Dr. Anastasia M. W. Cooper is a molecular toxicologist interested in the development of greener pest management strategies. She loves teaching with insects, and is passionate about inspiring others to wonder about the world around them. She holds a doctoral degree in Entomology from Kansas State University where she investigated molecular mechanisms influencing RNA interference in two agriculturally relevant pest species. While at K-State she served as president of the entomology club, and organized public outreach events. Prior to that she received a master’s degree in Biology from Arkansas State University where she studied plant-to-plant volatile signaling as a way to overcome defense limitations associated with a novel insect herbivore, and taught hands-on science labs at a local elementary school through the NSF GK12 Fellowship program. During her undergraduate at Mississippi State University she reared catfish and snails for a parasite study, caught and sampled armadillos for leprosy, and surveyed cactus populations for the presence of native and invasive cactus-boring moths. Dr. Cooper has published 12 peer reviewed articles, helped mentor 23 students on research projects, contributed to 55 scholarly presentations, and received 42 awards in support of her research and education. Currently she is seeking opportunities that will allow her to contribute to our understanding of plant and insect physiology, and aid in the development of novel pest management strategies.