About the Bug Lady
Hi, my name is Michelle Gleeson, formerly Larsen (a.k.a. the Bug Lady) and I am the director, co-founder and South East Queensland presenter for Bugs Ed.  I was captivated by insects from an early age, and a brief frisking by my parents would usually turn up an array of critters in my pockets (some live, some dead, some very squashed).  I was around eight when I decided to become an entomologist when I was older, and this passion continued all throughout school, eventually leading me to university. 
I completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in Entomology at the University of Queensland and later went on to receive first class Honours in Entomology.  As well as directing Bugs Ed, I have recently been appointed as an Adjunct Industry Fellow at the University of Queensland.  My current work includes outreach programs in remote schools, development of practical lab sessions to introduce secondary school students to Biological Sciences at UQ and various field research projects.  My past work experience has included positions such as:
·  assistant curator in the University of Queensland Insect Collection (UQIC)
·  tutor of third year entomology subjects
 ·  examiner in the International Biology Olympiad
 ·  research assistant for local and international projects

… as well as co-ordinating displays for…

·  The International Congress of Entomology
 ·   National Science Week
 ·  The Siemens Science Experience
 ·  UQ Open Day

I have also been a member of the Australian Entomological Society and the Richmond Birdwing Recovery Network.

I’ve always wanted to share my love of insects with people, especially children – it reminds me of my own childhood fascination.  In January 2003 this became a reality when, together with my good friends Anthony & Katie Hiller (Mount Glorious Biological Centre, www.mountgloriousbutterflies.com), we developed a range of hands-on insect workshops and thus founded Bugs Ed.

Michelle hangs with Sir David
  
In December 2009, Michelle had the amazing experience of working with wildlife guru Sir David Attenborough during his trip down under to film his latest series.  The pair spent the day at Australia Zoo, wrangling rhinoceros beetles alongside D.J., a 2 tonne African Rhino!
The Bug Lady on TV!
Since February 2006, Michelle has been regularly appearing on Channel 10’s Toasted TV and Totally Wild as their very own “Resident Bug Lady”.  You can catch Michelle’s bug episodes around once every 6 weeks.  Past episodes include keeping insects as pets, making your own bug catchers, insect defence and even Entomophagy – the science of eating insects! 



Smart Women – Smart State Awards
In September 2006, Michelle had the honour of becoming a finalist in the Smart Women – Smart State Awards.  An initiative of the Queensland Government Office for Women, these awards “recognise Queensland’s brightest women and girls achieving in study and careers in the traditionally male-dominated fields of science, engineering and information and communication technology.” Michelle and her work with Bugs Ed. were among three finalists for the Women in Business category.

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