Amanda Lorenz

Contact Me

Academic Specialist, Undergraduate Advisor and Bug House Director
Department of Entomology

Degrees:
Ph.D. – Michigan State University (2017)
M.S. – Michigan State University (2012)
B.S. – Michigan State University (2009)

Bio

Dr. Amanda Lorenz is an Academic Specialist focused on advising, teaching support and public outreach. She serves as the undergraduate advisor for Entomology students and director of the MSU Bug House, where she coordinates educational programming and engages the public with live insects and spiders. Her work emphasizes making entomology accessible and inspiring for students and the broader community, exploring human attitudes toward insects and developing innovative ways to foster curiosity and appreciation for the diversity and importance of insects in everyday life.

Concentrations

Entomology education and outreach
Human dimensions of entomology

Courses Taught

ENT205: Pests, Society, and Environment

Nature of pests and their impact on society. Principles of integrated pest management in relation to environmental quality and sustainable development.

ISB201: Insects, Globalization, and Sustainability

Outreach

Lorenz leads outreach efforts that center on engaging audiences of all ages with the fascinating world of insects and other arthropods. As director of the MSU Bug House, she develops and delivers hands-on educational programs, curricula and activities for elementary through university students. Her outreach highlights include interactive lessons on insect mouthparts, forensic entomology field trips with real specimens and mock investigations, video tours showcasing live and preserved arthropods and worksheets exploring topics like insect vision. Through these programs, she emphasizes both learning and curiosity, making entomology accessible, memorable and inspiring for diverse audiences.

Learn more about the MSU Bug House.

Learn more about Lorenz's entomological outreach.