Earlier this month Scott Longing, an associate professor of entomology within Texas Tech University’s Department of Plant & Soil Science, wrapped up the launch of an innovative inaugural ‘FFA Entomology BugShop,’ a three-day workshop that brought together 14 teachers from across the state to the university’s Junction Center, located 155 miles west of Austin.
“It was a great experience,” Longing said. “Junction is a perfect central location and venue for the workshop, where teachers get to see insects from both terrestrial and aquatic habitats.” The workshop was made possible through college’s Grand Challenges Catalyst Grant Program, an effort is made possible through a generous contribution from Gordon Davis, a longtime supporter and former faculty member within the Davis College Department of Animal & Food Sciences.
According to Longing, the goal of the Texas FFA BugShop was to assist teachers in developing skills and knowledge to transfer to high school entomology FFA teams, an outcome that also addresses a critical need to introduce entomology in Texas’ high schools. The Llano River Field Station in Junction was a perfect venue to interact with teachers in the field and laboratory to achieve these goals, he added.
“Current and related entomological research being conducted in the upper Llano River watershed by our team aims to improve what we know about insect biodiversity and its role in ecosystems, such as in pollination and serving as food for wildlife,” Longing said.
CONTACT: Scott Longing, Associate Professor of Entomology, Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University at 806) 834-1965 or scott.longing@ttu.edu
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