Feature -- by Mark Sproxton

Despite years of work and scores of published research, Dr. Mark Goettel still hears the same question: "'There's such a field as diseases of insects?' They think I do autopsies." As an insect pathologist with the federal government, Goettel spends five to seven days a week studying the bacteria, protozoa and viruses that affect some nasty bugs. "Because I'm with Agriculture Canada, I'm looking mostly at grasshoppers and the potato beetle," he said.

From his office at the Lethbridge crop sciences research centre, Goettel spends most of his time co-ordinating and documenting the findings of a full-time technician, a post-doctoral student, and two other students. That means he's constantly on the computer, dealing with e-mails, or conducting research in libraries. "In research, you can't be isolated," he said. "There's 1,000 or more insect pathologists (worldwide). When we complete a project you have to publish it, rather than all of us re-inventing the wheel. It takes a lot of research to find the answers."

So while Goettel compiles data, those working on his team do much of the hands-on work that includes: watering plants; growing spores of lethal funguses in petri dishes; applying precise amounts to insects to determine how much will kill them; applying the spores in a field setting; and, recording every step of every procedure. This is all work the insect pathologist knows by heart. "It's tedious and repetitive," he explained. "In science, it's all precise and documented." Working for the government also means reams of paperwork, and red tape, he added.

There are benefits to the work, however. "As a research scientist, I'm in an international community," Goettel said. "That allows me to travel the world. I've been to 27 countries. And it's exciting when you discover something. You're also your own boss and you get out as much as you put in."

A career in bug diseases seemed natural for Goettel who had a great interest in microbiology and entomology after completing a bachelor degree at Concordia in 1975. He went on to earn a masters degree at the University of Ottawa, and a PhD. from the University of Alberta in microbeal control of mosquitos. Along the way he spent time in Fiji helping to control mosquitos, and researching diseases in leafcutter bees.

Working for the federal government means he's often on the leading edge of pest control. "We're doing long-term research that industry would find too risky," Goettel explained. "Once we get to the marketable stages, we reach an agreement with a company to make it a product for production and we start to step away."

To find out about the life of an independent entomologist, and other potential careers in entomology visit Bugs are year round work for Harris.