Dr. Ken Fry, Entomology Instructor, School of Life Science & Business
From an abundance of moths in central Alberta to a western black widow spider spotting in Airdrie, our resident Entomologist and “bug guy”, Ken Fry, had a busy summer answering questions from the local media. As an Olds College instructor for the past 21 years, Fry is no stranger to the media and relishes any opportunity to consult on insects. He sees each occasion as a chance for public outreach and service to the community. In fact, public service is at the heart of what Fry does and why he feels it’s important to engage with people in the larger community — “so that we can all have an appreciation of the prairie ecosystem and its preservation.”
Public service is also why Fry loves being an instructor here at the College, and even considers it a “noble cause.” It’s a place where he can teach, continue his research and curate the College’s insect collection — a collection that he is passionate about! Fry sees the collection as playing an important role in documenting what insects are here in our province and what insects should not be here, helping allow for the early detection of invasive species, so we can protect our vital forests and prairies.
Fry estimates that 90 per cent of the 100,000 specimens in the College’s collection are native to Alberta — a collection that boasts 24 of the 28 known bumble bees in Alberta and one of the most comprehensive collections of short-grass prairie moths. This collection has helped inform the Cerambycidae (Coleoptera) of Canada and Alaska, a comprehensive guide to longhorn beetles (for us laypersons), it’s been shared with other institutes of learning, such as Harvard University, and specimens have even been shipped as far away as Russia for scientific consultation and collaboration. Ultimately, Fry would love to see the College’s insect collection digitization onto the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), where even more curious minds can share in our understanding of the insect biodiversity of Alberta and beyond.
We would like to thank Ken Fry for the service that he does in our community to dispel insect myths and correct insect facts. His enthusiasm for cooperation and collaboration, in the spirit of preserving the ecosystem of this great province, is a huge asset for Olds College and our students. If you would like to view some of his recent media outreach, please follow the links below.
Dr. Ken Fry has been involved in insect pest management research, teaching, and extension for over 30 years. His research is focused on biological control of insect pests and integrated pest management.
