Amelia L. Smith, a second year graduate student under Prof. Keith Philips, is studying the biodiversity of a group of insects called spider beetles. She has used the SEM to characterize minute structures and surface textures useful for species identification. A Louisville native, Amelia received her B.S. degree from Hanover College. After completing her M.S. degree at WKU she hopes to continue her study of insect biodiversity by pursuing a doctorate.
Amelia L. Smith at WKU’s SEM in Snell Hall
A view from above of a Ptinus spider beetle. On the right, an SEM view of mandibles (mouthparts) dissected from the beetle. (Images courtesy of Amelia Smith)
