Ashleigh Whiffin, Assistant Curator of Entomology at National Museums Scotland (NMS) Presents “Maggots, Murder & Museums”
She’ll be sharing her passion for insects, explaining what happens behind the scenes at the museum and why the insect collection is so important, as well as delving deeper into the delights of carrion insects and forensic entomology.

About the Speaker:

Ashleigh caught the Entomology buzz when studying for a BSc in Forensic Science, becoming fascinated by carrion insects; the insects attracted to decomposing bodies. She tried to move away from the stench of death and focus on the insects, so completed an MSc in Entomology. However, she couldn’t quite leave the carrion insects behind and worked for a year at the University of Edinburgh as a research technician, studying burying beetles. In 2015, she gained a position at National Museums Scotland, working with the entomology collection. As Assistant Curator of Entomology she is now responsible for looking after approximately 2.2 million insect specimens! This varied job has her doing everything from curating the collection, dealing with public enquiries, assisting researchers and volunteers, conducting fieldwork and hosting outreach events. She can still be found poking around in dead things, searching for beetles to add to the collection.

This is event is free to attend, although we will be asking for donations at the end of the talk. Participants are under no obligation whatsoever to donate, however please rest assured that the money we collect doesn’t end up in anyone’s pocket – it is used to fund our overhead costs, and travel/accommodation for our speakers who come from further afield.

Accessibility: The talk is on the top floor of the store, however there is however a lift available for customers to use. More detailed accessibility information can be found here: https://www.disabledgo.com/access-guide/glasgow-city-council/waterstones-3