35 Entomologist
Entomologist Career. Is It Right For You?
On this episode of the Unboxing Careers Podcast, Greg Zakowicz unboxes the career of a Entomologist with Shiran Hershcovich.
Guest: Shiran Hershcovich is an entomologist from Panama. In her role as Senior Lepidopterist Manager, she curates Butterfly Pavilion’s living collections of butterflies across three facilities and leads Lepidoptera research and conservation projects including overseeing the Colorado Butterfly Monitoring Network. She also participates in efforts globally, including population assessments of Parnassius butterflies in Mongolia and breeding of tropical butterflies in Sumatra, Indonesia. She serves on the board of directors for the International Association of Butterfly Exhibitors and Suppliers and on the steering committee for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums SAFE Monarch program.
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What does a Entomologist do? Shiran Hershcovich is a Senior Lepidopterist Manager at the Butterfly Pavilion, where her fascination with insects — particularly butterflies — translates into a multifaceted career blending research, conservation, and public education. Entomology, the study of insects, is a broad discipline that spans everything from pest control and disease management to biodiversity and ecology. Within that domain, Shiran specializes in Lepidoptera, the order comprising butterflies and moths.
What Does an Entomologist Do?
At its core, entomology is the study of insects, but the career can take many different forms depending on specialization. Some entomologists focus on agriculture, studying how insects affect crops and finding ways to manage pests. Others work in forensic entomology, using insect activity to help solve crimes. There are also medical entomologists who study how insects transmit diseases and contribute to public health efforts.
Fieldwork is a significant part of an entomologist’s job, whether it’s collecting specimens in remote locations, monitoring ecosystems, or working with farmers and conservationists. Laboratory work is equally important, involving the study of insect behavior, genetics, and interactions with their environment. Many entomologists also engage in education and outreach, teaching students or advising policymakers on environmental issues.
Shiran Hershcovich is a Senior Lepidopterist Manager at the Butterfly Pavilion, where her fascination with insects — particularly butterflies — translates into a multifaceted career blending research, conservation, and public education. Entomology, the study of insects, is a broad discipline that spans everything from pest control and disease management to biodiversity and ecology. Within that domain, Shiran specializes in Lepidoptera, the order comprising butterflies and moths.
Discovering a Passion for Entomology
Shiran’s interest in insects traces back to childhood moments of awe, observing caterpillars inching up stalks of grass or watching butterflies emerge from their chrysalises. Over time, these small wonders evolved into a deep commitment to scientific exploration. She pursued an undergraduate degree in biology, immersing herself in anatomy, physiology, and ecology coursework. Recognizing her growing passion for pollinators, she specifically sought out internships with nature centers and labs focusing on Lepidoptera. This exposed her to real-world research projects—such as monitoring butterfly population fluctuations across seasons—and afforded her hands-on practice in husbandry methods. By graduation, Shiran had pinpointed her calling in professional entomology, driven by the urgent need to protect dwindling pollinator populations and promote a deeper public appreciation for insects.
What Does a Senior Lepidopterist Manager Do?
Although Shiran’s title may sound highly specialized, her daily role encompasses a broad spectrum of tasks essential to the functioning of the Butterfly Pavilion. She oversees an extensive collection of both native and exotic butterfly species, carefully balancing environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and lighting to mimic each species’ natural habitat. Her leadership responsibilities also include training and supervising a team of keepers and technicians who manage daily feeding, track larval development, and ensure every stage of the butterfly life cycle is adequately supported.
In addition to these on-site duties, Shiran manages logistics for international pupae shipments—coordinating customs paperwork and quarantine requirements to safeguard against invasive species or pathogens. Beyond the exhibit floor, she collaborates with external researchers to explore Lepidoptera behaviors, contribute findings to peer-reviewed journals, and refine best practices for butterfly husbandry.
Emphasizing Research and Conservation
Research is a cornerstone of Shiran’s work, fueling both her commitment to scientific discovery and her drive to effect real-world environmental change. Her data collection often spans generational studies of specific species, documenting egg-laying patterns, mating rituals, and survival rates under varying conditions. This meticulous record-keeping feeds into larger conservation goals, such as supporting threatened butterfly species through captive breeding programs or assessing how local plant diversity affects pollinator health.
In addition, the Butterfly Pavilion regularly partners with universities and conservation groups, lending Shiran’s findings to broader ecological models. By sharing her insights, she helps shape best practices for pollinator gardens, urban planning, and agricultural landscapes. These collaborative efforts illustrate the multifaceted role of entomologists: serving as both stewards of biodiversity and catalysts for policy and conservation strategies.
