MEET THE TEAM
Making It Happen
JESSICA KANSMAN
C.V. Riley President
I am a PhD candidate in Insect Ecology studying the effects of drought on aphids, their natural enemies, and insect communities in winter wheat. I have been known to force baked goods made with cricket flour on my friends and incorporate too many moth memes into undergraduate taxonomy lectures.
HARPER SMITH
Vice President
I'm a master's student studying a virus in grapevines that's transmitted by an insect vector. I get to work in Missouri vineyards and conduct research for the love of wine!
KELSEY BENTHALL
Public Relations
I am a M.S. Student currently studying integrated pest management strategies to control the Japanese beetle. In the future, I am interested in furthering research in invasive species control.
KATIE LAPLANTE
Treasurer
Katie is a first year PhD student at Mizzou. She is currently researching female monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) oviposition preference in relation to aphid (Aphis nerii) density on host milkweed plants. Her hobbies include caring for animals and raising insects.
EMILY ALTHOFF
Student Affairs Committee Representative
M.S. Student studying effects of tillage on insect pest health. Additionally, working on projects involving chemical ecology, nutrition, and tritrophic interactions.