Global Survey and Inventory of Solifugae
Outreach Activities

The Global Survey and Inventory of Solifugae provides many opportunities for outreach activities.  In this section of the site, we profile some of those activities.  Our first such profile follows:

Kristie Reddick's work in Kenya

 Kristie Reddick, student of Collaborator Robert Wharton, has been conducting research and collecting solpugids in Kenya.  In addition to collecting data on solifuges, Kristie taught over 1000 students from seven schools across the Lake Bogoria region about solifuges and other arthropods in their home area. Her hour-long ‘bug’ workshops are taught in English and Kiswahili and students are encouraged to learn about arthropods through hands-on methods, gaining knowledge about collecting techniques, field identification of common arthropods, and the distinction between benign and potentially harmful animals.  She also uses fear of insects and spiders as a vehicle to talk to students about prejudice and racism, career development and educational potential. 

In addition, as part of her affiliation with the National Museums of Kenya, Kristie Reddick trained Head Research Technician, Mr. Joseph Mugambi from the Department of Invertebrate Zoology, in family level identification of solifuges, and in field identification and collecting techniques.