At its core, MuMu—an acronym for Multispecies Multiplex—serves as a vivid digital laboratory where users explore the myriad connections vital to ecosystem health, emphasizing the symbiotic relationships between humans, animals, plants, and technology. Developed over five years with substantial support from a $1.2 million Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) granted by the National Institutes of Health, this experience stands out for its innovative synthesis of interdisciplinary expertise spanning sociology, biology, engineering, and digital arts.

This XR platform intentionally shifts the learning paradigm away from passive observation to embodied interaction. Players fluidly transition among different perspectives, literally stepping into lives as varied as root systems underground, tunneling prairie dogs, and sophisticated robotic farm machinery. This role-shifting mechanic is critical for revealing the often-invisible networks that define ecosystem dynamics and health—a challenge that traditional textbooks and lectures struggle to address effectively.

MuMu’s conceptual foundation draws from multispecies health studies and multispecies design principles, which frame human health as inseparable from environmental and biological networks. The experience candidly illustrates how each species on the farm contributes to a viable and balanced ecosystem. For instance, prairie dogs play a crucial role by aerating the soil, thereby fostering robust plant growth that ultimately supports nutritional food production and human well-being. These insights align tightly with research from fields such as veterinary epidemiology, biological systems engineering, and network science, ensuring that the experience is not only artistically immersive but scientifically robust as well.

The development team was notably collaborative and multidisciplinary. Key contributors included Julia McQuillan, a sociology professor specializing in network science; Elizabeth VanWormer, a veterinary epidemiologist overseeing One Health initiatives; Santosh Pitla, an engineer focused on agricultural robotics; and Bilal Khan, a mathematician with expertise in computer network modeling. This collaborative synergy exemplified in MuMu highlights how modern scientific challenges demand cross-cutting research and creative technological solutions.

One hallmark of MuMu is its sophisticated spatial sound design, engineered by English professor Stephen Ramsay. The audio dynamically responds to player movement, immersing users within a three-dimensional soundscape that reinforces the illusion of presence within the digital ecosystem. Coupled with detailed animation and interaction crafted by emerging media artists of the Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts, this results in a sensory-rich environment that deeply engages cognitive and sensory faculties, enhancing the absorption of complex scientific principles.

Importantly, MuMu’s educational design targets middle school-aged audiences, a demographic often underserved by complex scientific outreach but ripe for cognitive engagement with network concepts foundational to public health and environmental sustainability. The game leverages the metaphor of a high-tech apple farm set ten years in the future to frame these ideas in an accessible yet forward-looking narrative. Through this metaphor, players intuitively grasp how interconnectedness within ecosystems directly shapes health outcomes across multiple species.

Throughout its development, MuMu underwent rigorous play-testing with diverse youth groups, including participants from local STEM clubs, specialized educational programs, and Indigenous youth research initiatives. Observers consistently noted moments where players experienced an “aha” realization—a sudden comprehension of the ecosystem’s interdependence that fundamentally shifted their perspective. This pedagogical breakthrough signifies the power of XR to serve as a cognitive bridge, translating abstract sociological and ecological theory into experiential, embodied understanding.

With its underlying grant support concluded, stewardship of MuMu has transitioned to Edgeworks, a design and research bureau within the Carson Center. This institutional integration ensures ongoing maintenance, refinement, and expanded outreach, positioning the experience not as a static product but an evolving platform capable of independent growth and collaboration with a broader scientific community. The project’s digital presence is further connected through the Worlds of Connections webpage hosted by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Center for Math, Science and Computer Education, providing additional educational materials and engagement opportunities.

MuMu’s thematic emphasis on network science is particularly prescient given its ties to pressing public health concerns such as opioid addiction, studied through the university’s Rural Drug Addiction Research Center. By illuminating how human social networks intersect with ecological and technological networks, the experience bridges abstract scientific research with tangible community challenges, demonstrating the broader applicability of network science beyond purely academic circles.

As the boundaries between the digital and physical worlds continue to blur, MuMu exemplifies how extended reality can be a vital tool for scientific education—one that respects the complexity of real-world systems while rendering them accessible and compelling. By inviting players into a multispecies ecosystem where every action reverberates across human, animal, plant, and technological networks, the experience fosters a sense of shared stewardship and holistic health crucial to addressing 21st-century planetary challenges.

