“It’s a result of just near optimal conditions for the survivability of the insects throughout its life cycle,” Dr. Jeff Back, a lab instrument specialist at the Center for Reservoir and Aquatic System Research, said. “And so lots of eggs hatch, lots of immature survive to adulthood, and, voila, you have cricket apocalypse.”

Baylor approved construction permits for renovations to the Clifton Robinson Tower and the Baylor Sciences Building, with work expected to be completed by mid-2025.

“Conducting research through the SEA-PHAGES program was the first time in my academic career where I felt what I learned in class contributed to the public good,” Cloud said

Between Waco Creek’s on-campus utility and merit as a local representation of a much larger ecosystem, the small body of water shapes campus itself.

As for how the relationship between an SI Leader and their students differs from that of a professor-student relationship, Mishra said that her role is to be more like the students’ friend and to keep the environment as lighthearted and fun as possible.

The Baylor Center for Microscopy and Imaging held a ribbon cutting and demonstration for the recently acquired $8 million microscope. Dr. Bernd Zechmann, director of the Center for Microscopy and Imaging, said the transmission electron microscope has multiple uses and benefits.

Aside from its scientific and academic focus, SACNAS is a great opportunity to practice language skills and hear from students from all over the world. According to Macleod, members come from more than 10 countries. Gil said SACNAS offers a window into the world.