To better acquaint you with the daily duties of an entomologist, ESA has performed the following interviews with scientists working in four areas of entomology.
Fiona Hunter, medical entomologist -- A medical and veterinary entomologist is someone who studies insects (and arachnids) that can potentially harm or transmit diseases to humans and animals. This includes both domestic and wild animals.
Lincoln Moore, plant protection entomologist -- Society suffers enormous losses from the destruction of plants by insects. Agricultural crops, turf, ornamental plants, and trees are all attacked and injured by insects, and plant protection entomologists are engaged in activities to minimize this destruction.
Robert Hall, medical entomologist -- Medical entomologists are concerned with the role insects play in causing diseases in animals and humans. This field includes the study of insects and arachnids that adversely affect the health of humans, domestic animals, and wildlife through transmission of disease-causing agents.
Leslie Saul Gershenz, conservation entomologist -- Convincing the public of the economic and physiological benefits of maintaining insect diversity is extremely important. Many entomologists combine their passion for entomology with an aptitude for communicating. They are involved in education and outreach in order to encourage appreciation for insects and foster support for programs to preserve biodiversity and the environment.
Colonel Stephen Berté, military entomologist -- Military entomologists are primarily responsible for protecting the health of the U.S. military from insects and the diseases they carry. They also work in other entomological fields such as the management of urban and vertebrate pests, and even weeds. They also conduct entomological research.