Thies Büscher has been one of the Editors-in-Chief of RES journal Physiological Entomology for just over a year. He is a functional morphologist based at Kiel University, and brings an enthusiastic quality to his work on the journal.
Tell us a bit about the person behind the title Editor-in-Chief.
I started studying chemistry/biology and education before my interest in stick insects pulled me into entomology.
How did your academic career develop, and what led you to entomology in particular?
I am fascinated by insects, especially stick insects. This interest drove me into my PhD project and has been the foundation of my research career.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
As a lecturer: most rewarding is to train and see younger scientists develop skills and pursue their careers.
“The RES offers a very friendly and supportive, yet professional atmosphere.”
– Thies Büscher
What is the best part of your role as EiC of your journal?
Seeing how studies and the journal develop.
What has been your most exciting or interesting research discovery, and why?
That stick insects have diverse attachment microstructures on their feet to cope with the different surfaces in the environment they are adapted to.
Who is your inspiration and why?
There have been several mentors (past and present), from biology teachers to PhD supervisor.
Many entomologists travel widely – what was the most enjoyable fieldwork location you’ve worked in, and would you recommend it for a holiday?
I do most of my fieldwork in Northern Germany. That’s not a location with the most enjoyable weather (generally), but I really enjoyed Southern Japan and particularly Kyoto.
What’s your favourite insect and why?
All phasmids, because they are so fascinating. They keep surprising us with everything we find out about them.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
Most helpful would be time-manipulation.
What is the best piece of advice you received as an ECR?
Do safety back-ups, excessively!
Where are you hoping your research will take you next?
South Africa.
If you could wake up with any new skill, what would it be?
The ability to say “no”.
What motto do you live your life by?
What you wish to kindle in others must burn within yourself.
Quickfire Questions
Sassan’s favourite:
- Place? Home or Kyoto, Japan
- Food? Pasta
- Drink? Beer
- Book? Nordstern by Karsten Blaas (a local novel from Kiel)
- Film? A bug’s life (despite anatomic imperfection)
- Sport? I enjoy watching floorball and handball
