Dr. Lucas Kirschman, assistant professor in the Department of Biology at Southeast Missouri State University, has received a 2021-2023 Royal Entomological Society Journal Award for his research in ecological immunology. This recognition was awarded for his article published in Physiological Entomology. Dr. Kirschman was one of two winners selected for this award, which recognizes excellence in entomological research.
Kirschman’s work combines immunology and ecology to study the immune systems of organisms. Kirschman’s work focused on wolf spiders, specifically how the immune responses of the species Tigrosa georgicola change throughout reproductive stages.
“This recognition means a lot to me personally and professionally,” said Kirschman. “Smaller study systems like this often go overlooked compared to larger, more charismatic animals.”
Beyond his research, Kirschman is dedicated to teaching and mentoring students. Last year, he taught a special topics course, “Investigations in Ecoimmunology,” where students designed, conducted, and published their own manuscript in The Journal of Insect Physiology.
“Active researchers make the best teachers,” Kirschman said. “Staying active in my research keeps me up to date and is exciting to share with my students and help them get involved in their own projects.”
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Kirschman is particularly excited about the work of his graduate student, Hannah McKinnon Reish.
“Dr. Kirschman is a wonderful researcher and mentor,” said Reish. “I was lucky to work with him on the mealworm project.”
This research explores the relationship between plastic-digesting bacteria and their host species, aiming to contribute to solutions for the growing plastic waste crisis. Mealworms and other plastic-digesting insects offer exciting and accessible opportunities for further study.
The project has already made significant strides, with a manuscript currently in pre-print at bioRxiv and under review at PLoS One. Dr. Kirschman actively encourages students interested in research to get involved, fostering hands-on experiences that could lead to impactful discoveries. The research, which has led to a manuscript currently in pre-print at bioRxiv and review at PLoS One. Kirschman encourages students interested in research to get involved.
“SEMO has a lot of active researchers, and you never know what research you will like until you try. Students might be surprised by what they find interesting. I want to encourage students to volunteer in any lab to further their understanding of research and biology.”
At SEMO, students benefit from a hands-on approach to learning, working alongside award-winning faculty like Dr. Kirschman. With opportunities to engage in groundbreaking research, publish findings, and collaborate with experts in their fields, SEMO provides an exceptional environment for biology majors and aspiring scientists. Whether in the classroom, the lab, or the field, students are empowered to discover their passions and gain the skills needed to succeed in their careers.
To learn more information about the department of biology, visit semo.edu/biology.