For Alexis Olmos, a fascination with insects didn’t begin in a laboratory – it started in her grandmother’s backyard.
“Having hardworking parents meant spending a lot of time in both of my grandma's backyards,” Olmos said. “Having access to some of the smallest visible creatures on earth, along with hopeful attempts at growing plants in our small yard, made me comfortable in that environment.
As a child, those moments outdoors sparked a curiosity that eventually led her to New Mexico State University’s Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Weed Science, where she is pursuing a degree in agricultural biology with a concentration in entomology.
“I believe my inspiration came from the empathy and curiosity that playing outside as a child sparked within me,” Olmos said. “I love working with new arthropods and people, and through my field, I have met a community of incredibly knowledgeable and kind individuals.”
That sense of discovery has taken her far beyond the backyard. Throughout her undergraduate career, Olmos has contributed to research projects ranging from maintaining field crops and collecting mosquitoes that spread arboviruses to counting invasive fire ants and aphids, and even raising maggots in the laboratory.
She credits the mentors and colleagues she’s met at NMSU for fueling her passion and encouraging her to explore the many facets of entomology.
“It feels good to see the hard work in the hot field and the mundane tasks in the lab pay off,” she said. “Knowing that I helped someone enough that they credit me on their work has been incredibly fulfilling.”
Her research experiences have opened unexpected doors. Along the way, Olmos has presented her own undergraduate research at the Livestock Insect Workers Conference, competed in the Entomology Games at the Entomological Society of America’s regional conference, was selected as vice chair of the ESA Student Committee and even saw her work cited in the Tennessee Cattlemen's Magazine.
Outside the classroom and laboratory, Olmos found opportunities to lead within the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. During her time at NMSU, she served as president of the Entomology Club and vice president of both the Horticulture Forum and Sigma Alpha.
“The one constant I found in being part of each officer board was the joy it can bring to contribute to something bigger than yourself by showing up, putting yourself out there and doing the work,” she said.
Alexis Olmos prepares materials for a study evaluating boric acid hydrogel baits as a potential tool for controlling house flies. (NMSU photo by Josh Bachman)
Those leadership experiences also helped her discover a passion for community outreach through NMSU’s Cooperative Extension Service. Whether bringing insects into local schools to answer students’ questions or educating community members through plant and herb sales, Olmos enjoys making science approachable and engaging.
After graduating from NMSU, Olmos plans to begin a Ph.D. program before pursuing a career as an entomologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture or as an agricultural specialist with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Ultimately, she hopes to continue conducting research while advancing Extension programs that support regenerative agriculture and innovative approaches to veterinary entomology.
For Olmos, the smallest creatures have led to some of the biggest opportunities – and a future dedicated to helping agriculture thrive.