Dr. Clare Rittschof College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, Entomology
Dr. Clare Rittschof is an Associate Professor of Entomology in the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Dr. Rittschof's research interests include the evolutionary consequences and mechanistic underpinnings of behavioral plasticity, particularly in the context of social interactions. Her lab's website states, "Current research projects are primarily focused on honey bee behavior and health, but past projects have utilized a number of different arthropod species, and the lab thrives on a broadly comparative scientific framework."
In the last year, Dr. Rittschof has mentored four undergraduate students in her lab. The undergraduate mentees' involvement in her research includes beekeeping, field behavioral experiments with honey bees, floral resource and wild bee collection, wild bee identification, molecular experiments, as well as data entry and analysis. While she was an undergraduate student, Dr. Rittschof had "many great undergraduate research experiences that all added something important to my future. I’m grateful for caring mentors." Her experience with wonderful mentors laid the foundation for her approach as a research mentor and believes that the best thing about mentoring is "meeting and getting to know smart and interesting students who are excited to learn. Watching students learn about the fun and frustration of research science."
Undergraduate research is a learning activity that enriches a student's undergraduate experience. When considering undergraduate students for her lab, Dr. Rittschof appreciates the following qualities: "persistence and organization, an ability to reflect on past experiences and articulate what they've learned, and an openness to try something you aren't sure you'll like." Plus, an interest in insects is a bonus, especially since she's part of the entomology department. Dr. Rittschof's advice to students considering undergraduate research is to "start somewhere - you will learn something no matter what, and it will help you choose the next step - whether that's another lab or a career."
Thank you Dr. Clare Rittschof for your unwavering support of undergraduate research at the University of Kentucky. We are pleased to recognize your dedication this week as our Research Faculty Mentor of the Week.
Dr. Clare Rittschof - College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, Entomology