Nick is an entomologist at the University of Kentucky and has been Editor-in-Chief of Physiological Entomology since the beginning of 2024. He has a special interest in educating others about climate change, and has been lucky enough to travel to Antarctica for research on Antarctic insects more than once!
Tell us a bit about the person behind the title Editor-in-Chief.
I grew up in a small town in Northeast Ohio, and from a young age I was interested in animals that push the boundaries of what’s possible.
My first “research subject” as a six-year-old was cheetahs, and I spent much of my childhood trying to catch frogs and snakes in the woods. Since then, I’ve been fascinated by organisms’ weird adaptations and have turned it into a career of studying how insects survive extreme conditions.
How did your academic career develop, and what led you to entomology in particular?
My parents weren’t able to go to college, and it was important to them to make sure their four sons could achieve their educational goals. To me, it seemed like staying in school forever was the best way to honor that commitment! As an undergraduate, I approached Professor Rick Lee to see if I could participate in a project on frogs, but he convinced me that there are a lot more opportunities in entomology, so that’s how I got started in insect research.
“I’ve been fortunate to work with excellent students and postdocs in my lab, and helping them achieve their goals creates a longer-lasting impact than any single research finding or paper.”
What do you appreciate the most about being involved with the RES?
I appreciate being able to contribute to a society journal. My home society (Entomological Society of America) doesn’t have a journal devoted to insect physiology, so it’s been great to have a way to promote physiological research while also supporting a non-profit society that advances the field of entomology as a whole.
What is the best part of your role as EiC of Physiological Entomology?
It’s been fun to see Physiological Entomology grow during my time with the journal. I’ve worked with a great group of editors and associate editors, and it’s rewarding to see more people submitting to the journal. Making sense of genomics and other big data requires studies that feature strong organismal phenotyping, so hopefully people are seeing Physiological Entomology as a go-to venue for functional studies of insects.
What has been your most exciting or interesting research discovery? Why?
That’s a hard question, but probably showing that Antarctic insects are susceptible to climate warming during the winter. While much of the focus on climate change is on heat waves and the growing season, winter climate change can have important implications for insects – both good and bad, depending on the species and its evolutionary history.
Who is your inspiration and why?
My partner Julie and our three kids, Layla, Jack, and Charlie. They keep things fun and exciting at home and also give me a reason to be on my best behavior at work, as hard as that can be at times!
Many entomologists travel widely – what was the most enjoyable fieldwork location you’ve worked in, and would you recommend it for a holiday?
I’ve had the privilege of conducting three field seasons in Antarctica. It is a magical place with the most breathtaking scenery I’ve ever laid eyes on. Part of me would recommend everyone go there if they get the chance, but another part of me knows that tourism is a major contributor to pollution in Antarctica, so maybe just watch the documentaries!
What’s your favourite insect and why?
For research, the Antarctic midge, Belgica antarctica. I’ve been studying it since I was an undergraduate in 2005, and it is one of the wildest animals on the planet.
As far as local species, I’m partial to luna moths. I love their size and color, and they always remind me of being in the woods away from the hustle and bustle.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
Probably the ability to teleport. If I could commute to Antarctica in the morning and be home in time to make dinner, my life would be so much easier.
What is the best piece of advice you received as an ECR?
The best piece of advice I received as an ECR was to learn to enjoy writing. It’s not just the last thing you do in a project, it’s also important for crystalizing your ideas and becoming a deeper thinker.
Where are you hoping your research will take you next?
We’re hoping to expand some of our work on extreme-adapted insects to the Arctic to see if insects from opposite poles share similar adaptations.
Also, we are becoming increasingly interested in how temperature and other environmental stressors influence insect responses to various pest control strategies.
If you could wake up with any new skill, what would it be?
I really wish I could dunk a basketball.
What motto do you live your life by?
I don’t think I can point to a single motto, but my high school principal used to conclude every announcement to the school with “And remember, work hard, be nice, and have fun.” We thought it was corny at the time, but it sums up how I try to approach the day-to-day.
Quickfire Questions
Nick’s favourite:
- Place? Besides Antarctica, Denmark
- Food? Pho
- Drink? Tea, especially a good, strong, black tea
- Book? Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
- Song? Suite Judy Blue Eyes by CSNY
- Film? Ghostbusters
- Sports team? Cleveland Guardians
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