Meet the New Hampshire organization changing the way we see insects

Formerly a traveling insect exhibit known as the New England Insectarium, the Global Entomology Coalition (GEC), based in Rochester, New Hampshire, has rapidly grown to be the global connection entomology needs.

“Insect populations are plummeting worldwide,” said Jace Porter, Founder and Executive Director of GEC, in an interview with The Civic Science Observer. “Even more alarming is the severe lack of funding and research to counter this crisis.” 

In 2024, Porter set out to address the lack of research, expanding GEC from an insect exhibit to an international research organization and coordinating GEC’s first-ever research expedition. “There isn’t enough funding to cover these types of expeditions,” said Porter, “That’s why I launched Expedition Entomology.”

Expedition Entomology is a collaboration between GEC and biological field stations around the world to organize open research expeditions for anyone interested, regardless of academic background or affiliation. Uniquely, the costs of research are paid by the travelers themselves, generating funding for field stations, research projects, grants, scholarships, innovations, education, and conservation initiatives. 

Beyond the entomological benefits, Expedition Entomology offers the trip of a lifetime, as well as an opportunity to co-author research for amateur researchers.

Earlier this year, GEC returned from their most recent expedition to the Cocobolo Field Station in Panama. 

“In less than two weeks, we discovered six new species of stick insects alone,” revealed Porter. “There is no telling how much we can discover.”

Due to the rapid growth of GEC, the publication of their discoveries in Panama is still in preliminary stages. 

For interested adventurers, registration is now open for two upcoming trips: A trip to Thailand this fall and a return to Panama in early 2026.

For their Expedition Entomology Program, GEC earned a STEM.org Accredited™ trustmark, a distinct recognition awarded exclusively to organizations ranking within the top 5% of those evaluated for commitment to STEM education globally.

“Recipients of the STEM.org Accredited™ trustmark undergo a rigorous evaluation process to ensure they meet the highest standards for STEM education quality,” noted Porter, “The evaluation process includes a comprehensive review of the organization’s overall effectiveness in promoting STEM education.

At home in New England, GEC still offers its traveling insect exhibit and several science cafes throughout the year. This summer, they are also launching their inaugural Bug Camp in Albany, NH for kids aged 6-12. For more information and upcoming events, visit the Global Entomology Coalition website.

In April 2025, GEC was awarded the 2024 Science Communication Award from the Entomological Society of America for its dedication to shifting public perception of insects.

Through international expeditions and efforts back home, the Global Entomology Coalition envisions a better future for insects, the environment, and humankind.

“One thing is for certain,” said Porter, “I can guarantee I will change the way you think about insects.”

Emma Sobieski

Sobieski is a science writer and covers the latest news in informal science, public engagement, and science communication in the New England area for the Civic Science Observer. Sobieski is based in New Hampshire.