| Faculty Advisor |
Georgina Bingham
|
|---|---|
| Contact Email | gbingham@unl.edu |
| Website | |
| Advisor College: |
Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
|
| Potential Student Tasks |
FYRE students may help prepare stable fly traps and field supplies, sort insect samples, assist with basic fly identification, organize specimen records, label and store samples, enter data, and help prepare materials for molecular or diagnostic work. Depending on timing and training, students may observe or assist with sample processing related to pathogen surveillance, including learning how researchers prepare insects for downstream testing. Students may also help summarize basic data from trap collections, create simple figures or tables, read short background materials with guidance, and participate in research team discussions. If field activities align with the student's schedule and training, the student may have opportunities to observe field sampling at Nebraska livestock or research sites. By the end of the year, students should gain a practical understanding of how insect surveillance supports livestock health, how field samples move through a research pipeline, and how applied entomology contributes to Nebraska agriculture and animal health. |
| Student Qualifications |
Students from any major are welcome to apply. This opportunity may be especially relevant for students interested in entomology, animal science, pre-veterinary medicine, biology, microbiology, environmental science, natural resources, public health, agricultural sciences, or One Health. Prior research experience is not required. We are looking for students who are curious, reliable, careful with details, willing to learn new skills, and comfortable working with insect samples. Students should be able to follow protocols, keep clear notes, communicate about their schedule, and ask questions when something is unclear. An interest in livestock, insects, disease ecology, veterinary health, or Nebraska agriculture would be helpful. |
| Training, Mentoring, and Workplace Community |
The FYRE student will be welcomed as part of an applied entomology research team focused on insect pests, livestock health, and practical solutions for Nebraska stakeholders. The student will receive step-by-step training from a postdoctoral researcher, with regular mentoring from Dr. Bingham. Training will include safe laboratory practices, insect handling, sample organization, data recording, and basic research communication. We recognize that first-year students are still learning how to balance coursework, work, and campus life. The student's schedule will be arranged around classes, with an expected commitment of approximately 5 to 10 hours per week. Most activities will be in person because the project involves laboratory samples and hands-on training, but some reading, data organization, or reflection work may be flexible when appropriate. Our mentoring approach emphasizes encouragement, belonging, and gradual skill-building. Students will be invited to ask questions, attend lab meetings when possible, interact with undergraduate and graduate researchers, and learn how research connects to real agricultural and animal health challenges. We are especially interested in helping early students build confidence and see a future pathway into UCARE, honors research, graduate school, veterinary school, Extension, public health, or agricultural careers. |
| Available Positions |
2
|
Stable flies are biting flies that affect cattle, horses, and other animals. Their bites are painful, reduce animal comfort, and create economic and management challenges for livestock producers. In Nebraska, stable flies are especially important because of the state's major cattle industry and the close connection between animal health, agricultural production, and environmental conditions.
This FYRE project will introduce students to research on stable flies and emerging livestock health risks, including questions about how biting flies may interact with pathogens such as Theileria species. Students will join a research team working to understand where stable flies occur, how they can be monitored, and how insect surveillance can support animal health and One Health approaches in Nebraska.
Students will learn how entomologists collect and identify insects, organize field and laboratory samples, record data, and connect insect biology to larger questions about livestock systems, veterinary health, and emerging vector-borne disease risks. This project is a good fit for students interested in insects, animal health, veterinary medicine, agriculture, disease ecology, public health, environmental science, or field and laboratory research.
No prior experience with insects, livestock, or laboratory methods is required. Students will be trained by the faculty mentor and a postdoctoral researcher in a supportive environment.