The Rewards and Challenges of Working with Butterflies
Being surrounded by vibrant, delicate butterflies offers Shiran daily reminders of nature’s beauty and complexity. She finds immense satisfaction in witnessing the complete metamorphosis—from tiny eggs to roaming caterpillars, from chrysalis to fluttering adult. Each emergent butterfly reinforces her belief in the resilience of living organisms and the importance of preserving their habitats. However, challenges abound in lepidopterist work. Short butterfly lifespans demand continuous breeding initiatives to maintain exhibit numbers.
The reliance on imported pupae from different regions around the globe adds layers of logistical hurdles, from transport costs to navigating a maze of international regulations. Even small changes in temperature, humidity, or food quality can impact survival rates, requiring constant monitoring and quick problem-solving. Despite these complexities,
Shiran cherishes the opportunity to merge hands-on care with broader ecological awareness, recognizing every successful emergence as another small victory for pollinator advocacy.
Public Outreach and Education
An equally vital facet of Shiran’s role is her commitment to demystifying insects for the public. She believes that curiosity often eclipses fear when people have opportunities to learn about butterflies and other insects in an engaging, accessible environment. Whether she’s leading a guided tour for families, hosting a behind-the-scenes workshop for aspiring entomologists, or delivering classroom presentations, her aim is to transform scientific data into relatable narratives.
Through these outreach programs, visitors gain insights into critical issues like habitat loss, climate change, and pollinator decline—and, most importantly, learn how they can help. Shiran also champions volunteer initiatives, where locals can assist with tasks such as feeding caterpillars or planting butterfly-friendly gardens. This hands-on exposure fosters a sense of ownership and personal investment in conservation efforts.
Key Skills for Success in Entomology
While a love for insects is a given, being a successful entomologist requires a diverse skill set. Some of the most important abilities include:
Observation and Attention to Detail: Insects are small and often behave in complex ways. Recognizing subtle differences in species or behaviors is crucial.
Analytical Thinking: Entomologists must analyze data from field studies, lab experiments, and genetic tests to draw meaningful conclusions.
Fieldwork Expertise: Working outdoors, sometimes in challenging environments, is common. This means entomologists need patience, resilience, and strong observational skills.
Communication Skills: Whether writing research papers, advising farmers, or speaking at conferences, the ability to clearly explain findings is vital.
Problem-Solving Abilities: Many entomologists work on pressing issues such as controlling invasive species, reducing pesticide use, or mitigating disease transmission.
Advice for Aspiring Entomologists
Shiran’s career path underscores the significant role of practical experience. She encourages high school students to seek out clubs, nature camps, or even local citizen science projects that focus on insects. Meanwhile, college students can benefit from specialized courses in entomology, ecology, evolutionary biology, and animal behavior. Research internships and lab assistant positions can jump-start a deeper understanding of insect anatomy, genetics, and data collection methods.
Beyond the scientific skill set, Shiran stresses communication and teamwork. Entomologists often present their findings to academic peers, policymakers, and the public, making it crucial to articulate ideas convincingly. Equally important is networking within scientific circles—attending conferences, collaborating with professors, and participating in entomological societies can open doors to unique research and job opportunities.
Is a Career in Entomology Rewarding?
One of the biggest rewards of being an entomologist is the impact the work can have. Whether contributing to conservation, improving food security, or solving crimes, entomologists play an essential role in various industries. The opportunity to work in nature, conduct research, and make meaningful discoveries adds to the satisfaction of the job.
The field also offers a sense of curiosity and wonder—there’s always something new to learn about the millions of insect species that exist. For those with a passion for the natural world, entomology can be an exciting and fulfilling career.
Takeaways For Those Interested in a Career as an Entomologist and Lepidopterist
Lepidopterists specialize in butterflies, a niche within entomology.
Shiran's journey into entomology began with a fascination for insects in her tropical upbringing.
Education in biology often leads to specialization in entomology, as dedicated programs are rare.
Insects play crucial roles in ecosystems, making their conservation vital.
Flexibility and a willingness to learn are key skills for success in entomology.
Grant writing is an essential part of securing funding for research and conservation projects.
Public perception of insects can be challenging to change, but education is key.
Seeing people transform from skeptics to enthusiasts is rewarding.
Curiosity and asking questions are important traits for aspiring scientists.
Career paths in science are rarely linear; embrace the journey and side quests.
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