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RTP Speakers Bureau

Michael (Mick) Piombino

Picture of Michael PiombinoMichael (Mick) Piombino received his B.S in Animal Behavior Ecology and Conservation from Canisius College in 2016. In 2019, he earned his M.S. in Entomology from Michigan State University. His graduate work dealt with the biological control of Japanese beetles with the use of a microsporidian pathogen. He has worked with a wide range of species from zoo animals, domestic cats, birds, mosquito species, honeybees, Mediterranean fruit fly, and Japanese beetles. His professional skillset has seen him work on ecotoxicology projects in private industry, insect sterile release projects with USDA-APHIS and the Lee County Mosquito Control District in Florida. He has worked on a wide range of research projects in academia from behavioral observations, bioacoustics, to insect biological control and insect pathology. His career goals include studying insects and their behavior, environmental impacts, and conservation. He looks forward to his time at EPA to acquire the skills necessary to mitigate human-insect conflicts in areas such as agriculture, disease transmission, toxicology and conservation of the environment. 

In his spare time, Michael serves as a youth ice hockey coach in the Raleigh/Wake Forest area; where he continues to play. Michael enjoys the outdoors, especially hiking, inline skating, insect collecting, and pinning. Additionally, Michael likes to travel and eat exotic foods, and has an interest in entomophagy. He spends his remaining free time with his Tarantula Dido, family, and friends. 

Presentation Audience Duration Availability

Animal Behavior Ecology and Conservation

Grades 3-12, College, Adult 30 - 60
minutes
Day, Evening, Weekend

Sterile Insect Release (Medfly and Mosquito) Protecting Human Health and Food Commodities

Grades 3-12, College, Adult 30 - 60
minutes
Day, Evening, Weekend
A Day in the Life of a Zoo Keeper Grades 3-12, College, Adult 30 - 60
minutes
Day, Evening, Weekend

General Entomology

Grades 3-12, College, Adult 30 - 60
minutes
Day, Evening, Weekend

Insect Pinning, ID’s and Mounting

Grades 3-12, College, Adult 30 - 60
minutes
Day, Evening, Weekend

Is it a Moth or a Butterfly?

Grades 3-12, College, Adult 30 - 60
minutes
Day, Evening, Weekend

PLEASE NOTE:

  • Travel is limited to approximately 50 miles from Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) area. All travel is up to the discretion of the speaker.
  • There is no charge for a speaker.
  • Submit requests at least 4 weeks in advance.
  • Requests limited to two speakers per event.
  • If you have a large event and would like to request multiple speakers from EPA, Contact the Speakers Bureau for assistance.

Confirmation Policy: 
If you need to cancel or reschedule, contact the speakers as soon as possible, but no later than 1 week prior to the presentation.

Requested speaker: Michael Piombino

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