Mika Pagani

Pursuing a Ph.D. in the Department of Entomology within the College of Agriculture of Life Sciences at Virginia Tech

Woman with tan shin and medium length curly hair wearing a blue shirt and tan blazer; smiling and wearing glasses

“I see a STEM degree as a way to channel my curiosity and analytical skills into a direct way to help others. In working in my current field of entomological pest management, I'm able to work towards a sustainable future, prioritizing food security for all.”

Mika studies various biological management strategies for click beetle larvae in Virginia. Her research is focused primarily on determining the efficacy of naturally occurring parasitic fungi across varied environmental conditions. Mika’s research interests include soil microbiota, insect pathology, and science communication with the local community. She hopes to use her position of privilege and power as a graduate student to shed light on the intersectionality between sustainable agriculture and social equity.

Mika has earned a BS in Environmental Science from Virginia Tech. Currently, Mika is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Entomology working with Dr. Thomas Kuhar’s vegetable insect pest management lab.