For science communicators, educators, and technologists, MuMu represents the vanguard of immersive, network-informed pedagogy. It is a timely reminder that the future of science education lies in crafting experiences that do not just convey information but cultivate new ways of perceiving the interconnected world around us. As the Meta Horizon Store offers free access to the game, this innovative platform holds vast potential to inspire curiosity, empathy, and scientific literacy across generations.

Subject of Research: Network Science, Multispecies Health, Extended Reality in Science Education
Article Title: MuMu: An Immersive Extended Reality Journey Through Multispecies Ecological Networks
News Publication Date: Information not provided
Web References:

• MuMu on Meta Horizon Store: https://www.meta.com/experiences/mumu-worlds-of-connections/8314248428678273/
• Worlds of Connections webpage: https://cms.unl.edu/cas/sociology/worlds-of-connections/
  References: Not specified in text
  Image Credits: MuMu: Worlds of Connection
  Keywords: Extended Reality, Network Science, Multispecies Multiplex, Ecosystem Health, Public Health, Science Education, XR, Multispecies Health, Interactive Learning, Immersive Technologies, Digital Ecology, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Paracalliactis tsukisome was discovered inhabiting the shells utilized by the hermit crab Oncopagurus monstrosus at depths ranging from 200 to 500 meters along the coasts of Mie and Shizuoka Prefectures. Unlike conventional sea anemones that rely solely on soft tissues and lack any form of rigid exoskeleton, this species has evolved the ability to deposit a robust carcinoecium. This adaptation markedly enhances the crab’s protective enclosure, illustrating an intricate mutualistic interaction that benefits both organisms. The anemone gains mobility and access to nutrient-rich niches, while the crab enjoys augmented shell durability and additional defense against predation.

Stable isotope analyses conducted on specimens of P. tsukisome indicate a novel feeding strategy that includes consumption of organic particulate matter and the fecal deposits of its hermit crab host. This atypical diet suggests an efficient nutrient recycling system occurring within the deep-sea benthic environment. The recycling of waste materials not only sustains the anemone but also optimizes resource utilization in an ecosystem where energy sources are sporadic and limited. These findings accentuate the ecological importance of symbiotic interactions in energy-limited habitats.

Advanced micro-CT scanning technology unveiled that P. tsukisome attaches to the hermit crab’s shell in a highly consistent, unidirectional manner. This spatial arrangement likely correlates with both feeding efficiency and the mechanism of carcinoecium construction. By adhering to specific regions of the shell, the anemone maximizes its exposure to organic particulates in the water column while systematically secreting calcium carbonate or analogous mineral compounds to thicken and extend the shell structure. This precision in behavioral patterning highlights a refined physiological adaptation for environmental navigation and resource exploitation.

Moreover, the mutualism confers significant physiological advantages to the hermit crab host. Comparative studies revealed that O. monstrosus individuals bearing P. tsukisome-built shells exhibited larger body sizes relative to conspecifics in unassociated shells. The enhanced protective capacity afforded by the carcinoecium likely reduces mortality risks and permits greater growth potential. This positive feedback loop illustrates a model of co-evolution where both species exert selective pressures that promote increasingly sophisticated interdependencies.

The soft pink hue of this novel anemone inspired its species epithet, tsukisome, a term harkening back to the ancient Japanese poetry anthology Man’yōshū. In classical literature, “tsukisome-dyed” garments evoked sentiments of gentle yet sincere affection, mirroring the tender and faithful association between the anemone and its crab counterpart. This poetic nomenclature emphasizes the aesthetic as well as scientific importance of the discovery, linking cultural heritage with contemporary biological research.

Associate Professor Akihiro Yoshikawa of Kumamoto University, who led the research, emphasized the significance of this finding by stating that the evolutionary emergence of shell-building behaviors in such a basal animal group underscores the complexity inherent even in simple organisms. The ability to perceive spatial orientation and produce directional biomineralized structures may provide pivotal insights into the evolutionary origins of animal cognition and environmental interaction. These behaviors push the boundaries of our understanding of neurobiology and biomineralization in early-diverging metazoans.

