Summer 2026 Featured Entomology Graduate Student: Ray Rantz
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EmailMeet Ray Rantz, a master's student studying entomology at MSU.
Ray Rantz
Hometown: Stevensville, Michigan
Previous education: Bachelor’s in Agronomy, Michigan State University
Graduation: Spring 2026
Advisor: Zsofia Szendrei
Q: What sparked your initial interest in entomology, and how has it evolved over time?
A: Sophomore year of undergrad, I was an intern potato field scout for a crop consulting company. We were on the lookout for a variety of diseases, weeds, and insects…it was my first hands-on experience with IPM (integrated pest management) practices. One of our biggest concerns was Colorado potato beetle, and I became interested in how they were so resilient to chemical control. That interest led me to the Vegetable Entomology lab, and eventually to studying their resistance to common insecticides. It was a real full-circle moment.
Q: What’s your favorite part about being at MSU, whether it’s related to campus life, research, or the people you work with?
A: It’s all about the people! I loved the community aspect of our department. I got to know so many incredible scientists working on such a diverse range of topics. There was always something to look forward to- from the speaker seminars, to departmental community events, and GUESS student events, there were a lot of opportunities to catch up with everyone and their research, and it was never too long without seeing a friendly face.
Q: Have you had any mentors or colleagues at MSU who’ve been influential in your academic journey?
A: I would obviously not be here without Dr. Zsofia Szendrei, who has been an incredible advisor and mentor and helped me grow my interest in entomology from my first day in the lab as an undergraduate research assistant. I’m also very thankful to Dr. Hannah Burrack for the genuine care and effort she puts into making students feel comfortable, heard and supported, and to Dr. Karen Renner, whose teachings on crop scouting and crop management helped develop my interest in IPM and agricultural insect pests.
Q: What’s something unique or surprising about your path to studying entomology that you think others might find interesting?
A: I always tell people that I was absolutely terrified of insects up until my first day of undergrad. During my tour of Lyman Briggs (I lived in Holmes Hall), a lab was showing their colony of Madagascar hissing cockroaches and letting students hold them. I tried to sneak out, but one of the TA’s asked me if I wanted a chance. I didn’t want to look cowardly…so I let her plop the roach right into my hand. “Oh! This isn’t so bad! In fact…they’re kind of cute!” That day I stopped looking at insects as something gross, but instead something misunderstood.
