Spring 2026 Featured Graduate Student: Martín Brubaker Salcedo
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EmailMeet Martín Brubaker Salcedo, a master's student studying entomology at MSU.
Martín Brubaker Salcedo
Hometown: Lowell, Michigan
Previous education: Rural Sociology and Geography; University of Wisconsin - Madison
Advisor: Julianna Wilson
Q: What sparked your initial interest in entomology, and how has it evolved over time?
A: I took an entomology taxonomy course to fulfill my biological science credits because the regular biology class was full. I knew almost nothing about insects, and the first insect I caught turned out to be a tick, which was a little embarrassing. But collecting insects for that course was a blast and spurred my love for the field. I think having a daughter has shown me how insects are a very accessible way to learn and appreciate nature. I studied sociology to better understand the world around me, and I think insects allow us to do the same.
Q: Could you tell us a bit about your current research? What are you focusing on, and what impact do you hope it will have?
A: I study Woolly Apple Aphid phenology, or when and where woolly apple aphids are in the orchard. The goal of this research is to lay the foundation for why we seem to be hearing more reports about woolly apple infestations becoming a problem in orchards in Michigan. The idea is that this research can help lead to improved management of the insect to prevent damage to apple trees and save growers money.
Q: What’s your favorite part about being at MSU, whether it’s related to campus life, research, or the people you work with?
A: I’ve enjoyed being on the entomology trivia team and practicing for the ent games. I used to gamble on Jeopardy, but I kept losing, so I decided to attend entomology trivia instead. I still get a lot wrong, but now I don’t lose money.
Q: Have you had any mentors or colleagues at MSU who’ve been influential in your academic journey?
A: Steve Van Timmeren in the Isaacs Small Fruit Entomology lab gave me my first job in entomology, 8 years after graduating from my undergrad. I worked for him for a couple years at Trevor Nichols Research Center before grad school and he taught me a lot about applied entomology research. One thing Steve said to me was that you don’t always need a lot funding to do good entomology research, you just need a good question.
Q: Do you have a favorite insect, and if so, what makes it stand out to you?
A: I really like African Dung Beetles (Scarabaeus satyrus). They can use the glow of the Milky Way to navigate at night, which I think is beautiful. We have a community-run observatory in my hometown, and I like to imagine the dung beetles using it to gaze at the stars.
