Andrew Vahlberg

Worked with Middle and High School youth. Organized events and retreats. Built community and fellowship opportunities.

Regular maintenance, chemical tests, life-saving operations, and patron relations.

My partner and I presented our research on the Six-Spotted Tiger Beetle. We did a poster board presentation and though we did not win anything, it was a wonderful experience.

The Six-Spotted Tiger Beetle (Cicindela sexguttata) is an iridescent species native to Pennsylvania, characterized by its striking coloration. In this study, we investigate the presence of a multi-layer reflector (MLR) in the beetle, which is hypothesized to contribute to its iridescence. Utilizing Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), we aim to identify the MLR within the elytra of the beetle. Based on previous studies of the Jewel Beetle (Chrysochroa fulgidissima), where the MLR has been well-documented, we hypothesize that the reflective structures may reside in the surface layers of the elytra. We have successfully located the MLR within the top 1.5 microns of the elytra's surface, and further analysis will be continued to characterize the spectrum of light produced by the MLR.