Ana Maria Velez Arango

Ana María Vélez ArangoAssistant Professor, Entomology

Ana Maria Velez Arango
What is your position at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln?

Assistant Professor of Entomology

What drew you to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln?

I am originally from Colombia, South America, and I was not aware of the existence of the state of Nebraska until I met my Ph.D. adviser. I met my adviser during his visit to the center where I was performing my M.S. research. He offered me a Ph.D. assistantship, and I had to look at a map to find Nebraska. After some hesitation, I decided to give it a try, and I have been here since 2009. I did my Ph.D. and postdoc at UNL and decided that I wanted to stay!

What aspect of working in an educational setting do you enjoy the most?

The aspect that I enjoy the most in an educational setting is the impact we have on students. I enjoy teaching and mentoring both graduate and undergraduate students. I like helping students to develop their scientific skills, to understand the importance of science in society and achieving their goals. What I enjoy the most is that sometimes I not only encourage them in their professional lives but also in their personal lives. I like to see them grow and succeed and then leave UNL as better contributors to society.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My greatest achievement has been to obtain a position in a university where I can help students to be empowered and passionate about science and eventually make a positive impact in our society. I am also proud to be a minority in a STEM field where I can contribute to developing a more inclusive academic environment.

What is something that most people don’t know about you?

I am a two-star certified scuba diver, not a handy skill in Nebraska. I have had the pleasure of diving on both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and have been fortunate to have close encounters with whale sharks, white fin sharks, nurse sharks, turtles, and hunchback whales.

What is your life like outside of work?

My life outside work involves playing and walking my two dogs, Peepers and Berdie. I also like to read, knitting, embroidery, cooking and jigsaw puzzles. On the more active side, I enjoy yoga and time in nature in a hike or just sitting in my backyard watching insects, birds, squirrels, bunnies and bats.