Akito Kawahara is the Director of the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity at the Florida Museum of Natural History, a Curator, and a Professor at the University of Florida. In 2023, he was appointed Director of the McGuire Center, leading one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive collections of butterflies and moths, with more than 10 million specimens. His role involves overseeing research, fostering educational programs, and working closely with donors to ensure continued support for the center’s vital work. Kawahara’s research primarily focuses on the diverse world of Lepidoptera, the insect order that includes butterflies and moths. With approximately 160,000 species worldwide, this group of insects presents endless opportunities for scientific exploration. His studies examine the genetic, evolutionary, and behavioral factors contributing to their vast diversity. One of his notable research areas is how moths use ultrasound to defend themselves from bats, which utilize echolocation to locate prey. This fascinating aspect of moth behavior has prompted deeper investigations into how evolutionary processes shape the survival mechanisms of these insects. In addition to studying predator-prey interactions, Kawahara’s lab investigates the broader question of why there are so many insect species and how they evolve. His team examines how different behaviors, such as nocturnal versus diurnal activity, influence the development of various traits in Lepidoptera. Using techniques such as phylogenetics, behavioral science, and genomics, his lab seeks to understand the evolutionary pathways that lead to the vast diversity of insects. He is also deeply interested in the effects of human activities, such as light pollution and habitat destruction, on the survival and behavior of insects. Kawahara has received numerous accolades throughout his career for his contributions to entomology. Some of his most significant honors include the John Henry Comstock Award from the Entomological Society of America and the Alexander B. Klots Award from the Lepidopterists’ Society. Additionally, he has led over 20 major research grants totaling more than $13 million in funding, primarily from the National Science Foundation and other agencies. These funds have supported his studies on the evolution of butterflies and moths, their defense mechanisms, and their interactions with predators. Kawahara is also prolific, having published over 200 peer-reviewed articles in respected journals such as Science and PNAS. His research has significantly advanced our understanding of moth and butterfly evolution, their acoustic defenses, and their role in the broader ecosystem. Kawahara’s expertise has led to appearances in several media outlets, including documentaries and television programs such as PBS’s American Spring Live, Nature’s Sex, Lies, and Butterflies, and NPR’s Science Friday. His work has been featured in The Washington Post and Smithsonian Magazine. In his TED Talk, “Why You Can Thank a Moth,” he explains moths' essential roles in pollination, silk production, medical research, and technological advancements. In addition to his research and public outreach, Kawahara is passionate about inspiring future generations of scientists. He regularly gives presentations to schoolchildren, introducing them to the fascinating world of Lepidoptera and encouraging them to explore science. Kawahara holds a degree in Entomology from Cornell University and a Master’s and Ph.D. from the University of Maryland. His doctoral research focused on the phylogenetics of leaf-mining moths. Outside of his academic career, Kawahara enjoys playing basketball, tennis, billiards and spending time with his two children. Fluent in Japanese and English, he is proficient in Spanish and Chinese. Raised in both New York City and Tokyo, his bicultural upbringing has shaped his personal and professional life.