Theresa Cira grew up in Cedarburg, Wisconsin before getting a B.S. in Entomology from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Now a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Entomology, she sees the beauty, complexity, and abundance of insects as a source of endless wonder and exploration. Her dissertation research works to achieve more sustainable pest management through increased understanding of pest biology, surveys of all arthropods in agricultural systems, and exploration of alternative management tools. Through a minor in Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, Theresa is also exploring questions about how scientific research is applied to social and environmental problems via policy. Additionally, Theresa is passionate about communicating science to non-scientists and promoting interdisciplinary thinking and learning in higher education.