Meet Zach Cohen, Ph.D., entomologist and postdoctoral researcher at Florida Atlantic University, insect enthusiast since second grade, and subject of the next installment of our “Standout Early Career Professionals” series.

By Emily Sandall, Ph.D.

Editor’s Note: This is the next article in the “Standout ECPs” series contributed by the Entomological Society of America’s Early Career Professionals (ECP) Committee, highlighting outstanding ECPs that are doing great work in the profession. (An ECP is defined as anyone within the first five years of obtaining their terminal degree in their field.) Read past articles in the Standout ECPs series.

Zachary Cohen, Ph.D.

Zachary Cohen, Ph.D., is a postdoctoral researcher Florida Atlantic University’s Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Previously, he worked in a postdoctoral role at the at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service in College Station, Texas. Cohen earned a bachelor’s degree in biology at the University of Florida in 2012, a master’s degree in entomology at Cornell University in 2016, and a Ph.D. in entomology at the University of Wisconsin—Madison in 2021. He currently serves as the Southwestern Branch representative to the ESA Early Career Professionals Committee.

Sandall: How did you get into entomology?

Cohen: Although I’ve asked this question myself to several early career professionals over these last few months, I still clam up when I think about my own personal journey! Anyway, I admit that I’ve always been into bugs. Some of my earliest memories are of a larval-me standing in a fire ant pile and feeling myself becoming one with the swarm—engulfed—as my caretakers frantically swatted what they could. Yes, I was stung as a child. Another diagnostic memory is when I rescued a moribund female dobsonfly from a gaggle of 2nd graders who couldn’t decide whether they should stomp it to smithereens or scamper for higher ground. These memories, for me, emphasized a contrast between most people’s revulsion of these incredible animals and my profound admiration of them—relatable to many readers and something that became the bedrock of many formative childhood (and now adult) friendships.

Anyway, as an undergraduate I was formally introduced to the field of entomology through a biology degree prerequisite survey course at the University of Florida. Go Gators! From there I was entranced, and determined that these animals deserve more attention, advocacy, and understanding—especially pests!

What do you do in your current job?

I’m currently working as a postdoctoral researcher at Florida Atlantic University’s Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science—the lone entomologist among engineers. However, I’m still staying true to my pedigree and using a swarm of insect genomes to develop testable methods to determine how genomic variations, such as structural differences, are shaped by ecological and environmental drivers of diversity. Insects are naturally a great system to study this!

Zach Cohen, Ph.D., entomologist and postdoctoral researcher at Florida Atlantic University, counts rock climbing among his hobbies.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Hm. I would say having the flexibility and support to pursue the biological questions that interest me. I realize how canned that sounds, but I think I would be unhappy if I had to work in a research silo without wiggle room.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Good question. I would say, despite my enthusiasm, it is still hard to “get up in the morning.” I would agree that work can and should feel chore-ish, but it should also be inspiring.

What do you see yourself doing in the future?

Haha sheesh, what a timely question! Well, I hope to continue working on insects and genome biology. Ideally, I would head a research group and mentor the next generation of curious entomologists and biologists toward elucidating the vast complexities of life—or something like that.

Who inspires you to do what you do?

Inspires? Sheesh. There’s no doubt I have scientific role models I admire, but my close interpersonal relationships really keep me inspired. Also, engaging with laypersons about entomology is always incredibly rewarding.

What would you do if you weren’t working in entomology?

I ask myself this every time I read the news! (Just kidding. Sort of.) The answer changes often, but generally I could see myself working in the coffee industry. I find myself delving into the science, recipes, and techniques of Coffea arabica from cultivation to cup. I’m somewhat obsessed with coffee. I may have even shown you my extensive espresso recipes, so maybe I’d be a breeder, roaster, or barista.

Do you have time for any hobbies?

Of course! I’ll admit that one of the most rewarding aspects of my appointment is the flexibility. Beyond dialing in my coffee, I like to read, run, climb, play tennis, and LEGO. I’ve also started painting acrylic again.

What is your advice for other early career professionals?

To quote Simpsons creator Matt Groening, “Whatever project you’ve started, FINISH IT.” Stay the course and try not to get discouraged. It’s not easy to practice our discipline, and I think many people still don’t fully understand or appreciate what we do. That’s why it’s so important to cultivate your own support network. Or, put another way, “manage your horcruxes!”

What is your favorite arthropod and why?

EASY! Calusoma scrutator, or the fiery searcher! An enigmatic ground beetle with deep green elytra, rainbow pronotum, and purple legs! It’s also from the Southern U.S., but unlike me it primarily feeds on (invasive) caterpillars. It also fires off plumes of volatile chemicals when irritated. I’m also really taken by moths, specifically Saturniidae. Ichneumonids are rad, too! I really love chunky scarabs and stags. Ugh, can’t forget weevils! Too many, but I still lean beetle.

Are there any exciting directions that you think entomology is headed?

I do think computation, big-data and emerging artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches will be well utilized by us. But I see the field becoming more mainstream, even embraced by other disciplines. Entomologists are some of the most creative minds and robust scientists I know. I think we’ll start to infest other fields and consequently not only spread our passion and advocacy for these critters but also inspire others to pay more attention to insects, which, as more will learn, is obviously the coolest animal group that has ever existed.

Thank you, Zach! If you want to learn more about Zach and his research, you can find him on Google Scholar or ResearchGate.

Emily Sandall, Ph.D., is a science analyst/advisor at the Foreign Agricultural Service, in Washington, DC, and SysEB Section representative to the ESA Early Career Professionals Committee. Email: [email protected].

All photos courtesy of Zach Cohen, Ph.D.