An uncommon fascination: How we lure new entomologists into our common field

When I was asked to give the talk on “engaging new entomologists,” I was sitting in an airport with nine entomology majors and minors. I thought maybe the best way to learn about how to engage new entomologists is to ask those who were already engaged in the field, so I asked, “what made you choose entomology?” From the original nine responses, we grouped motivations into three categories: the science, the oddity, and the people. Through social media, I surveyed friends and colleagues, and the responses were fascinating. While a majority of the 90 respondents fit within the original three groupings [21 (23.3%) - a person or group, 16 (17.8%) - the oddity, and 34 (37.8%) - the science], there were other reasons like need for a job, a particular entomology class, and childhood fascinations that emerged. While this does not give a clear motivation behind why entomologists become entomologists from which to draw upon in engaging new entomologists, it does tell us that along the way, we became aware that this was a viable career path. Opening the door for opportunities for students to explore their childhood curiosities, being a mentor to students who could not have imagined working in this field, or having the class that inspires a deeper dive are all good ways we can reach and engage new entomologists. Opportunities, awareness, and inter-personal connection may just be the ways we lure new entomologists into this field that so many of us fell in love with.