New Podcast Features Georgetown Entomologist’s Collaboration With Precocious Japanese Butterfly Researcher

Esteemed Georgetown entomologist Dr. Martha Weiss has received plenty of press. Her research in moth memory has been discussed in dozens of science news articles and interviews, including a segment on NPR’s RadioLab. However, her favorite correspondent is a ten-year-old, an ocean away. In a new episode of the Signal Hill podcast, Weiss’ daughter shares the heartwarming story of both scientists spreading their wings; one flying far to mentor a new generation of entomology, the other taking off in the science research community.

Dr. Weiss has long been fascinated by bugs. She has conducted extensive research on the behavior, sensory attributes, and the memory of insects. A 2008 study of hers explored how adult moths retain memories from before they underwent metamorphosis. This work captured the attention of researchers and insect enthusiasts worldwide, including Jo Nagai, a second-grade amateur butterfly researcher from Japan. Nagai saw parallels between Dr. Weiss’ research and his own interests, and he reached out to her for guidance. The second grade amateur butterfly researcher began a years-long mail correspondence with Dr. Weiss. Throughout which, they planned, executed, and reviewed Nagai’s investigation of butterfly memory and knowledge transmission down multiple generations. The two unlikely colleagues convened at the International Congress of Entomology and shared a transformational experience exchanging research, stories, and insights into entomology.

Listen to the full podcast here and hear firsthand how Georgetown’s research mentorship is inspiring scientific progress in unexpected environments: