By Julia Beauregard
Hometown Weekly Editor
Bryan Man, who is also known as Professor Bugman, recently visited the Dover Town Library (DTL) along with his arthropod petting zoo. The community room was brimming with families eager to learn more about the creatures that Professor Bugman had brought for the show.
As Man set up, he explained a few ground rules for the children to adhere to throughout the show: "Use your listening ears, raise your hand, and use a gentle touch when petting the bugs." He requested that all the children remain in their seats to avoid startling any of the insects and to allow him and his assistant to navigate through the crowd so that everyone could get a closer look at these crawling creatures. Among the featured arthropods were beetles, millipedes, Madagascar hissing cockroaches, leaf insects, and stickbugs. The children were intrigued by their various shapes and sizes and eagerly reached out to touch their exoskeletons while feeling their legs wiggle in their hands.
Man engaged the children by asking them what they thought a bug was and was fascinated by their varied responses. Eventually, he shared with them that "the word bug does not have a scientific definition." He went on to explain that the term "bug" is derived from the old English word "boog," which means creepy or scary. Following this revelation, his mission statement became clear: he aimed to demonstrate to all the children that there was nothing frightening or eerie about bugs; they are intriguing creatures that play a vital role in our ecosystem.
Man embarked on his research academia journey in 2006 at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, focusing on the study of plants, soil, and insect science. He later earned his Master's degree in entomology, the study of bugs, from North Carolina State University in 2011. Professor Bugman's career path was guided by a singular mission: "to provide the kind of hands-on, engaging, and memorable experiences that real career scientists and professionals point to as their inspiration for learning and choosing their careers."
His profound knowledge is truly commendable and appeals to individuals of all ages. The next time Professor Bugman visits the DTL, it is an event that should not be missed. For more information on Professor Bugman's Entomology Adventures, please visit his website at https://www.theprofessorbugman.com/.
