Konstantinos Tsiolis: Animal Science

Konstantinos Tsiolis completed a ten week paid internship in Animal Science, looking into the use of biological pest control.

One of the disadvantages of using pesticides is that you not only kill the target pest but also useful insects, such as predators. When a pear farm in Rochester ceased the use of pesticides, it was found that the population of earwigs increased rapidly.  The purpose of the internship was to determine if earwigs can predate successfully and therefore, suppress the population of Cacopsylla Pyricola, one of the most common pests in pear orchards.

Working alongside Senior Lecturers Dr Chris Harvey and Joseph Burman Konstantinos developed his knowledge and skills in scientific methods whilst also having the opportunity to work with industry professionals, making contacts for the future.  It has also lead him to consider a career within the area of Biological Pest Control.

When asked what he liked best about being part of the research project he said:

“It is a great feeling that because of my work the whole industry could save a lot of money and time”