Background and research interests 

My research interests center on how agricultural land can be managed to support insect biodiversity and beneficial insects, while efficiently producing resources for humans. While working as a research assistant at the Illinois Natural History Survey, I led a study comparing terrestrial insect, aerial insect, and plant diversities in restored grasslands post agricultural production. This work inspired my fascination with soil insect biology and communities and drew me to the beetle I currently study, the red-headed flea beetle. I am also excited to develop effective and useful science communication for a variety of audiences and I volunteer for the UW Insect Ambassadors who provide Madison-area outreach and education about insects and ecology.

Project topic 

My master’s in the Guédot lab will examine how entomopathogenic nematodes can be used as a biocontrol of red-headed flea beetle in cranberry systems by targeting the soil-dwelling larvae, and investigating aspects of the reproductive biology of the beetle including the ovipositional preference for different soil types.

Personal interests 

Outside of the lab I enjoy latin dancing, hiking, pottery, creative writing, reading, meditation, and volunteering for the UW Insect Ambassadors!

Publications

Elizabeth Hrycyna, Jennings G. A. Mergenthal, Saiido Noor, Mary A. Heskel; Satellite observations of NO₂ indicate legacy impacts of redlining in U.S. Midwestern cities. Elementa: Science of the Anthropocene 4 January 2022; 10 (1): 00027. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1525/elementa.2022.00027