This investigation also highlights the ecological dynamics of deep-sea benthic communities, where mutualisms such as that between P. tsukisome and O. monstrosus contribute to biodiversity and habitat structuring. The interplay between species not only facilitates individual survival but also enhances ecosystem resilience against environmental variability. Understanding these relationships is crucial for conservation efforts, particularly in deep-sea environments increasingly threatened by anthropogenic impacts such as deep-sea mining.

Published in the Royal Society Open Science on October 22, 2025, this pioneering study utilized a multidisciplinary approach, blending in situ observations, stable isotope assays, and cutting-edge imaging techniques to unravel the complexities of this mutualistic relationship. Such integrative research methodologies exemplify the future direction of marine biology, where traditional taxonomy intersects with advanced technology to reveal unprecedented ecological insights.

The evolutionary novelty presented by P. tsukisome’s carcinoecium challenges established paradigms regarding cnidarian physiology. Traditionally viewed as soft-bodied, sessile organisms, sea anemones have now been shown capable of sophisticated biomineralization processes that substantially alter their ecological roles. This discovery invites a reevaluation of the evolutionary plasticity of marine invertebrates and their capacity to occupy specialized niches through adaptive innovation.

Furthermore, this mutualism provides a model system for studying the genetic and molecular underpinnings of biomineralization and symbiotic signaling pathways. Deciphering the genetic basis for carcinoecium formation and host interaction may unlock new avenues in biomimetics and evolutionary developmental biology. Such translational research holds the potential to inform material sciences and ecosystem management strategies alike.

Ultimately, Paracalliactis tsukisome embodies a remarkable testament to the adaptive intricacies of life in the ocean’s twilight zones. Its discovery enriches our comprehension of symbiotic evolution, deep-sea ecological processes, and the hidden marvels that persist beneath the waves. As exploration of these frontiers continues, species like P. tsukisome offer a compelling glimpse into the evolutionary ingenuity forged under extreme environmental pressures.

Subject of Research: Animals
Article Title: Mutualism on the deep-sea floor: a novel shell-forming sea anemone in symbiosis with a hermit crab
News Publication Date: 22-Oct-2025
Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.250789
Image Credits: Yoshigawa et al.
Keywords: Aquatic animals, Sea floor, Shellfish, Crustaceans, Symbiosis, Evolutionary biology, Adaptive evolution, Ecological adaptation, Biodiversity, Species

Detailed morphological analyses showed that what was presumed to be a thin, sensitive tympanal membrane is, in fact, a robust cuticular surface densely perforated by thousands of tiny pores. These microscopic openings are conduits for glandular secretions, which nurture the growth of symbiotic fungal hyphae directly on the insect’s leg. This fungal symbiosis is far from a passive association; it represents an active, evolved mechanism whereby female stinkbugs coat their freshly laid eggs with a living fungal shield.

The ecological implications of this discovery are profound. Parasitic wasps are notorious for exploiting stinkbug eggs, depositing their own larvae inside and effectively hijacking the stinkbug’s reproductive success. However, the fungal hyphae emanating from the leg organ form a physical barrier that deters such parasitism. Behavioral observations and controlled experiments demonstrated that when eggs are fully smeared with fungal filaments, parasitic wasps are unable to oviposit successfully. In contrast, eggs that were stripped of these fungal coverings—or those laid by females with surgically removed hindlegs—experienced dramatically elevated rates of parasitism.

Molecular identification of the fungal constituents uncovered a diverse assemblage belonging predominantly to the Cordycipitaceae family. This group typically includes insect pathogens, yet fascinatingly, the fungi associated with stinkbug hindlegs appear to adopt a low-pathogenicity profile. This ensures a benign or even beneficial interaction with the host insect and contrasts starkly with their closely related pathogenic relatives. Notably, these fungi do not infect the parasitic wasps, implying that the defensive role is purely mechanical rather than chemical or microbial antagonism.

This symbiotic system holds remarkable evolutionary significance. Unlike typical insect-fungus associations—often limited to gut symbionts or external colonies—this previously unknown organaceous adaptation showcases a direct morphological specialization for symbiont cultivation and vertical transmission. The intimate integration of fungal propagation into the anatomy and reproductive behavior of the stinkbug signals a sophisticated mutualism refined by millions of years of co-evolution. Such innovations illustrate the limits of traditional categorizations of insect organs and underscore the multifaceted roles symbiotic fungi can play beyond nutrition or digestion.

