Graduate Spotlight
Elizabeth Rowen
October 2013
Advisor
Ian Kaplan
Expected Graduation
December 2014
EGO Officer Position
Intramural Captain
Originally From
Santa Cruz, CA
Future Career Plans
I would like get a PhD to continue doing research, and also do more extension work in the future.
Area of Research
Insect Ecology
Summary of Research
I am studying how tomatoes defend themselves against hornworms when they are exposed to their neighbor's herbivore-induced volatiles. These volatiles act as a warning signal allowing tomatoes to prepare for attack. We can take advantage of this trait by zeroing in on specific compounds that tomatoes respond to, increasing direct and indirect defenses against herbivore pests.
How You Got Into Entomology
I was actually scared of insects before starting my master's here a year ago. My first weekend I volunteered to help at the Purdue entomology booth at the Indiana State fair – I got over my fear in a hurry handling Madagascar giant cockroaches! The more I learn about insects, less intimidated I am by them in everyday life. Now I just find them fascinating!
Favorite Insect and Why
The monarch butterfly – Monarchs overwinter in my hometown, completely covering eucalyptus trees. In fact, my parents met over monarch butterflies!
Hobbies
I have been fencing (with swords) for more than 12 years – I fence saber for the Purdue Fencing Club.
Favorite Cookie
So hard to choose! Peanut Butter chocolate chip – or chocolate chip with dried cherries. Yum.
Favorite Book
Margret Atwood's Madaddam trilogy
Place You Would Like to Visit
I would like to drive the old Route 66 across the south, and visit Morocco.
