University of Maryland undergraduates went behind the glass of the remarkable Doepkens Insect Collection to experience the process of curation. Started by Maryland farmer and entomophile William Doepkens, with contributions from his family, the collection contains 12 boxes, consisting of 735 specimens in 8 orders (Odonata, Orthoptera, Hemiptera, Megaloptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, and Diptera). In 2025, the Doepkens family generously loaned the collection to the Department of Entomology. This spring, 10 students joined Professor Bill Lamp and Yasmine Helbling for BSCI328C to identify the specimens, take specimen photographs, and write about the history and insect ecosystem services of the Doepkens Farm. The curated collection is now on display on the first floor of the Plant Sciences Building for all to enjoy.