The research also extends beyond Megymenum gracilicorne. Examination of multiple species within the family Dinidoridae revealed a consistent presence of this female-specific hindleg structure and associated egg-smearing behavior, indicating a widespread symbiotic trait within this lineage. This suggests that the fungal nursery and its protective function may be a defining feature that has contributed to the evolutionary success—and survival—of these stinkbugs in the face of relentless parasitic pressure.

From a biomechanical perspective, the leg organ represents a novel, natural design for symbiont nurturing. The cuticle-based surface provides structural durability, while the innumerable pores facilitate fungal secretion and anchorage without compromising the insect’s mobility or leg function. This design balances the competing demands of symbiont cultivation and physical robustness, ensuring that female stinkbugs can both carry the fungal community and perform their daily activities unencumbered.

The methodology employed by the researchers incorporated a multidisciplinary approach, blending behavioral ecology, molecular biology, microscopy, and experimental manipulation. Controlled amputation experiments revealed causality between the presence of the hindleg organ and parasitism rates. Microscopic imaging elucidated the anatomical features, while fungal isolation and DNA sequencing characterized the symbiotic assemblage with high precision. Together, these techniques illuminate a complex biological phenomenon previously obscured by assumptions rooted in comparative anatomy.

In conclusion, this groundbreaking study redefines the functional landscape of insect hearing organs, demonstrating that what appeared to be an auditory apparatus is, in fact, a specialized structure facilitating fungal cultivation for offspring protection. It prompts a re-examination of other insect morphological structures potentially misinterpreted and highlights the intricate evolutionary interplay between insects and their microbial partners. The defensive fungal symbiosis uncovered here exemplifies nature’s inventive strategies to combat parasitism and preserve reproductive success through cooperative interactions.

As this symbiotic relationship unfolds at the intersection of entomology, mycology, and evolutionary biology, it heralds new avenues for studying symbioses that transcend nutrition and extend into defensive ecology. Understanding such systems could inspire biomimetic applications in pest control and deepen comprehension of natural defense mechanisms within ecosystems.

This revelation invites scientists to reconsider the subtle and often overlooked alliances that insects maintain with microorganisms. Beyond the immediate biological interest, it also bears potential implications for agricultural pest management, given the widespread impact of parasitic wasps on stinkbug populations, some of which are crop pests. Leveraging natural fungal defenses could offer environmentally sustainable strategies for mitigating parasitic wasp damage without reliance on chemical insecticides.

Ultimately, the discovery that female dinidorid stinkbugs have evolved a specialized organ devoted to cultivating protective fungal shields reveals an extraordinary example of nature’s resourcefulness. It challenges entrenched notions about insect organ function and opens new horizons for exploring symbiotic adaptations that have evolved to secure offspring survival amidst a hostile biological landscape.

Subject of Research: Defensive symbiosis between dinidorid stinkbugs and fungal hyphae located on female hindlegs used to protect eggs from parasitic wasps

Article Title: Defensive fungal symbiosis on insect hindlegs

News Publication Date: 16-Oct-2025

Web References: DOI: 10.1126/science.adp6699

Keywords: dinidorid stinkbugs, fungal symbiosis, hindleg organ, parasitic wasps, Cordycipitaceae, insect defense mechanisms, symbiotic fungi, insect anatomy, evolutionary biology

The Red Sea has long been eyed by scientists as a potential thermal refuge, a place where marine life might be shielded from the worst impacts of global warming due to its already elevated baseline temperatures. However, the findings of this new study, published in npj Biodiversity, have upended that hope. Over the past three years, marine heatwaves have pushed the boundaries of what these species can endure, shattering the resilience of ecosystems once thought to be robust enough to withstand climatic shifts.

Central to this ecological drama is the mutualistic relationship between clownfish and anemones, a partnership where both species derive benefit. Clownfish find shelter among the stinging tentacles of anemones, which in turn are protected and nourished indirectly by the fish. This relationship depends heavily on the health of the anemones, which harbor symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae within their tissues. These microscopic algae provide essential nutrients through photosynthesis, sustaining the anemone in exchange for shelter and access to light.

