Dr. Enakshi Ghosh

Assistant Professor, Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech

E-mail: enakshi@vt.edu

Charly Hartle

Hi, I’m Charly, and I am a Ph.D. student. My research focuses on host-parasitoid interactions through the lens of coevolution. I am examining how hosts and parasitoids adapt to each other behaviorally, immunologically, and physiologically; how parasitoids handle differences in host quality; and how multiple parasitoids that require the same host interact with each other and the host.

I'm also a big fan of insects in general, and I enjoy observing, photographing, drawing, collecting, rearing, and talking about them! Other than bugs and other animals, I love fantasy books and comics, sci-fi TV shows, art, animation, video games, tabletop games, bread, and tea.

Oriana Gutierrez

Hi, I’m Oriana Gutierrez! I grew up near Miami and earned my B.S. in Biochemistry from Washington and Lee University. My interest in entomology and multitrophic interactions began during a summer research experience at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory. After graduating, I worked with the USDA ARS Chemistry Unit studying microbial, pollinator, and plant interactions and participated in the Woods2Water postbaccalaureate program, where I studied seed dispersal by wild turkeys. As a graduate student, I am interested in the interaction between temperature and diet on herbivore-parasitoid interactions from an eco-immunological perspective.

Outside of the lab, I enjoy practicing yoga, playing board games, watching shows with friends, and meandering through wild areas in search of any kind of critter.

Michael Worrell

My name is Nicholas Daves, and I am a graduate student pursuing a Master’s degree in Entomology. My research focuses on the invasive Box Tree Moth, examining larval and adult host preferences across different boxwood species as well as examining the chemical and physical traits of the boxwoods that shape those preferences.

A little bit about myself. I enjoy spending my time outdoors going on hikes and spending time at the beach. Additionally, I like to play pickleball as well as disc golf during my spare time. On days that I don’t feel like going outside, I spend a good chunk of my time watching movies or playing video games like the GOAT Titanfall 2.

Hello, my name is Michael, and I am in the first year of my master's degree, studying how various varieties of cultivated cabbage fight off pests using natural defenses. I also work with commercial cabbage growers to help them implement mating disruption for Diamondback Moths into their integrated pest management plans.

I like to spend my weekends visiting with family, hanging out with my friends back home, traveling, playing pool, and keeping up with newly released movies.

Nicholas Daves

Catalina Hickey

I am a senior majoring in Environmental Horticulture with a minor in Entomology. I was born in California but raised in Virginia, and I fell in love with bugs my freshman year of university.

My most recent research has been on sexual dimorphism in immune function in the Diamondback Moth. After completing my undergraduate degree, I would like to pursue a master’s degree in Entomology.

Marry Hoffman

Hi, my name is Mary Hoffman, and I’m a full-time staff member and part-time graduate student with Virginia Tech Entomology! My work revolves around the management of the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid and the rearing of different predator species for biocontrol efforts. As a student, my focus is on understanding how two of these predator species locate their host in the environment, and the geographical mismatch that may inhibit establishment in their introduced range.

Beyond work and research, I’m an avid enjoyer of all types of games! Whether it’s a board, video, or card game, I’m always eager to play. In the fall I often dabble in costuming and attending renaissance fairs. My personal adoration of bugs and Virginia wildlife was fostered by my grandfather, who was also a career entomologist and Virginia natural historian, and some of my fondest memories growing up in Blacksburg involve hiking and searching for salamanders, millipedes, and all sorts of native insects.

Nathan Kim

Hi, my name is Nathan Kim. I am an undergrad starting in the HEBI Lab. For now, I will be assisting other lab members with their projects. My interests include biology and entomology.

My main hobbies are reading and playing various games with my friends.