Friend or Foie Gras? Curating Insects Through Domestic and Culinary Lenses

Dr. Aaron Rodriques loves arthropods and he wants you to love them too!

In this unique workshop/tasting/interactive lab session you will learn core principles of entomology and meet some of our insect friends close-up and personal.

You will

· Learn the history of entomophagy

· Sample different insect dishes

· Participate in a Q & A session on insect rearing

· Handle multiple species of living arthropods

The first part of the event will be an infomative talk about insects while tasting insect-themed foods (cookies with mealworms, snacks with cricket flour, etc.). Insects are not only great sources of protein but prized as delicacies in cultures all over the world.

In the second part there will be an instructional show and tell with a chance to interact with Dr. Rodriquez's live pet insects (if you dare!).

In-person participants will leave with a native butterfly chrysalis that will transform into a beautiful Painted Lady.

This workshop is open to all but with the warning that people with shellfish allergies should refrain from eating these insect-based foods!

About the Instructor:

Dr. Aaron Rodriques is an entomologist and postdoctoral research scientist in Columbia University’s Department of Medicine, where he researches the biochemistry and electrophysiology underlying heart disease. In 2021 Aaron completed his Ph.D. in entomology at Purdue University, specializing in the gene expression and protein biochemistry of German cockroaches.

Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, Aaron took an interest in insects at a young age and started collecting them when he was only four years old. As his collection and knowledge grew, Aaron sought to branch out to the public to exchange ideas about the world of entomology. He conducts educational outreach for schools, museums, and art venues, and has been featured in news and television outlets including the New York Times, National Geographic, BBC, and ABC.