Class of 2026: Olivia Andrews ditched dentistry dreams for academia in biology

Andrews discovered a passion for teaching and mentorship that ultimately led to her pursuit of a career in academia. Photos courtesy of Olivia Andrews.

Name: Olivia Andrews

College: Agriculture and Life Sciences

Department: Entomology

Degree: Ph.D.

Hometown: Yarnell, Pennsylvania

Plans after graduation: I have accepted a faculty position as Assistant Professor of Biology at Bluefield University in Bluefield, VA, where I start this coming August.

Favorite Hokie memory: I don’t think I can choose just one favorite Hokie memory. Whether it was field work, camping trips, playing softball, volleyball, pickleball, or jumping to “Enter Sandman,” the best part of my time at Virginia Tech has been the people. I’ve built friendships that I will cherish for a lifetime.

Research interest(s): My Ph.D. research has focused on the biological control of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA), particularly the establishment, biology, and behavior of two specialist predators, Leucotaraxis argenticollis and Leucotaraxis piniperda, in the eastern United States. Beyond my dissertation work, I am broadly interested in applied ecology, invasion biology, and entomology, especially how biological control agents can be integrated into long-term management strategies for invasive species.

Andrews is interested in applied ecology, invasion biology, and entomology, especially how biological control agents can be integrated into long-term management strategies for invasive species. Photos courtesy of Olivia Andrews.

Extracurricular Activities and Hobbies: Outside of research, I enjoy reading—especially mystery/thrillers and historical non-fiction. Given my research focus in forest entomology and ecology, it is probably no surprise that I also enjoy spending time outdoors. Some of my favorite activities include softball, sand volleyball, pickleball, running, hiking, and fishing.

What inspired you to choose your major, and how has it shaped your journey so far? I actually thought I wanted to become a dentist until my senior year of undergraduate studies. During the summers, I worked for my family’s tree service company, where I was exposed to the impacts of tree pests firsthand. At the same time, I had the opportunity to get involved in undergraduate research studying White-Nose Syndrome in bats. Then, during my senior year, I took an entomology course — and the rest was history.

I decided to pursue graduate school and research rather than dentistry. Throughout my time at Virginia Tech, I have been fortunate to participate in numerous outreach events, guest lectures, and teaching assistant opportunities. Through those experiences, I discovered a passion for teaching and mentorship, which ultimately led me to pursue a career in academia.

Are there any professors or mentors who made a significant impact on your path? My committee has invested an incredible amount of time in my growth as both a researcher and a person. I am deeply grateful not only for what they taught me about science and research, but also for the lessons about life, mentorship, and perseverance that I will carry with me moving forward.

What are you most excited about as you step into this new chapter? I am excited for the opportunity to mentor and support my future students while helping nurture their personal and professional growth. I hope to provide them with the same encouragement, guidance, and opportunities that my mentors provided me throughout my journey.

Anything else you would like to share? As always — Go Hokies!!! 🦃