People in the Lamp Lab
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William Lamp
Professor Email: [email protected] Office: PLSC4138 Bill Lamp's work on plant-insect interactions and aquatic entomology has integrated molecular, physiological, community and ecosystem approaches to address IPM issues and the consequences of field- and landscape-level processes. His research helps define his unique role in teaching and outreach activities; and his interaction with students and stakeholders helps generate new directions for research. His combined activities in research, teaching, and outreach have enabled him to foster the discovery of knowledge, the development of students, the management of insect pests, and overall to contribute to the University and the science of entomology. Research Interests: The theme of my research is the ecology of insects in the human environment, and my projects align within three broad fields: integrated pest management (IPM) of forage crops, understanding ecology of emerging insect pests, and the implications of IPM and land use on invertebrates in streams and wetlands. 
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Yasmine Helbling
Lab Manager Email: [email protected] Yasmine was hired in the spring of 2023 to help with Helen Craig's Insect Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity project during her time as lab manager. When that project came to a close, she started do an honors thesis with the Entomology Department titled "Do glandular trichomes indirectly foster aphid populations in alfalfa by suppressing biological control?". She graduated with high honors in Entomology in Spring 2025. As the lab manager, she oversees and coordinates the research projects in the lab. Most of her time is spent working on the farm insect biodiversity project. When she is not in the lab, she can be found horsing around at the farm. Research interests: Biological control, integrated pest management, & animal behavior |
Current graduate Students:
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Helen Craig
M.S. Entomology Graduate Student and previous Lab Manager Email: [email protected] Office: PLSC 4124 Helen graduated from University of Maryland in May 2022 after majoring in Ecology and Evolution and minoring in Sustainability. She joined the Lamp Lab as lab manager and then transitioned to graduate student in the fall of 2023. Helen studies climate mitigation using insects as food and feed, specifically using black soldier fly larvae as a methane-mitigating protein supplement in dairy cattle. Her project looks at the environmental, social, and economic implications of insect protein in dairy cattle ultimately to determine the sustainability of insect protein supplements. Helen loves to work with students and find ways to support early scientists or students who are simply curious about the topic. If you have questions, email her! Research Interests: The intersection of sustainability and entomology, especially insects as food and feed. Publications and blog posts:
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Current Undergraduate Students:
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Holden Denyer (Class of 2025)
Undergraduate Email: [email protected] Major: Media Design Minor: Entomology Holden is a current Immersive Media Design student with a secondary passion in entomology. He hopes to combine aspects of computer programming, digital design and environmental research in his future career. Working in the field of entomology has enabled Holden to combine many of these aspects, all while enhancing his love for bugs! Research Interests: Soil Arthropods, IPM, Insect-environment interactions |
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Zoey Blackman Undergraduate Email: [email protected] Zoey joined the Lamp Lab in the fall of her freshman year and works under graduate student Helen Craig on research exploring the use of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) as a sustainable food source in dairy cattle. Zoey's work focuses on consumer perceptions of insects as food, examining how demographic factors influence acceptance and attitudes toward insect-based products. |
Current High School Students:
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Dhuha Alwan
High School Student Dhuha is a high school intern from the Science & Technology Program at Eleanor Roosevelt High School. Currently, she is collaborating with Yasmine to investigate the effect of glandular trichomes on parasitoid wasp foraging behavior. She is responsible for collecting data and maintaining insect colonies. She became interested in entomology after learning about beneficial insects and their ecosystem services. She aspires to continue conducting biological research as a college student on the pre-med track, and eventually would like to become a healthcare professional. |
Former Postdoctoral Associates:
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Dr. Peter Jensen
Post-doc (2007-2009) |
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Former Masters Students:
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Former Doctoral Students:
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Former Lab Managers:
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