May 2026 Spotlight (Shane Moran)
Shane Moran, Third Year Master’s Student
About me: Being from the small town of Indiana, Pennsylvania prepared me for the highly variable weather of Ohio, although I’m still getting used to the city setting of Columbus. In the Entomology Department, I’m working on finishing up the last part of my master’s degree with my advisor Shaohui Wu.
Research: Even though my lab typically works with pest management in turfgrass (mainly golf courses), my research focuses on evaluating the effects of insecticidal metabolites from bacteria on various pests and beneficial insects in the pecan industry. Since Ohio is largely lacking in pecan trees and their relevant insects, my research often involves trips to a USDA station in Georgia to apply metabolites to pest aphids, as well as beneficial insects like assassin bugs and lacewings. The goal of this research is to eventually develop a biopesticide that can be used to manage pecan pests while also avoiding harm to beneficial insects. I’ve also worked with my lab to publish extension factsheets on turfgrass pests such as annual bluegrass weevils (ABW), white grubs, and black cutworms.
Get to know me!
1. What is your best study tip?
Do whatever makes sense to you for studying. While all those guides online can offer ideal study habits in general, only you know how you learn best, and what works for you may seem like utter madness to someone else. For example, my typical study strategy is to read through my notes and wave my hands around as I drag imaginary terms and concepts into a web of connections. Relating things to each other helps me remember them better, even if I temporarily forget some of the terms. Again, that’s a great strategy for me that often scares and confuses most other people, so find some method (no matter how crazy) that works for your unique learning preferences.
2. What makes you unique?
Ever since my days in elementary school, I’ve been labeled as the “walking encyclopedia”. If I run out of topics in a conversation, I’m likely to start spouting off random, weird, or interesting facts about any number of things. Hey, did you know that moray eels have a second set of jaws in the back of their throats for swallowing prey? I’ve always managed to keep my classmates, friends and professors entertained with all the information about dinosaurs, animals, video games, etc. that they ever wanted (or didn’t want) to know.
3. What is the best you have ever received?
“Be yourself, even if you’re a little (or a lot) weird”, spoken by a professor who frequently dressed up in a bee costume and sprinted across campus chasing bumble bees. As someone who was known as the bug nerd in my hometown, it can be easy to feel like life would be better if you fit in with what everyone else is doing. Sure, some people may look down on you for being your authentic, weird self, but you’ll quickly find out that there are plenty of other “weirdos” that would be proud to call you a friend.
Congratulations on your graduation, and we as EGSA wish you all the best on your next journey!
Editor: Dahee Ahn