Spring 2025 Featured Graduate Student: River Mathieu
Print
EmailMeet River Mathieu, a graduate student studying entomology at MSU.
River Mathieu
Hometown: Canterbury, New Hampshire
Previous education: Environmental Studies and Biology; St. Lawrence University
Major advisor: Dr. Deborah McCullough
Q: What or who inspired your interest in entomology?
A: During my undergrad, I worked as a pathways intern for the US Forest Service in Durham, NH. During this internship, I was fortunate to work with a team of forest health researchers who worked on forest insect pests and diseases. I primarily worked under Dr. Nate Siegert, a forest entomologist and MSU alum, on projects focusing on emerald ash borer and spongy moth. The forest insect related projects sparked my initial interest in forest entomology, and I continue to be fascinated by the role insects play in forest ecosystems.
Q: What are you researching?
A: My research explores the ecological impacts that emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) (EAB), an invasive phloem feeding beetle, has on black ash (Fraxinus nigra) forests in Michigan. Black ash is a foundational wetland tree species, and a cultural keystone species due to its importance to Native American and First Nations peoples who use black ash for traditional basketry practices. We are specifically investigating the potential for young black ash trees to grow following the EAB-caused death of mature black ash, in the hope of providing insight into how landscapes could be managed to preserve black ash forests. I am also studying the diversity of Cerambycidae (longhorn beetles) in black ash forests of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Q: What is your favorite activity, class, or responsibility as part of your graduate studies?
A: My favorite aspect of my graduate work has been conducting field work. The majority of my study sites were in the Upper Peninsula, meaning I was able to spend a lot of time in the woods up north for the majority of my two summers as a grad student. Beyond fieldwork, I have enjoyed interacting with undergraduate research assistants and training them in forestry and entomology related methods.
Q: What is your favorite thing about MSU?
A: Probably the River Trail, especially in the summertime and early Fall. It’s the perfect place to take a break and enjoy a short walk! I also enjoy stopping at the Dairy Store while walking on the River Trail.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: After finishing my degree I will be joining the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forest Health Division, where I will work as a Forest Health Specialist.
