Summer 2025 Featured Graduate Student: DeShae Dillard
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EmailMeet DeShae Dillard, a Ph.D. student studying entomology at MSU.
DeShae Dillard
Hometown: Bothell, WA
Previous education: B.A. Biology, Gonzaga University | M.S. Entomology, North Carolina State University
Advisor: Douglas Landis and Hannah Burrack
Q: What sparked your initial interest in entomology, and how has it evolved over time?
A: Ironically, I had no interest in entomology before undergrad and actively avoided insects. That changed when, as a freshman at Gonzaga University, I was invited to join a research project on spider mating behavior. I accepted the opportunity because it was rare for freshmen to do research, and it was the first time a professor had taken a personal interest in mentoring me, not because I was drawn to insects or arthropods. Through that project, I was introduced to insect diversity and spent hours identifying specimens under a microscope. The incredible morphological variety fascinated me, and I was hooked. I ended up spending the rest of my undergraduate years studying insects. Though I initially had no clear career plan, my research experience led me to graduate school. During my M.S., I came to fully appreciate how essential insects are to ecosystem function, which has only deepened my commitment to the field.
Q: Could you tell us a bit about your current research?
A: My research examines fly community diversity in agroecosystems to better understand the ecosystem services they provide, such as pollination, decomposition, and biological control. I aim to highlight both their ecological and economic value and raise awareness of flies in research and conservation.
Q: Are there any challenges you’ve faced on your journey to becoming an entomologist, and how have they shaped your perspective?
A: One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as an entomologist is the lack of representation in the field and the difficulty of finding mentors who understand my experience. For much of graduate school, I often said that if you know this is something you struggle with, pursuing entomology might not be the best path. More recently, though, I’ve tried to lean into my experience with impostor syndrome to help create a space where my mentees feel seen, supported, and confident that they belong. Rather than focusing on how I don’t fit into entomology, I’ve reframed that experience to ensure others know that they can.
Q: What’s your favorite part about being at MSU?
A: Pursuing my Ph.D. at MSU has opened many doors, but the most impactful opportunity has been working at the Kellogg Biological Station. I didn’t plan to work there initially, but doing so has led to presenting my research to leading scientists from around the world and regularly being asked to represent the station and its work. Being recognized by so many outstanding scientists has been a special experience and has instilled a sense of confidence I didn’t know was possible.
