During November 2025, I went to the Entomological Society of America annual meeting in Portland, Oregon, made possible by a travel grant awarded by the Florida Museum of Natural History.

At the conference, I presented my research on the differential expression of sericin silk genes in the Luna moth (Actias luna) across life stages. Along with fibroin, sericins are among the most abundant proteins in moth silk, capable of modulating its physical properties. Because caterpillars use silk for a variety of purposes as it grows, my research was a step towards better understanding how sericins affect the silk’s property and/or purpose.

Throughout the various social events and symposia, I got to know many accomplished scholars and students from other universities and allowed me to learn about their remarkable work. I also particularly enjoyed the Entomology Games – a bug trivia competition between universities – which was not only exciting because UF won, but also because it highlighted how vast the field of entomology is.

Exploring Portland and its surrounding areas was also a valuable experience. We hiked in Forest Park and near Mount Hood, and as someone from Florida, it was refreshing to explore terrain vastly different from where I live. I also spent time in the city-walking through the various neighborhoods was an interesting experience.

As this was my first conference, navigating a new professional setting seemed daunting at first, but through presenting and connecting with others, I was able to grow both personally and professionally. Therefore, I want to express my gratitude to the Florida Museum of Natural History, for granting me such an important opportunity and an unforgettable experience.

Andrew Hong presenting their research on the differential expression of sericin silk genes in the Luna moth (Actias luna) across its life stages

Andrew Hong at Forest Park in Portland, Oregon

Scenery from a trail near Cascade Locks, Oregon

Andrew Hong is a lab assistant at The Kawahara Lab at the Florida Museum of Natural History.

The 2025 Fall Student Travel Awards are supported by the FLMNH Department of Natural History, including funds from the Louis C. and Jane Gapenski Endowed Fellowship. If you would like to help support this fund for future student awards, please go to: