How the BUGmobile got rolling

The big idea: bring the wonder of insects and other arthropods directly to schools, events and communities. But how?

The project grew from conversations among Entomology professor Carol Anelli (now retired), Entomology's Insectary program staff Jeni Ruisch and Ohio State supporters Daryl and Connie Faustini. The Faustini's provided the gift that helped launch the project and turn the idea into something real.

In 2019, a team from Ohio State, including Department of Entomology Chair Jamie Strange and Ruisch, visited Airstream headquarters. Airstream later donated a trailer shell to the Department of Entomology, creating the foundation for a one-of-a-kind mobile learning space.

Ruisch worked with students in the CFAES Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, led by Dr. Jane Fife, along with Airstream engineers and the team at Creative Mobile Interiors. Together, they designed the interior of the BUGmobile to give visitors a safe, engaging place to meet live arthropods and learn through hands-on experiences.

Creative Mobile Interiors completed the trailer buildout based on those designs. The exterior design came together through a collaboration between Entomology Academic Program Coordinator Janna Thompson-Chordas and Knowledge Exchange team members, Juliette Portisch and Stacy Cochran.

Today, the BUGmobile brings Ohio State insect education on the road, helping children and adults look closer, ask questions and discover the small creatures that shape our world.