Mircea-Dan Mitroiu

The Fulbright Senior Award gave me the opportunity to conduct research at the Department of Entomology of the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of California Riverside, one of the best entomology departments in the U.S.

During my stay in Riverside I worked with Professor John Heraty and his team of doctoral and postdoctoral students on a project aiming to elucidate the evolutionary relationships among a very diverse group of parasitic wasps – the Chalcidoidea superfamily. I had the opportunity to develop my skills in molecular biology and learn new techniques, as well as to do field work in the most interesting ecosystems from Riverside county. I also studied the very good Hymenoptera collection held in the department’s museum. In paralell, my goal was to revise two subfamilies of Pteromalidae, containing natural enemies of some important insect pests, which could be used in future biological control programs in tropical areas (abstract of paper attached).

Besides conducting research and attending various classes on my topics of interest, e.g. Systematics and Phylogenetics, I also engaged in discussions and debates during the weekly scientific events organized by the department.

Both my wife and my son accompanied me during this wonderful adventure. We have traveled extensively in Southern California and beyond, and have seen incredible places. We had a glimpse of the American life by attending traditional events, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, in American families.

All in all it was an extraordinary scientific and life experience that I recommend to anyone who wishes to get to a new level in his/her career.