Name: Hannah Stowe
Hometown: Manhattan, KS
Graduate Program: Ph.D in Entomology
Expected Date of Graduation: May 2025
Why did you choose the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
Initially, I was fully focused on the research project advertised by my current lab and advisor, I was really interested in exploring more on-farm field-based work! Since I’ve been here, however, I’ve been continually impressed with the dedication and care this university shows students. Our department is a great example of this, and it’s been a wonderful experience to see and be a part of the community here.
Why did you decide to pursue a Graduate Degree? Why entomology?
Simply stated I just plain love bugs, I’ve been an enthusiast since childhood, and graduate school was the best way to make sure I could continue learning about bugs and science for the rest of my life.
What is your favorite class you have taken so far and why?
The class that pushes and influences me a lot day-to-day is scientific illustration. I think it taught me to look at visual communication more precisely and to appreciate it as equivalent to or even as a bit more important than verbal/written communication.
What is the topic of your thesis/project? What interested you in this topic?
I work with arthropod and predator ecology in agroecosystems. Really, it’s just a fancy way of saying that I try to understand how the landscape, environmental characteristics, and resources available to insect predators and spiders affect their populations, communities, and predatory performance. It’s a lot of “who’s there?”, “what are they doing?”, and “what makes them do that?”
What do you like the most in the Department of Entomology at UNL?
I have really loved meeting and getting to know all the folks that pass through this department, to a one they have been some of the very best and most welcoming people I’ve met. Whether it’s helping me bumble my way through wet lab research experience
(shout out to the Louis lab, like seriously the WHOLE lab) to just hanging out and supporting each other (Bruner club!!) everyone gives more than I expect.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to pursue a career in academia and continue conducting research and science communication through teaching and/or extension. I want to improve the sustainability of agriculture to increase beneficial ecosystem services and support biodiversity in the agroecosystem here in Nebraska and around the world.
What do you like to do in your free time? Are you involved in any clubs/organizations on campus?
I sort of collect hobbies if I’m honest. I spend a lot of time making pottery, beading, crocheting and knitting, reading, drawing, baking, and doing jigsaw puzzles. I have also been really involved in the Bruner Entomology Club during my time here and have really enjoyed bringing my artistic and creative skills to the club and expressing myself that way.
