Page 7 - Impact - Fall 2020

Insect
INTELLIGENCE
Coined a “temple of biodiversity” by one
visitor, the U of M Insect Collection is home
to more than 4 million insect specimens that
together create a story of how Minnesota’s
natural environment has changed over
the decades — and what’s possible for the future. What started
as a modest regional reference resource in 1879 with about 3,000 specimens is now a museum containing over 53,000 different species.
“It represents a physical record of insect diversity in space and time over the last 140 years of insects from Minnesota, the region, the country, and in some groups for the entire world,” said U of M entomology professor and collection director, Ralph Holzenthal.
In addition to general insect diversity and distribution changes,
the collection serves as an historical record of agricultural challenges, providing information that can be used to prevent the spread and diminish the effects of harmful insects, such as Japanese beetles and soybean aphids.
Although the purpose of the collection is primarily for research and teaching, public outreach is also important. The Insect Collection team shares its knowledge by giving tours to schools and other groups.
“It’s really a gem on the St. Paul campus for the University,” said Holzenthal. “In terms of the scientific value of the collection, it’s priceless.”
Last year for Give to the Max Day, generous donors raised $7,000+ toward a longer-term project to develop a customized, publicly- accessible database of the museum’s tens of thousands of bees and other pollinators.
CFANS HAS THE 10TH LARGEST UNIVERSITY- AFFILIATED INSECT COLLECTION IN N. AMERICA.
Students and donors: A personal connection
CFANS ADAPTS AND CELEBRATES WITH VIRTUAL MEETINGS
It was a lunch meeting without a table, plates, or even food — but thanks to the excellent company, the event was nourishing for everyone involved.
Every year, Lew and Joan Lambert enjoy meeting with the CFANS graduate student recipients of the Jean W. and Mary S. Lambert Agronomy and Plant Genetics Fellowship.
Typically, they connect in person with the students whose educational dreams and goals they are supporting. This year, social distancing prevented them from physically clinking their coffee cups in a congratulatory toast, but it didn’t stop them from celebrating.
To the delight of all involved, CFANS organized a Zoom meeting to join the Lamberts with four of the Fellows.
During the virtual meeting, the students gave brief thesis presentations, illustrating how the investments the Lamberts have made in them are
truly advancing science to drive a sustainable future.
It was meaningful to thank their donors in person. “What a fantastic thing...to meet the people behind such
a great legacy...that have done so much for our program,” said Ryan Merry, Lambert Fellow. “Every interaction I learn something new about the Lambert family, and that was not lost over a video chat in the least.”
A virtual success, indeed.