, and I strongly emphasize the importance of communication to my students. Encouraging them to seize every opportunity to discuss their work allows for the exchange of valuable information and knowledge. You never know when a seemingly insignificant detail or conversation might provide the missing piece of the puzzle that informs our work. The collaborative nature of science is what drives innovation and progress, and my students are instrumental in advancing our collective understanding.

In my work, I specialize in studying insects, which is a field that often faces public aversion. To bridge this gap and promote understanding, our engagement efforts primarily revolve around education. As I used to have a fear of insects myself while growing up, learning about them has transformed my perspective to the extent that I now even consume them.

One event that we eagerly participate in each year is Celebrate Science Indiana, a community event held at the State Fairgrounds. We bring a variety of insects, allowing the community to interact with and touch them. What makes this activity particularly intriguing is that we encourage participants to paint with the insects. While they engage in this unique experience, we take the opportunity to educate them about the insects' significance in forensic science and their crucial role as nature's recyclers.

Beyond this event, our lab seizes every chance to engage with a diverse range of audiences, from preschool-aged children to adults-only events. We firmly believe in making our work as accessible as possible, aiming to break down barriers and create understanding. By fostering dialogue and sharing knowledge, we hope to inspire a shift in perception and appreciation for insects among the wider community.

I am proud to be a member of the groundbreaking team that established the world's first research center dedicated to insects as feed and food, known as the Center for Environmental Sustainability through Insect Farming (CEIF), funded in by the National Science Foundation, and our industry members. Our mission involves collaborating with our industry members to address the pressing needs of this emerging field through multidisciplinary research.

The insect farming industry is still in its nascent stage, and the growth potential is nothing short of remarkable. What adds to the excitement is the availability of advanced technological tools and the remarkably short generation times of insects, which enable us to make significant advancements in our work at an accelerated pace.

My specific focus lies in leveraging genetic and genomic tools to enhance our ability to predict breeding outcomes and optimize production efficiency of these insects. Whether they are used as feed ingredients for livestock or as a sustainable protein source for human consumption, insects possess incredible potential. They are highly efficient protein factories, requiring fewer resources compared to traditional protein sources, and they excel at recycling food waste.

These tiny creatures are projected to have a tremendous impact as a climate solution in the future of food production. Their ability to provide sustainable protein, while minimizing resource usage and contributing to waste reduction, positions them as a crucial element in addressing the environmental challenges associated with traditional protein production methods. As part of The Center for Environmental Sustainability through Insect Farming, our team is dedicated to pioneering research and driving innovation in this field, ensuring a more sustainable and resilient future for the food industry.