Kirsten Verster

Kirsten Verster is a PhD student in the Entomology and Insect Science Graduate Interdisciplinary Program. She has a strong interest in evolutionary biology and entomology, having researched the cognition and facial recognition of wasps, phylogenetics, and bat-moth acoustic coevolution. As an undergraduate, she earned degrees in in Biology and Spanish at the University of Florida. This past year, she worked as the curator of flies for the UA. Studying genetics in order to understand behavior and evolutionary processes, she plans to examine the origins of herbivorous behaviors using the Scaptomyza flava model system. Kerstin’s fascination with biology began during her childhood in Florida when she snorkeled with manatees and collected bugs in the Everglades. She is an avid reader, enjoys cooking, and plays the ukulele, guitar, and piano.