From YouTube Videos to Urban Entomology: Olivia Katz’s Journey

For Olivia Katz, a career in entomology wasn’t always part of the plan. In fact, when the pandemic began, Olivia was an undergraduate student studying information technology and computers. But as the world shut down, she found herself looking for something different.

That change started with YouTube. “I got into entomology while watching YouTube videos about tarantulas and ants during covid,” Olivia said. “I needed a change of pace.” What began as a newfound fascination quickly became a career-changing decision. During her junior year, Olivia made the bold choice to change her major and pursue entomology instead. “It was scary at the time, but it was the best decision I could have made,” she said.

That decision would eventually lead Olivia into urban entomology and, today, to her role as a Technical Director with OPC!

Discovering Urban Entomology

Olivia’s introduction to urban entomology came during her undergraduate studies at the University of Georgia, where she worked with Dr. Forschler and Dr. Allison Johnson studying termite species distribution throughout Georgia.

The experience gave Olivia an early look at the connection between insect science and real-world pest management. She learned about urban pest control and even had the opportunity to participate in Georgia Structural Pest Control Commission meetings.

“I started working in urban entomology five years ago, and time really does fly,” she said. Her path into the industry was anything but traditional. Before beginning her professional career, Olivia worked at an Italian restaurant, where she took on virtually every role imaginable – from dishwasher to manager. “This is my first big-kid job after getting my master’s!” she joked.

Her academic experience, however, prepared her for a career where science and practical problem-solving come together. Olivia earned her master’s degree studying German cockroach allergens, an area of research that reinforced for her just how meaningful and effective excellent pest control strategies can be.

From Student to Industry Leader

One of the most meaningful milestones in Olivia’s career has been her involvement with an annual seminar hosted by Dr. Zach DeVries. The meeting brings together researchers, pest management professionals and industry leaders to share knowledge, discuss emerging trends and explore new approaches to pest control. It also serves as an important bridge between academic research and the pest management industry, helping ensure that scientific discoveries can translate into practical solutions.

For Olivia, the event is especially meaningful because she has experienced that bridge from both sides. She recently attended the seminar for the third time, but her connection to the meeting began years earlier when she was a student in Dr. DeVries’ lab. “As a student, we presented our research and received feedback from industry professionals,” Olivia explained. “That helped ensure our research was both relevant and applicable to the field.”

The format allows students to present research projects at various stages of development, giving industry professionals the opportunity to provide feedback throughout the research process rather than only after a project is complete. That collaboration benefits everyone. Researchers gain a better understanding of the practical challenges pest management professionals encounter, while industry professionals have an opportunity to help shape research that could ultimately benefit the field.

This year, Olivia returned to the meeting in a very different role. Rather than being the student looking for industry feedback, she attended as a technical director, bringing her own professional experience and perspective to the conversation. It was a full-circle moment in a career that has taken her from the classroom and laboratory into the heart of the pest control industry.

A Passion for the Bugs

Ask Olivia about her favorite insects, and she has a surprisingly specific answer: weevils. “Weevils are a goofy-looking beetle group, but don’t underestimate them!” she said. Weevils represent one of the largest groups of beetles, with roughly 97,000 described species. While many are small, some can have significant economic impacts as agricultural pests. And her least favorite? “Mosquitoes, obviously.”

Olivia’s appreciation for insects goes beyond their scientific importance. She is fascinated by the fact that insects have existed for millions of years and will likely continue to thrive long after humans are gone. “I also think pest control is cool because bugs have been here long before us and will be here long after we leave,” she said. “It’s important to educate and be able to manage the animals we share the earth with.”

That perspective helps shape the way Olivia approaches her work. To her, pest management isn’t simply about eliminating insects. It’s about understanding them, educating others, finding solutions to problems that can have a real impact on people’s lives, and providing the ultimate customer experience.

Helping People Through Pest Management

For Olivia, that human connection is one of the most rewarding parts of the job. “Pest control resonates with me as a person who wants to help other people,” she explained. “I like to solve problems for the people living in my community.” She understands that pest problems can affect much more than a building. For someone living with an infestation, the issue can impact their comfort, peace of mind, and quality of life.

“It may be gross at times,” she laughed, “but if I can help people sleep at night who can’t rest because their apartment is infested, I am more than happy to help.” Her master’s research into German cockroach allergens further reinforced that belief. It showed Olivia that something as seemingly simple as eliminating cockroaches can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Always Looking Ahead

From an undergraduate student studying computers to an aspiring entomologist watching videos about tarantulas and ants, Olivia’s journey into pest management was unexpected. But five years into her career in urban entomology, she knows she made the right choice. “It’s a unique field that has given me so many opportunities I never thought I would have,” Olivia said. “Every day is something new and I look forward to what the future brings.”

And if her journey so far is any indication, there will be plenty of new things – and plenty of new insects – waiting for her along the way. When she’s not working with insects, Olivia enjoys playing video games (mostly while eating her favorite food – cheeseburgers), traveling to new countries and spending time with her pet hognose snake, Snickerdoodle the Danger Noodle. A not-so-fun fact: she once got three separate strains of E. coli at the same time – an experience she definitely does not recommend. We weren’t going to try it anyway.

Thank you to Olivia for sitting down with us. She has been an excellent teammate so far and we look forward to many more years with her.