Yet, just as corals bleach when stressed by heat, so too do these anemones expel their zooxanthellae during periods of elevated temperature. The result is a whitening of the anemones—an alarming sign of physiological distress. When bleaching persists beyond a critical threshold, the anemone’s survival is jeopardized, precipitating a breakdown in the mutualism with clownfish. The Boston University team observed that in the aftermath of bleaching events lasting approximately six months during 2022 to 2024, clownfish mortality soared between 94% and 100%, while 66% to 94% of anemones perished.

The demise of clownfish is particularly poignant considering their behavioral adaptations. These small, brightly colored fish are typically camouflaged by the anemones’ tentacles, which offer protection from predators. Clownfish secrete a special mucus that renders them immune to the anemone’s sting, enabling them to coexist safely. When bleaching occurs and the anemone’s protective capabilities diminish—due in part to the compromised function of their stinging cells—clownfish find themselves out in the open. Their vibrant orange hue becomes starkly conspicuous against the bleached white backdrop, attracting predators and disrupting normal social interactions within fish groups.

Furthermore, behavioral shifts following bleaching have been documented. Increased aggression and conflict among clownfish result in weaker individuals being expelled from their anemone refuges. Without the safety net of the anemone’s tentacles, these vulnerable fish face heightened predation risk. The study highlights these compounding factors as critical contributors to population collapse, painting a grim picture of a mutualism unraveling under climate stress.

This research was spearheaded by Morgan Bennett-Smith, a PhD candidate at Boston University’s Marine Evolutionary Ecology Laboratory, who has spent over a decade studying these organisms in the Red Sea. Early encounters with bleached anemones in 2018 marked the beginning of a series of increasingly intense bleaching episodes. Collaborating with senior researchers like Peter Buston, the lab is delving deeper into the ecological mechanisms behind these population declines, including laboratory simulations that replicate bleaching conditions to observe effects on both anemone physiology and clownfish behavior.

Intriguingly, the team’s ongoing research extends beyond the Red Sea. Parallel studies in the waters surrounding Papua New Guinea, where Buston conducts frequent fieldwork, have revealed similar patterns of heat-induced stress and bleaching in local anemonefish populations. Notably, a collaborative study with Newcastle University found that clownfish in Papua New Guinea exhibit morphological changes, such as shrinking in size—an apparent survival strategy—to endure increasing temperatures.

These findings underscore the broader implications of localized extinctions in keystone species. Anemones and clownfish play vital roles in their ecosystems, shaping reef community structures through their interactions. The loss of such species can cascade through the reef environment, altering predator-prey dynamics and potentially triggering further biodiversity losses.

Despite the grim outlook, Bennett-Smith and his colleagues underscore the importance of continued monitoring and research. Their work advocates for comprehensive surveys across the Red Sea and globally to assess the conservation status of anemonefish and their host anemones more accurately. Enhanced understanding could inform restoration efforts and targeted conservation strategies aimed at bolstering resilience in these vulnerable communities before irreversible damage ensues.

This alarming study serves as a stark warning: even reputed thermal refuges are succumbing to the relentless advance of climate change. The intricate mutualisms foundational to ocean biodiversity are fraying under stress, threatening iconic species and the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. As the oceans continue to warm, such unraveling of ecological partnerships may become increasingly common, signaling urgent calls for global action to mitigate further damage.

Subject of Research: Animals

Article Title: Near complete local extinction of iconic anemonefish and their anemone hosts following a heat stress event

News Publication Date: Not explicitly stated; article publication date is 12-Sep-2025

Web References:

• Nature article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s44185-025-00107-4
• NOAA Marine Heatwaves: https://psl.noaa.gov/marine-heatwaves/
• BU Coral Bleaching Article: https://www.bu.edu/articles/2023/coral-scientists-study-how-to-save-coral-reefs-climate-change/
• 96% of oceans heatwave study: https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/rivers-oceans/96-percent-of-oceans-worldwide-experienced-extreme-heatwaves-in-2023-new-study-finds
• Shrinking clownfish study: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adt7079
• Climate extremes info: https://climate.copernicus.eu/climate-indicators/sea-surface-temperature

References: DOI 10.1038/s44185-025-00107-4, npj Biodiversity

Image Credits: Morgan F. Bennett-Smith

Keywords: Marine biology, Climate change adaptation

Coffman’s work focuses primarily on the intricate relationships between beneficial viruses and parasitoid wasps, which are known for their unique life cycles and roles in ecological systems. By employing sophisticated techniques in molecular biology, genetics, and bioinformatics, Coffman explores the ways that these viruses influence parasitoids and their host interactions. The profound implications of her research challenge conventional understandings of symbiotic relationships in nature and demonstrate how viruses can exert a beneficial influence on insect populations.

