The March for Science is set to take place April 22 in Washington, DC, and at satellite locations around the world. Insect scientists will be there. (Art by Carly Tribull, Ph.D.)

Nine days from today, a diverse array of scientists, influencers, and people who value the role of science in improving the human condition will gather to make their voice heard. The March for Science is expected to bring tens of thousands of supporters to Washington, DC, and to more than 500 satellite marches in cities and towns around the world.

Among those crowds will be a great number of insect scientists. The Entomological Society of America has encouraged its members to participate, and the Society formally supports the March for Science because it aims to defend the responsible conduct of science and the free exchange of scientific knowledge. Below, three members of ESA who plan to participate in the March for Science share their own reasons why.

“I have made a personal commitment to march for science because I want to encourage people to value, explore, and embrace science, not turn away or be scared of it. Science is a journey, and, like a lot of journeys, the path isn’t always straight: Sometimes we make great progress, sometimes we backtrack, and we often find amazing things we could never have anticipated. I want everyone to feel like they can be a part of that journey no matter what their background. So, let’s invite people to join the conversation. Learn, listen and engage!”

Laura Higgins, Ph.D., BCE
Agricultural entomologist
Johnston, Iowa
Marching in: Des Moines, Iowa

“As a child my mother’s fear of roaches had me ponder why the roach makes her so frightful. Since then, I have always had a keen interest in insects and turned my childhood dream to be a ‘bug catcher’ into a career. Growing up in a low-income Hispanic community, my grade school teacher, nature shows, and hikes were my only link to the scientific community and natural world. It was not until my second year of college that I learned the word “entomologist” and discovered important research conducted to keep the world fed. Since then, I have aspired to teach the public the importance of arthropods and their kin. I march for science to inspire the curious-minded youth. It is their curiosity and eagerness to learn that ignites a simple “why” into a philosophical perspective that can create a better tomorrow.”

Joshua Villazana
Masters student in entomology, University of Maine
Orono, Maine
Marching in: Orono, Maine

“I will be marching in support of science because of the importance of science in our world: enabling medical breakthroughs that save lives and increase the quality of life for those living with impairments, enabling the production of an abundant supply of nutritious food, and maintaining access to clean air and water resources. I will also be marching in support of science education and its role in teaching us to discern facts from fiction and to use those facts to make evidence-based decisions. We need both the advances brought to us by cutting-edge scientific research and the ability to think critically about issues that impact us as individuals and as members of a global community.”

Lauren Diepenbrock, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral research scholar, North Carolina State University
Raleigh, North Carolina
Marching in: Washington, DC

Want to share why you will march for science? Comment below, or—better yet—print your own sign with ESA’s template [PDF], take a selfie with it, and send it to pubs@entsoc.org. We’ll share members’ “Why I March” pictures on social media in the days leading up to the event.

For more info about the March for Science, ESA’s related activities, and how you can get involved, see:

• March for Science website
• ESA Activities in Support of the March for Science
• “Preparing for the March for Science” webinar hosted by ESA, April 19, 2 p.m. EDT
• ESA Science Policy program

And, finally, check out @EntsocAmerica on Twitter for some more entomologists sharing their “Why I March for Science” messages:

As #ScienceMarch nears, entomologists at @EntsocAmerica's branch meetings have been sharing why they will march for science. pic.twitter.com/DbG5m97gHQ

— Entomological Society of America (@EntsocAmerica) April 6, 2017

10 days until #ScienceMarch. More @EntsocAmerica members share why they will stand up for science. pic.twitter.com/fmEVTZdata

— Entomological Society of America (@EntsocAmerica) April 12, 2017

It's #marchforscience week. @EntsocAmerica members are getting ready. pic.twitter.com/BnFPyPxkPS

— Entomological Society of America (@EntsocAmerica) April 18, 2017