Current Lab Members

Matthew Dean
MSc Student

Project: Laboratory and field insights into soil invertebrates in pasture-based livestock systems

About me: I am a master’s student with a background in entomological/agricultural research. I am passionate about the conservation of insects in agricultural ecosystems and interested in the various benefits that they provide. When I am out of the lab, I am reading, playing guitar, hiking (actually looking for iNaturalist observations), and caring for my household zoo.

Favourite insects:
Vulture bees (Trigona crassipes, Trigona necrophaga, Trigona hypogea)

Alexe Indigo (she/they)
PhD Student

Project: An interdisciplinary approach to risk and impact assessment of a newly invasive polyphagous insect

About me: I have a background in natural dyes and plant science, and am currently excited about studying insect biodiversity, beneficial insects, and community-based science education. Outside of work, I love cooking for friends, camping, trees, moss, and learning new things!

Favourite Insect: Rosy maple moth (Dryocampa rubicunda)

Em Stainforth
MSc Student

Project: Effects of climate on leafhoppers, their arthropod predators, and their parasitoids in lowbush blueberry fields in Nova Scotia

About me: I love everything bugs and I have a background in entomology and disease transmission in terrestrial invertebrates. I love using iNaturalist to catalogue plants, animals, and fungi I see when I’m out hiking in the summer. I am also a classically trained vocalist and pianist, and I have been known to have written a science song or two.

Favourite insect:  African migratory locust (Locusta migratoria migratoriodes)

Katie Stokes (she/her)
MSc Student

About me: I have a background in environmental science and agriculture. I enjoy travelling, spending time with friends and family, and learning about nature.

Project: Understanding the Impact of Environmental Variability on the Introduced Dung Beetle Onthophagus nuchicornis
Favourite insect: Small black and brown dung beetle (Onthophagus nuchicornis)

Rochelle Young (she/her)
MSc Student
Co-advised by Dr. Jess Vickruck
(Fredericton Research and Development Centre)

About me: About me: I have a background in biology-chemistry, but I have always found insects fascinating! I am thrilled to be able to study bees, as I have worked with them (and this project) for multiple summers as a summer student. When I’m not working, I enjoy writing, taking nature walks, and spending time with my family and friends!

Project: An interprovincial analysis of bees in blueberry fields investigating their biodiversity, pollen use, pesticide residues, and floral resources

Favourite Insect: Golden green sweat bee (Augochlorella aurata)

Jenna Bevacqua (she/her)
BSc Agr. Honours Student and Research Assistant

About me: Hey! I am a BSc (Agriculture) student from Vancouver BC heading into my fourth year of a Plant Science Honours Degree with a minor in Food Bioscience. This summer I am completing my honours research project on the impacts of various pasture forage diets on dung beetles while also working as a lab assistant! I am beyond excited to dive deeper into entomology and learn all about the insects of Nova Scotia! 

Project: Non-target impacts of herbal parasite control in cattle on dung beetles (Onthophagus nuchicornis)
Favourite insect: Bee Fly (Family Bombyliidae)

Samantha Bennett (she/her)
MSc Student

Project: Downstream effects of the inclusion of kelp in cattle diet on dung and coprophagous insect communities

About me: I am interested in exploring concepts related to soil health and soil ecosystems within the agricultural setting.  When I am not working, I love being outside, either hiking or climbing.  I also enjoy board game nights with friends and family. 

Favourite insect: Common Eastern Firefly (Photinus pyralis)