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Saginaw Valley State University

November 3, 2025

Bug out with SVSU’s Insect-A-Palooza

Interactive presentations aim to promote understanding of our tiny neighbors

photo of woman holding a large cockroach

Bugs take center stage at Saginaw Valley State University on Saturday, Nov. 8, when visitors can get a close-up look at the tiny creatures that make a big impact on our world. 

Insect-A-Palooza, hosted by SVSU’s Department of Biology, will feature live displays, hands-on activities and eight interactive exhibits that explore unique aspects of entomology, the study of insects. This free community event will take place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in Groening Commons in Curtiss Hall on the SVSU campus, 7400 Bay Road, University Center.

Jorge Paredes-Montero, SVSU assistant professor of biology, said Insect-A-Palooza is one opportunity for his students to give back to the community while building research, communication and presentation skills that will serve them in college and in their careers. The aim of the event is to promote greater understanding of insects and to dispel myths and misconceptions about them.

Students will present information on several topics, including:

  • Insects as food
  • Butterfly and moth life cycle
  • Hiss-terical cockroaches
  • Insect biodiversity
  • Insects as genetic tools
  • The bug factory
  • Sting ouch-o-meter

Two community partners, Chippewa Nature Center and Saginaw County Mosquito Control, will also have information available at the event. 
Participating students from SVSU include:

  • Mordain Gladney, an ecology, evolution and organismal biology major from Midland
  • Jenna Glazier, an ecology, evolution and organismal biology major from Bay City
  • Logan Green, an ecology, evolution and organismal biology major from Vassar
  • Christian Gross, an ecology, evolution and organismal biology major from Saginaw
  • Lyric Haupt, a biological science major from Saginaw
  • Olivia Konsdorf, an ecology, evolution and organismal biology major from Owosso
  • Sara Long, an ecology, evolution and organismal biology major from Corunna
  • Dillen Phillips, an ecology, evolution and organismal biology major from Cheyenne, Wyoming
  • Ella Randolph, an ecology, evolution and organismal biology major from Midland
  • Fern Sosnoski, an ecology, evolution and organismal biology major from Dearborn

Zoe Farrand, a student at Heritage High School, will also take part in the presentations.

Insects are the most diverse group of organisms on earth and have been present for about 350 million years. Learn more about these often-overlooked and -misunderstood creatures at Insect-A-Palooza. For more information visit: https://super-bugs.weebly.com/insect-a-palooza.html.