The significance of understanding insect-virus interactions cannot be overstated, especially in the context of biological control strategies. Coffman’s research delves into how these heritable viruses shape the biology and behavior of parasitoid wasps, which are instrumental in regulating pest populations. By understanding these dynamics, researchers can potentially develop novel biological control methods that are environmentally sustainable and reduce the reliance on synthetic pesticides.

Coffman earned her Ph.D. from the University of Georgia in 2020, where she initiated her exploration into the world of insect-virus interactions. Her transition to postdoctoral work at the USDA Agricultural Research Service allowed her to expand her research directions while living on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, a hub of biodiversity and unique ecological interactions. During her time there from 2021 to 2023, she honed her skills in molecular techniques essential for her current studies.

Upon her appointment to the UTIA Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology in 2024, Coffman brought with her an impressive portfolio of research and an eagerness to contribute to the field’s understanding of intricate interactions at microscopic levels. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing the role that viruses play within these biological systems, which has often been underappreciated in entomological research.

Coffman stated, “I’m honored to receive this award and grateful for the recognition of my research on insect-virus interactions.” Her expression of gratitude reflects not only acknowledgment of her hard work but also a commitment to pushing the boundaries of current scientific knowledge. Through her findings, Coffman aims to foster a deeper comprehension of how viral entities interact with hosts, thereby enhancing overall ecosystem balance and functionality.

Highlighting the importance of academic dissemination, Coffman’s research is published in Insects, an international, peer-reviewed open-access journal that boasts a commitment to high-quality research across a wide array of entomological topics. This journal serves as a significant platform for sharing insights that can catalyze further research and innovation in biological control strategies relating to pest management.

As researchers like Coffman continue to unravel the complexities of insect biology, the implications for agricultural practices become increasingly relevant. The potential for employing parasitoid wasps as biological control agents could revolutionize pest management approaches, promoting more sustainable practices that align with modern environmental standards. Her research aligns seamlessly with the broader mission of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, which emphasizes teaching, research, and outreach.

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture’s diverse components—such as the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch, and UT Extension—create a fertile ground for interdisciplinary research and collaboration. This ecosystem not only impacts local communities in Tennessee but extends its benefits globally, addressing issues that resonate far beyond state lines.

Coffman’s path signifies a growing recognition of the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in solving complex biological questions. By integrating molecular biology with ecological and agricultural considerations, her research illuminates new pathways for understanding and managing pest populations through natural means. This shift underscored by her findings provides hope for a future where agriculture employs more symbiotic relationships rather than adversarial ones when managing pests.

As the field of entomology evolves with researchers like Coffman leading the charge, the potential to develop innovative solutions using naturally occurring biological processes becomes more apparent. Coffman’s work prompts an essential reevaluation of how scientists perceive and harness the interactions between insects and their viral counterparts, inviting further inquiry and discussion in both scientific and agricultural communities.

In summary, Kelsey Coffman stands at the forefront of a crucial area of research that not only furthers academic understanding but also holds the promise for real-world applications in agricultural pest management. Her recognition through the Young Investigator Award marks just the beginning of what is sure to be a prolific career dedicated to answering some of the most pressing questions facing entomology today.

Subject of Research: Insect-virus interactions, biological control
Article Title: Kelsey Coffman Receives 2024 Young Investigator Award for Groundbreaking Entomological Research
News Publication Date: October 2023
Web References: University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture
References: Research articles published in Insects
Image Credits: Photo by T. Orange, courtesy UTIA.
Keywords: Kelsey Coffman, entomology, insect-virus interactions, parasitoid wasps, biological control, University of Tennessee, Young Investigator Award, research, molecular biology.