I have started my studies in Natural Sciences at University of Calabria in Italy. Through my years of studying, I developed a strong interest in entomology, fascinated by the behaviour, chemical defences, and ecology of insects. Motivated to explore new realities, and to try new challenging experiences, I have accepted a position as visiting researcher at University of Newcastle, where I have been involved in behavioural studies with mantises. I had the possibility to work also in an Italian pest control company, where I developed practical knowledge about monitoring, prevention, and management of some common household pests. It is in a collaborative project between the Univeristy of Calabria and a private company and based on the investigation of the common pests in commercial fig production that I have realised the need to improve my critical awareness of current problems associated with pest infestations in agriculture. For this reason, I attended a master in Integrated Pest Management at Harper Adams University, developing a comprehensive understanding of the techniques, skills, and knowledge necessary for the application of methods related to integrated pest management of animals, plant pathogens, and weeds in agricultural crops. In September 2020, I started a PhD at Harper Adams University to improve monitoring and control of black vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus) in soft fruit and ornamental crops