Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology student Dillen Phillips sharing their exhibit on the life stages of butterflies. | Braylon Green
To educate the public on insect diversity, highlight ecological importance, and display that bugs are much more than household pests, the Super Bugs Lab of the SVSU Department of Biology hosted its annual Insect-a-palooza for community members of all ages in the Groening Commons of SVSU’s campus Nov. 2.
Insect-a-palooza is a free interactive science festival that features informational exhibits like a walk-in butterfly tent, a food exhibit with items utilizing bug-derived ingredients, and Madagascar hissing cockroach handling.
Representative of the Saginaw County Mosquito Abatement Commission, Mathys Kotze, educates on the importance of conservation. | Braylon Green
This event began in 2023, making this the fourth year that it has taken place.
Dr. Jorge R. Parades-Montero, Principal Investigator of the Super Bugs Lab and Assistant Professor of Entomology and Parasitology, emphasizes that the primary goal of Insect-a-palooza is to shift public perception.
“People have some misconceptions about bugs, and we want them to look at them through a different lens,” Parades-Montero said. “They provide ecosystem services, so they’re useful for the planet. We need to take action and start building habitats to preserve them. That’s the number one thing.”
Parades-Montero’s emphasis on preservation echoed throughout the event’s interactive stations and research displays. Representatives from the Saginaw County Mosquito Abatement Commission offered practical advice on controlling local mosquito breeding habitats, while SVSU biology students presented cutting-edge research on using genetic modification to curb invasive bean beetle populations.
Biochemistry and Neuroscience student Grace Harkenrider holds a hissing cockroach. | Braylon Green
For student exhibitors like Mordain Gladney, an ecology, evolution, and organismal biology major, the event offered a chance to share their research with the public in a proactive way that the community can learn from.
“We are doing this event because we love informing the public on fun facts about bugs, and facts about them that might make them a little less scary,” Gladney said.
Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology student Mordain Gladney displaying the rhythmic tone of a female mosquito’s wingbeats. | Braylon Green
Attendees mentioned how the event has changed their perspective of bugs.
When asked if they were squeamish of bugs before attending the event, Grace Harkenrider, a biochemistry and neuroscience student, said, “ Well, it depends on the bug.”
After holding a Madagascar hissing cockroach at an exhibit, Harkenrider said, “It was pretty chill; it was nice and friendly,” and expressed their enjoyment of the entire event.
Saginaw community members, Nivia and Xzander S., enjoy handling beetles. | Braylon Green
By replacing squeamishness with hands-on discovery, Insect-a-palooza gave the community a fresh perspective on the creatures they share an environment with. Bridging the gap between university research and family-friendly interaction allowed SVSU student exhibitors and organizers to successfully challenge common misconceptions, sending attendees home with an appreciation for protecting the local insect population.
Ariel view of the Insect-a-palooza crowd. | Braylon Green
