DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Daniel Fleming
Daniel Fleming
When Daniel Fleming began a job as a student worker for an entomology professor, he had no idea he would end up making a career out of insects.
“That job led to an opportunity to get a master’s degree in entomology, then I chose to get a doctorate because I believe I have something to offer,” Daniel explained. “I’m interested in teaching students, conducting research and helping farmers become better managers of their crops and the insect pests they deal with.”
Daniel works as a post-doctoral research associate in the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology, where he assists with basic and applied research related to managing agricultural crop pests.
“For example, I am currently developing a protein marking method for thrips that will help us be able to better monitor and understand their movement in an agricultural landscape,” he said.
Daniel discovered his passion for teaching through Bugfest and the MSU Bug and Plant Camp, where he passes on his knowledge about entomology and agriculture to the next generation.
“Food is a big issue in the world, an issue that many of us take for granted, and I want to be able to do my part to ensure we have a stable and safe food supply,” he said.
Outside the office, Daniel enjoys hunting, fishing, tailgating, and collecting insects with his son Wyatt and daughter Tilly. He has been married to his wife Paige for 7 years.
Editor's note: The Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine Spotlight Employee profiles are provided by the Office of Agricultural Communications at Mississippi State. For more information, please click here.
