The Zoo and Aquarium Club’s “bug month” focused on a variety of insects with a mix of educational and interactive experiences.
Club President Delaney Williams, a senior marine science major, explained how each month she introduces experts to speak at monthly meetings about the club’s “animal of the month.”
For the month of October, Williams decided to partner up with her best friend Triston Rice, commonly referred to on campus as “the bug guy.” Rice, a senior marine science major, shared his passion for insects by teaching students about their importance and offering hands-on learning opportunities.
“We did a couple of campus walks where I was teaching everybody about local insect fauna, and you know, what’s around here, what you can find,” Rice said. Club members were also taught by Rice how to pin their own bug.
“A lot of people think it’s just a pretty thing to have as a decoration, but I like doing it just to educate people, as to, everything is local,” Rice said.
Williams explained how the club provides students with opportunities to engage directly with experts and deepen their understanding of animal life, as well as discuss potential internship opportunities.
“We go to zoos and aquariums as our field trips, but we also try giving our members opportunities for them to succeed in whatever animal field they want to go in,” Williams said.
Club member and sophomore marine science major Virginia Romano said she has continued to attend activities because of the welcoming atmosphere.
“I think it’s a good gateway for anybody who wants to learn about the animal side of things. Like, if they want to work with animals, but don’t really like know where to start,” Romano said.
