Kent State Professor Matthew Lehnert Shares Lifelong Passion for Insects

Lehnert has studied insects since age 4 and now leads a research lab at Kent State University at Stark.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:04am

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A vibrant abstract painting in soft greens, browns, and blues, featuring sweeping geometric shapes and precise botanical spirals that evoke the intricate microscopic structures of insect cuticles and feet, conveying the hidden beauty of the natural world.A Kent State professor's microscopic studies of insect anatomy reveal the hidden artistry of nature's engineering.DeWitt Today

Matthew S. Lehnert, an assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Kent State University at Stark, has had a deep fascination with insects since childhood. He grew up on a farm in Michigan and decided he wanted to become an entomologist at age 4 after witnessing a cecropia moth lay eggs. Lehnert now leads a research lab where he and his students study the fluid uptake mechanisms and material properties of insect cuticles, with a recent focus on the intricate structures of caterpillar feet.

Why it matters

Lehnert's research provides valuable insights into the biology and evolution of insects, which make up the majority of known animal species on Earth. Understanding the specialized adaptations of insect mouthparts, feet, and exoskeletons can lead to breakthroughs in fields like materials science, biomimicry, and the study of animal behavior.

The details

Lehnert's current projects involve using advanced microscopy techniques like confocal microscopy to study the material properties of insect cuticles. He and his student researcher Kendall Myers recently imaged the intricate 'crochets' or hook-like structures on the feet of IO moth caterpillars, which they then submitted to a Nikon photography competition and received an honorable mention. Lehnert also trains his students on various microscopy methods and involves them in all aspects of the research, from data collection to manuscript writing.

  • Lehnert decided he wanted to become an entomologist at age 4 after witnessing a cecropia moth lay eggs.
  • Lehnert earned his bachelor's degree and then moved to Florida, South Carolina, and Ohio.
  • Lehnert has been an assistant professor at Kent State University at Stark since an unspecified date.

The players

Matthew S. Lehnert

An assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Kent State University at Stark who has studied insects his entire life, starting from a young age on his family's sheep farm in Michigan.

Kendall Myers

Lehnert's current research student who has collaborated with him on studying the material properties of insect cuticles, including the intricate foot structures of caterpillars.

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What they’re saying

“I had already decided I wanted to be an entomologist at the age of 4 and was even an entomologist for my first grade Halloween costume.”

— Matthew S. Lehnert, Assistant Professor, Kent State University at Stark

“We thought a new project was in order that studies the feet of caterpillars. If anyone has ever tried to pull a caterpillar off of a leaf or off a tree probably noticed the caterpillar holds on, rather strongly, because its feet host an array of crochets, tiny hooklike structures on the bottom of the feet.”

— Matthew S. Lehnert, Assistant Professor, Kent State University at Stark

What’s next

Lehnert and his student researcher Kendall Myers plan to continue studying the intricate material properties and adaptations of insect cuticles, with a focus on caterpillar feet and other specialized structures.

The takeaway

Lehnert's lifelong passion for insects and his use of advanced microscopy techniques to study their biology exemplifies how scientific curiosity and a commitment to hands-on research can lead to new discoveries, even at the smallest scales of the natural world.