Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication Entomology

Visionaries: Researcher helps crack cases and bring closure to families

Story by Shelby Whitaker
May 11, 2023

Flies and maggots are not the first thing people think of when it comes to wearing jewelry. However, Krystal Hans, assistant professor of entomology/forensics, finds these creatures to be some of the best statement pieces when personalizing her daily attire. While recording and interviewing Hans, she always came styled with her outfits featuring a bug hair piece, necklace, or bracelet to match.

Hans’ passion for all things insects, hatched at an early age. While most of her friends were receiving furry or feathery pets, her allergies prohibited her from a similar experience, so instead she opted for less traditional animals. She recalls collecting insects and other arthropods to keep as pets. And while some parents may have tried to discourage that behavior, Hans’ mom was always extremely supportive.

Krystal Hans, assistant professor of entomology/forensics, shows off her insect-themed earrings. Photo by Shelby Whitaker.

You may have also noticed in the photo Hans’ one-of-a-kind jewelry, representing the stages of a fly, larvae, pupae, and adult. The larvae earrings were hand-crafted by her mom, and the fly was a gift from one of her students. It is no secret: Hans loves bugs and even in her everyday style she always incorporates her passion in some way. This form of expression always puts a smile on her students’ faces and inspires a similar excitement for the science of entomology.

Meet the Filmmaker/Blogger

Shelby Whitaker, student filmmaker and blogger

Shelby Whitaker is a junior double-majoring in agricultural communication and agricultural sales and marketing. Originally, from Valparaiso, Indiana, she plans to pursue a career that focuses on digital marketing and advertising in the agricultural industry.

ABOUT VISIONARIES

This blog and video are part of the Visionaries series, which highlights the work and lives of researchers in the Purdue University College of Agriculture. The content for this series is created by the students of ASEC 280 (Digital Storytelling).

See More Visionaries Stories

Explore other videos and blogs created by our student-filmmakers

Videos are also available on the Purdue Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication YouTube channel

Featured Stories

Delaney Cooney poses with goats near corn field

Inspired to teach: Cooney finds her place in agricultural education

After following her own path, Delaney Cooney wants to help the next generation of students find...

Zach Feiner holds a striped bass; Feiner holds a black crappie; Feiner holds his Outstanding Young Alumni Award plaque

Meet Zachary Feiner: 2025 Outstanding Young Alumni Award Winner

Zachary Feiner, who earned his PhD from FNR in 2015 and spent two additional years in West...

Purdue celebrates 75 year collaboration with UFV

Purdue and Viçosa celebrate 75 years of agricultural partnership

In 1951, Purdue University faculty members traveled more than 4,000 miles from West Lafayette,...

Gloria's view looking for elk in the south unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park; two of the many prairie dogs at the park; Gloria welding for the first time.

FNR Field Report: Gloria Aichinger

Sophomore wildlife major Gloria Aichinger spent her summer as a seasonal laborer at Theodore...

A woman stands in a greenhouse, surrounded by greenery and natural light.

Catalyzing metabolite research for agriculture, ecosystems and industry

Concealed within the molecular machinery of petunia flowers are metabolic, genetic and cellular...

A spotted eagle ray; Morgan Hamilton snorkeling during a biodiversity survey in Turks and Caicos; Hamilton with a group of students from her study abroad cohort.

FNR Field Report: Morgan Hamilton

Senior aquatic sciences major Morgan Hamilton took her skills and interests on the road for a...