Meet the Fellows
2025 Fellows
Araya Pore
Mentor: Dr. Amanda Lorenz
School: Lansing Community College/Michigan State University 2023
“My name is Araya Pore and I’m a 2023 MSU alumnae and second-year student at LCC studying biotechnology. I’m working with Dr. Amanda Lorenz in the Bug House this summer to positively promote the department and its developments as well as providing a safe space for the public to learn about insects, arachnids, and isopods through visual aids and personalized interaction. My primary focus for this summer is to create a presentation for the 2025 MidSURE symposium about the husbandry of insects and how to care for them with respect to their natural environment. I’m so grateful for this opportunity and so excited to continue doing great work at Michigan State! Go Green!”
Hieu Mai
Mentor: Martín Brubaker
School: Michigan State University
“I'm a sophomore at MSU majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a minor in Pharmacology and Toxicology. I enjoy watching and playing sports, especially basketball and football. I also love cooking and have been doing it since I was 9.
For the summer, I'm a technical aide for Martín Brubaker's woolly apple aphids research project at the Wilson lab. For Martin's research, I'm currently doing lots of phenology and efficacy trials on woolly apple aphids. For the summer, I'm also doing a poster on whether commercially available wasps (Aphidius Colemani and Aphidius Ervi) can be used for controlling rosy apple aphids. With this project, I'm learning how to do bioassays as well as the clerical work that goes into research like writing abstracts and lit reviews.
This program has been one of the most interesting experiences I've had, and I have learned so much more than I expected."
2024 Fellows
RE DeForest
College: Lansing Community College/MSU-Fall 24
"This program offers not just experience but also lots of knowledge! The mentors have so much to share, along with other connections to help you get information. The program will also give you insight into what a career in entomology would look like, and if you are interested in doing it."
Makayla Guenther
College: Lansing Community College/MSU-Fall 24
"My favorite part was the field work as I could really comprehend what I was doing pertaining to insects or pest damage on crops. To see an abundance and diversity of insects in person was very new and exciting for me."
Gwyneth Zamora
College: Lansing Community College/MSU-Fall 24
"My favorite part of the EROF program has been the incredibly stress-free and relaxing environment in which we work. It’s been such a joy to come to work every day without feeling the weight of constant pressure. Additionally, my lab mates have been exceptionally friendly and accommodating, everyone is incredibly friendly and always willing to help."
2023 Fellows
Amelia McGinnis
School: Lansing Community College
Major: AS - Science
When asked what she would take away from this experience, McGinnis said, “Takes chances and look out for opportunities to learn more. I think this experience has encouraged me to stay in science and pursue a master's degree.”
Lily Evans
School: Lansing Community College
Major: AS - Biology
After this experience, Evans says she definitely wants to pursue something with bumble bees in the future. ”I didn’t expect to have so much fun looking at bees so I’m glad for this program for giving me a chance to experience something I wouldn't have looked at before. I’m glad I applied and was able to be a part of this lab.”
2022 Fellows
Karenine Ornevil
School: Lansing Community College
Major: AS - Science
Fun Fact: Karenine loves music and has been playing since she was two-years-old. She has been participating with a local orchestra and loves how much music can reach a wide audience.
When asked what she would say to others considering the program Karenine said, “Team building, responsibility, communication, open-mindedness and active learning. I highly recommend this program to anyone who is searching for a fully engaged and committed opportunity!”
Nadia Sbisa
School: Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Major: AS - Math
Fun fact: Nadia plays the piano and has been for 10 years and enjoys playing as an artistic outlet.
Nadia’s overall view of the program was positive. “I believe the research projects in the program are beneficial to a [wide range] of science majors and are a great way to improve the quality of your education as well! I am so grateful for everything the EROF program has done for me, I could not recommend it enough!”
Thang Sawmtung
School: Michigan State University
Major: Biochemistry
Fun fact: Thang enjoys outdoor activities including hiking and biking. Thang also enjoys playing and listening to music.
When asked, Thang expressed enthusiasm for the program. “The best way to grow as a person is to get out of your comfort zone and embrace it. The EROF program is perfect for students who are looking for a new experience and who are looking to improve themself as a person and professionally.”
2021 Fellows
Carlisha Johnson
School: Lansing Community College
Major: AS - Chemistry
Fun Fact: I've been on a state bike tour in almost every state
“EROF has opened my eyes to the types of path options available even outside of entomology. I enjoy the time and energy you guys take to make sure the information is easy to understand and getting the experience.”
Naim Benin
School: Eastern Michigan University
Major: Biology
Fun fact: I love being active and gaming
“EROF went very well!! I am so glad to have met all of you! I liked learning and getting the first-hand experience of field work for collecting insect traps.”
Natasha MacKay
School: Eastern Michigan University
Major: Biology with a discipline in Physiology
Fun Fact: I'm afraid of squirrels
“EROF gave me insight into how academia works and how master's programs work, as well as gave me some good references.”
Jimmy Gray-Jones
School: Michigan State University (transferred from Lansing Community College)
Major: Data Science
Fun Fact: I enjoy spending a lot of my days outside walking even though I’m a huge homebody.
“I’ve always been interested in research, and EROF provided me the opportunity to explore that.”
Mohammad Turaani
School: Henry Ford Community College
Major: Biology (Pre-Med)
Fun Fact: I Rap in Arabic, and I have some music out on my YouTube channel (Turaani Music).
“The EROF program gave me a very clear idea on how scientific research worked exactly. Not to mention, provided extremely helpful information regarding Grad school, professional school, career paths and so on. This program helped me set up a solid plan B which is scientific research, not necessarily in entomology but in the research field in general.”
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