Yanira Jiménez-Padilla, PhD Candidate, Western University
–
Insects are the most diverse and abundant group of animals in the world, but they’re not alone. Virtually all insects carry beneficial microbes inside and out. The microbes get a ride and a meal while keeping their insect host healthy. Unknown to most, this unique relationship has also benefited us — think about wine and sourdough where insect-borne microbes were crucial in their development. These creepy crawlies and their “bugs” may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the closer you look and the more you learn, the more beauty you discover.
Originally from Mexico, Yanira Jiménez Padilla is now a PhD student in the Sinclair lab at Western University, where her love for all things BUG has grown. As part of her graduate degree, Yanira studies how the microbes that live inside the gut of insects affect their health. One of Yanira’s passions is to participate in outreach events, teach, mentor, and talk to anyone who wants to listen about the wonderful world of insects.
Photo: Denise Fell