QU Biology Professor Published in Research Journal

Joseph R. Coelho, Ph.D., professor of biology at Quincy University, recently authored a paper entitled “Sex, Bugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll: Insects in Music Videos”.

Insect music videos are becoming increasingly common, using insects in a variety of ways including, large numbers of insects, insects with human features, or giant insects in either animation form, live footage, or photographs. The study examines music videos on YouTube for insect content. The study found that the most common insects seen in music videos were butterflies and moths.  The study’s data indicates by the types of insects shown, the themes represented, and the success of insect music videos that human attitudes toward insects are trending toward more positive values, especially relative to those in early horror films, which were exclusively designed to convey horror.

“It was one of the most fun papers I have had the pleasure to research and write in my 30-year career in science. My students in last fall’s entomology class were able to contribute as well by searching YouTube for videos likely to contain insects,” said Coelho.

The paper was published in the open-access, peer-reviewed journal Insects in a special issue entitled Cultural Entomology: Our Love-hate Relationship with Insects. Coelho is serving as Guest Editor of the volume. The paper is available at https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/12/7/616/htm.

Coelho obtained a bachelor’s of science degree in biology from the University of California at Riverside and a doctorate in environmental, population and organismic biology from the University of Colorado. He came to Quincy University in 2004. His research primarily focuses on the physiological ecology of insects, solitary wasps in particular. He also studies cultural entomology, such as insects in music.  He teaches all of the field courses, including Ecology, Environmental Science, Entomology, Plant Field Biology and Vertebrate Field Biology.

Founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars, Quincy University is a small Catholic university emphasizing the sciences, liberal arts and the professions. Quincy University offers undergraduate, graduate and adult education programs integrating practical experience and Franciscan values. Faculty and advisors work with students to design customized success plans to help them graduate on time, find their passion and prepare them for life. QU is a member of NCAA Division II for intercollegiate athletics. For more information, please visit www.quincy.edu or contact the Office of Community Relations at (217) 228-5275 or communityrelations@quincy.edu. Quincy University. Success by Design.