On Thursday, August 1st, two of our undergraduate researchers, Anya Frazier and Lilah Shtino, presented at the Science Education and Research Center’s Summer Research and Leadership Symposium. Both students have been working on their respective projects the entire summer with guidance from iEcoLab graduate students and PIs.
Anya’s project, titled “Investigation of novel feeding relationships between the invasive spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) and ant genera (Family: Formicidae)”, focused on identifying ant genera that feed on SLF honeydew, with the next phase to focus on observing ant behavior to determine if they are protecting and farming SLF like they do with other aphid species.
Lilah’s project, titled “Impact of Vines on Spotted Lanternfly Abundance in Trees”, focused on how vine presence may create a microenvironment that provides more favorable conditions for SLF nymph development. This research provides insight that can be used to develop SLF management strategies.
Both researchers were funded by the Frances Velay Fellowship at Temple University, which supports young women in STEM fields to conduct undergraduate research. Both Anya and Lilah did a fantastic job, and we are looking forward to seeing what they accomplish next!