April 2025 ENT Student of the Month: Ryan Meadows

Hi! My name is Ryan Meadows. I am a fourth-year Entomology undergraduate student, set to graduate in June 2025. Entomology has been my major since the fall quarter of my third year. Before that, I actually changed my major twice! When I entered UC Davis as a freshman, I was a Biochemistry major. That same year, I switched to Food Science, and after taking ENT 001 with Dr. Diane Ullman, I realized how fascinating the study of insects was to me. Now, as I prepare for my Ph.D. studies at UC Davis, I’ve decided to merge my interests in biochemistry, food science, and entomology. I currently plan to study the insect-based bioconversion of food waste with Dr. Christian Nansen.

Throughout my time as an undergraduate student, I’ve worked as a laboratory assistant both within and outside the UC Davis Department of Entomology. I first joined the Foley Lab in 2023, where I primarily studied and identified ticks and their wild hosts. Through my work in the Foley Lab, I’ve had the opportunity to present my research at two Undergraduate Research Conferences, collaborate with Dr. Geoffrey Attardo and his lab, and write what will soon become my first academic research publication! As of spring quarter 2025, I am also working as an employee in the Williams Lab on campus and serving as an undergraduate intern in the Nansen Lab.

Finally, during my time studying entomology at UC Davis, I’ve come to realize that the Entomology Department is my favorite on campus. I’ve found my course professors to be friendly, approachable, and refreshingly passionate about their research. I’ve also learned that the same is true of the entomology graduate students I’ve met so far. Likewise, I’ve really enjoyed meeting people in my entomology classes and at Entomology Club. I’m genuinely proud to count myself among such a kind, accepting group of people!