Q&A: Elke Bushbeck

Elke Buschbeck, assistant professor of biological sciences, has a unique research focus--the eyes of three different insects. Her work is driven by what she terms “a deep interest in how other organisms perceive the world and how their sensory systems have evolved to adjust to specific needs.” She discusses that interest in the interview that follows.

Q:

How did you first become intrigued by bugs?

A:

Throughout my scientific career I have been fascinated by how animals perceive the world. We always think that the way we taste, feel or smell truly represents what is out there. However, the way you and I perceive the world is mostly a function of our senses, and how they filter through lots of information. For example, did you know that there are fish that can sense electric fields? Or that honey bees are guided by UV flower markings? It is this interest in how animals perceive the world that has led me to the world of insects and, more specifically, to the diversity of insect eyes.

Q:

Explain in lay person terms what your research involves and who participates.

A:

I have been focusing on visual systems that fundamentally differ from those that already have been described. For example, I have been working on a strange little parasite, which has eyes that function as an intermediate type between the conventional insect compound eye and our camera type eyes. But what and how do they really see? To address these questions, we perform a lot of histological techniques, some physiology and a variety of behavioral paradigms. My research team consists of students at all levels. Many of our experiments are straightforward, and new undergraduate students can quickly participate. Other experiments are tricky and make good masters and PhD projects.

Q:

Much of the criticism of higher education is directed at research that seems esoteric or inessential. How would you respond to critics of your studies of insect eyes?

A:

I would point out that research is simply unpredictable. Many of the most important findings and technologies have originated from fundamental research. A beautiful example is the work of my postdoctoral advisor, Ron Hoy, at Cornell University. He has devoted much of his life to the function of an esoteric fly ear. Today his findings are used to develop highly sensitive directional hearing aids. But even if my research does not immediately result in something practical, it tells us the possibilities and boundaries of visual systems, which then may become the basis for applied research.

Q:

Talk a little about your background- where you're from, where you've previously taught.

A:

Although I am originally from Austria, I received my PhD in Tucson, AZ and pursued research and teaching for almost six years at Cornell University.

Q:

What was it about the university that attracted you?

A:

I really liked it here during my interview. We have a very active group of faculty who are interested in animal behavior, and the college and department clearly made a strong effort to support my research and teaching needs. In addition, I was attracted to Cincinnati because it houses the country’s best insect zoo, the Insectarium of the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. I now collaborate with the Zoo on another fascinating insect that seems to go against all we know about how eyes work.