I think anyone who has been to a National Entomological Society of America Conference knows it cannot be summed up in a few words. And this year’s conference in National Harbor was no exception.
I flew in on the 4th, and after walking around National Harbor and checking into the hotel, I went to DC to see a few of the sights and meet up with my mom’s cousin for dinner.
What I saw was varied but all incredible. This artwork of a spider in the National Gallery of art’s sculpture garden was one of my favorites (left), and of course there were some very informative public art displays I saw on my walk.
I do enjoy dinner with a view.
At the conference itself I attended a workshop on insect photography and made friends with a beetle. I thought this photo in particular belongs in some kind of advertisement.
I then attended talks before my student competition time. Below are photos of my lab mates Michelle, Erika, and Lucy all giving their 10 minute student talks!
I was not able to get any pictures of my 10 minute talk, but I do have photos from later in the day. The Entomology Graduate Student Organization set up a merch table at the conference this year, and I spent some time manning the table!
It was a busy conference all around, but we did have a chance to go into DC before flying out. Naturally we went to one of the most important cultural landmarks in the city: The Smithsonian Natural History Museum.
Hope to see everyone again next year!