Name: Christopher M. Whalen
Hometown: Warwick, RI
Graduate Program: Ph.D. in Entomology
Expected Date of Graduation: Spring 2027
Why did you choose the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
I’m originally from Rhode Island and moved to Omaha for work in 2014. When I arrived, I quickly learned that everyone here seems to be obsessed with these…corn shuckers? No, “Cornhuskers”. That’s the one. Well, I figured I’d just give it a shot.
Joking aside, UNL was an easy choice. Since childhood, I have always wanted to be a scientist, working in a lab and doing research. I had just never been in the right place/time to make it happen. I am grateful to have found such an awesome program within driving distance, and to have been granted a VA scholarship for disabled veterans that enabled me to enroll. I definitely feel like I made the right choice, and my family tells me they’ve never seen me so happy. As a New Englander I never thought I’d say this but…GO BIG RED!
Why did you decide to pursue a Graduate Degree? Why Entomology?
I finished my B.S. in Applied Mathematics and Physics at the University of Rhode Island in 2014 during a career sabbatical. When I returned to my professional life, grad school felt like an ever more distant “maybe someday”. Early last year though, I retired from my career in government service—a mix of active duty Air Force, civil service, and defense contractor roles. Shortly after (and like any good retiree), I found myself becoming really interested in gardening. I became a Master Gardener with the UNL Extension in Omaha, and it was there that I learned about UNL’s Entomology programs. The Entomology department faculty here are some of the best professors I have ever known, and they have been so welcoming and supportive. The programs provide many on-ramps for people who either didn’t start out in Entomology or who are nontraditional students (like me, entering a new field at 38). In general, though, Entomology is an amazing field. There are so many unexplored areas that almost anyone with a passion for science can dive in and find a niche no one has ever investigated.
What is your favorite class you have taken so far and why?
One of my favorite classes was the introductory Entomology course (ENTO805) with Dr. Tom Weissling. There were a ton of “wow” moments, and it definitely eased my nerves as a beginner in the field. I also love the molecular tools course that I am currently taking with Dr. Leslie Rault. It’s a challenging class for sure, but I feel like I have really “leveled-up” in terms of skills. Getting hands-on with lab tools and processes has made me feel like Neo in the Matrix…I know (Entomology) Kung-fu.
What is the topic of your thesis/project? What interested you in this topic?
I’m working with Dr. Judy Wu-Smart in the UNL Bee Lab to build a prototype system for remote management of bee hives and for treatment against Varroa mites, a disease-vectoring parasite that destroys entire colonies globally. The current plan is to experiment with dosages and application schedules that provide the most effective treatments. I am also investigating other methods that could be used in conjunction with the prototype to reduce mite infestations in the egg/larval stages. I am so excited to be using my technology skills in an Entomology context. The irony here, however, is that I have been absolutely terrified of bees my entire life. Working closely with bees in the apiary has gone a long way toward mitigating that though. I even got my first bee sting and was very brave, thank you very much.
What are your plans after graduation?
I never would have thought I’d (happily) be here in the first place, so who knows what post-graduation looks like. Right now, I’m just focused on learning as much as possible in this program, and I’m loving the fact that I have fallen into this sort of Entomology/Engineering hybrid arena. I would love to keep developing new systems like this that make beekeeping, horticulture, agriculture, etc. more accessible, especially for people with disabilities. Accessibility helps everyone, and I think it would be really rewarding to use my abilities to further that cause.
What do you like to do in your free time? Are you involved in any clubs/organizations on campus?
Outside of Entomology, I’m into chess, amateur radio, microscopy, and making stuff with DIY tech (Raspberry Pis, Arduinos, 3D printing, etc.). More importantly though is that I’m a perpetual student at heart, and one of my main hobbies has been taking classes (even when I’m not actively pursuing a degree). I’ve been an active student for about 20 years now and have taken a wide range of classes at this point--foreign languages, aviation, computer science, design, emergency medicine, etc. I love staying mentally engaged and learning new things. I also want to set an example for my ten-year-old son that remaining curious about the world is a must. As far as clubs go, I have been able to hang out with the Insect Science Club and the Bruner Entomology Club. We really have an amazing group of motivated Entomology students and insect enthusiasts, graduate and undergraduate, and getting to share in that energy has convinced me that I’ve found my people.
