Insect Investigators: A citizen science project

This event will occur at the Plympton Community Centre, with virtual attendance also (using Zoom communications software)

Dr Erinn Fagan-Jeffries will provide an overview of the ‘Insect Investigators program’ working with 50 regional schools in SA, Qld and WA. The program aims to connect schools to insect biodiversity documentation and the process of taxonomy.

I’m currently an Australian Biological Resources Study funded Postdoctoral Fellow at The University of Adelaide, and an Honorary Research Associate at The South Australian Museum.

I study the taxonomy and systematics of parasitoid wasps. This means I describe new species, giving them names and a formal description so that they can be identified by scientists and the public, and also look at how those species are related to each other through time. I completed my PhD in 2019 at The University of Adelaide on a group of wasps called the Microgastrinae, and continue to work on describing and documenting their biodiversity. These wasps are parasitoids of butterfly and moth caterpillars, and are important in the environment for controlling caterpillar populations.

I am passionate about outreach, and hold a Masters in Science Communication Outreach from the Australian National University, where I spent a year travelling around to schools and helping to run public science exhibitions with the Questacon Science Circus.

I have worked as a science communicator for a not-for-profit  science outreach organisation, developing and presenting workshops and interactive science shows to school children and the public.

I give numerous talks and interactive lectures on insects, wasps and biodiversity every year to community groups or schools, and love sharing the wonderful world of insects with people.

I do work in the lab, but my favourite part of entomology is being in the field.

To be a virtual attendee, register in advance for this meeting here:

The  Zoom link is:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMldu6hrD4jHtDDy994vivY8czAMAoHxhT8

After registering, you will receive an email containing information about joining the meeting.

If you plan to attend in person:

Covid regulations have now been relaxed but we have not been informed about the protocols previously imposed by the Community Centre management that only fully vaccinated people may attend, so please bring evidence of you vaccination status.

Unless you have a designated job helping to organise the meeting,  you will not be admitted to the Hall until 6.15 pm.

Entry by donation (min $2), bring a plate to share and a cup.

At the Plympton Community Centre,  34 Long Street, Plympton.

(200 metres E of Marion Rd, and 300 metres N of Anzac Highway).

Bus from the city via Anzac Highway. Routes: 245, 248, 262, 263, 265, M44, N262.

Closest stop is Stop 9, then approximately 350 metre walk along Long Street.

Bus from the city via Marion Road. Routes 100, 101, H20.
Closest stop is Stop 10 (east side is approximately 100 metres south of Long street). Stop 10 (west side is on the other side of Moringie Ave. approx. 100 metres north of Long Street). Then approx.250 metre walk along Long Street.

Entry by donation (minimum of $2).

Bookings not required

At the start of each meeting a ten-minute presentation on a ‘Butterfly of the Month’ will be given by a BCSA committee member.

Public talks schedule

If an advertised speaker is not available, we will try to provide an alternative speaker of similar interest.

The views of presenters are their personal views. The BCSA does not necessarily endorse any views expressed.