EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - The metallic blues, greens and yellows of unique beetle species were on full display during a recent STEM student event with Eglin's Nature Inspired Research Facility June 14.
Air Force Research Laboratory’s NIRF lead biologist, Laura Bagge engaged STEM students with the Air Force Leadership Experience Growing Apprenticeships Committed to Youth program in a discussion about polarization metrics in beetles, in an effort to ignite their interest in the sciences.
Bagge explained how various beetle species have polarization signatures, a rare and unique optical property. She described how these polarization signatures are generated and used to develop advanced sensor designs in weapon systems.
The Air Force LEGACY program aims at building interest in science, technology, engineering and math.
For more information, click on the LEGACY link to learn more about the program.
(Imagery by Michelle Gigante)