Price Entomology Lab Provides Opportunities for Student Research at SU

SU grad student Isabella Garrison examining ant species diversity. Image courtesy of Dana Price.

Dr. Dana Price has been working for Salisbury University's biology department since 2008. Her lab at SU provides opportunities for students interested in research, primarily centering around the behavior and biodiversity of dung beetles and ants.

One ongoing project, conducted by Price and grad student Isabella Garrison, focuses on the diversity of ant species on campus across different habitat types. Data such as canopy cover, surface type, and temperature are recorded, along with the species richness of each site.

"We're trying to look at the species richness in the more natural areas, versus those that are lawn, versus those that are impervious," said Price. "[Ants] are indicator species, just like dung beetles."

Another current project in the entomology lab is a study on the attraction of dung beetles to bait from animals with different diet types. Price and undergraduate student Kendall Beauchamp have been collecting dung from animals at the Salisbury Zoo to use as bait.

Kendall Beauchamp examining mammal-dung beetle associations. Image courtesy of Dana Price.

A previous project, in which Price collaborated with students Natasha Herlinger and Kate Riley, explored the field of forensic biology. Traps baited with pork liver were left in Pemberton Park for periods of 48 hours, and the attracted flies were identified in the lab.

"The main start was just looking at the biodiversity," said Price. "For the spring, we switched up Natasha's project to have her create a taxonomic guide to the flies."

Price described how forensic entomology can be useful in determining the age of a body during an investigation.

"The basic thing is trying to estimate the time of death and using that to corroborate other evidence that's found," Price said.

Research is also conducted by Price's lab mate, Dr. Chen, whose work focuses more on quantitative and statistical analysis.

Biology professor Dr. Dana Price. Image courtesy of Dana Price.

"Between the two of us, I call it the entomology lab, because we both work on insects, and it's nice having two people there working on lots of different things," said Price.

Getting involved in research as a student provides valuable career experience and can create mentorship opportunities.

"It helps you figure out... how you want to focus your career at SU," said Price. "I think the more labs you work in, the better off you are."

More information, including research and publications, can be found at the Price Entomology Lab website.

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By PHILIP BECNEL

Staff Writer