Ty Noel
August 29, 2025
A person wearing glasses in a dark shirt standing in front of a tree

Elizabeth (Lizzie) Bello, a doctoral student in entomology, has been recognized for her groundbreaking work in visualizing insect nanostructures. Bello was the winner of the 2025 Beckman Institute Research Image Contest, showcasing her exceptional talent in capturing microscopic details. 

a magnified spine found on the hind legs of insects called leafhoppers.
Beckman Institute Research Image Contest winning image.


Additionally, her research image of leafhopper brochosomes—ultra-hydrophobic, anti-reflective nanograins that protect insects from sap and predators—was recently featured in the French science magazine Epsiloon (Issue 49). Using electron microscopy, Bello highlights the intricate structure of these tiny shields, demonstrating how nature engineers defense at the nanoscale.

microscopic image of brochosomes.
Alternate but similar image to the one used in Epsiloon.
Related topics
School of Integrative Biology
Awards
Student
Entomology