Graduate Spotlight
Serena Gross
December 2013
Advisor
Dr. Ralph Williams and Dr. Rick Foster
Expected Graduation
Spring 2014
EGO Officer Position
Previously, Teaching & Curriculum Chair and Social Chair
Originally From
Lisbon, Maine
Future Career Plans
I would like to teach entomology at a college or university.
Area of Research
Forensic entomology.
Summary of Research
My PhD work is on the succession of carrion insect fauna in rural and urban environments. Blow fly species vary with habitat and some species have preferences for one habitat over another. Some species are synanthropic which means that they are ecologically associated with humans.
How You Got Into Entomology
I've been interested in insects as far back as I can remember. I'm sure I was trying to catch insects while in my crib.
Favorite Insect and Why
Nicrophorus americanus, the American Burying Beetle. Because it uses carrion, is big, has parental care and is endangered.
Favorite Movie
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Hobbies
Cross-stitch, reading, crochet, hiking, and video games.
Favorite Cookie
Shortbread cookie.
Favorite Book
As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner.
Place You Would Like to Visit
I would like to visit Costa Rica again, as well as to visit Japan and France.
