April 14: Cultivating Curiosity: Inspiring the Next Generation

Lorquin Scholars, Cole Cramer and Connor Hsu Cole Cramer and Connor Hsu are high school juniors with a shared passion for entomology and insect biodiversity. They are the co-founders and co-leaders of the Lorquin Scholars, the youth chapter of the Lorquin Entomological Society, founded in 2023 to encourage young people to study and appreciate insects. Both attended the UC Davis Bio Boot Camp for three summers and have become active youth leaders in entomology through outreach, education, and hands-on field experience. Through the Lorquin Scholars, Cole and Connor organize hikes, insect surveys, and educational outreach programs that introduce younger students and families throughout Southern California to the important roles insects play in ecosystems. Their work includes teaching insect identification, field collecting techniques, and science communication, while helping foster curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. In addition to leading outreach efforts, they conduct independent fieldwork, maintain curated entomology collections, and explore insect diversity through direct experience. They have also attended national professional conferences and represented youth voices at scientific meetings, museum events, and public education programs. Through their work, Cole and Connor hope to inspire the next generation of entomologists.