I learned a long time ago the wisest thing I can do is be on my own side, be an advocate for myself and others like me.”- Maya Angelou. Richard is a prominent entomologist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture who was born with a rare muscle disease which requires him to walk with the help of crutches. His passion for field research has never slowed him down in the exciting journey of scientific exploration. Richard is a strong advocate for scientists with disabilities getting involved in all activities of the scientific community and the general society. He is the president of the Foundation for Science and Disability which awards grants to students with disabilities pursuing a graduate science education to help them reach their full potential.

What inspired you to become a scientist? What challenges did you face or do face as a research entomologist?R: Early on, soon after I began to read, I gravitated to learning about the world, and particularly about cars, airplanes, and animals that moved. That led to observing nature, devouring books, and taking all the science and math courses I could fit into high school and college. That led to bigger challenges of graduate school, postdoctoral studies, and then a career. Initially, meeting new persons, I always had to demonstrate I could perform. Now the challenge is primarily to keep up with advances and use available resources most effectively to benefit humanity.

What are your key objectives as president of the Foundation for Science and Disability?R: First to enhance networking. Networking is the most important tool a scientist has, once they develop the necessary research skills. Persons with disabilities should pay extra attention to networking because, working in diverse groups, they provide perspective and skills that persons without disabilities often cannot provide.
Second, to help others develop their careers by providing them advice and introducing them to persons who can help them develop.
Third, to provide visibility and serve as an example to persons who may have never seen a scientist with a disability.

Which research of yours is most memorable and why?R: So far, my work with acoustic detection of hidden insect infestations in soil, trees, and stored products has provided the most practical benefit to society. It has been a combination of developing understanding of insect behavior, identifying equipment that works to detect weak insect movement and feeding sounds in field environments, and helping develop digital signal analyses that distinguish the insect sounds from background noise.

What are the key initiatives today for promoting inclusiveness?R: The key initiatives are provided by individuals with disabilities, families of persons with disabilities, educators, and industry and government administrators that recognize the benefits of diversity work within their locales. These initiatives cover a wide range of efforts and are tailored to the particular environment of individuals carrying them out. In general, persons who are not in daily contact with disabled persons have bias against them and will at best be neutral with regards to promoting inclusiveness.

What are your other hobbies?R: I enjoy networking with family and friends. I enjoy exercise in nature—even just walking at sunrise in my neighborhood. I like to travel around the world to conduct research wherever it leads.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you love about that place?R: If I had to pick a single place, it might be Australia, which has such beautiful biodiversity and the Great Barrier Reef. But I love the beauty of the Amazon, the Rocky and West Coast Mountains, and the Florida springs too. I’m so grateful to have been in all these places. Unfortunately, climate change and environmental degradation are taking their tolls. Already in Florida the springs have declined from what they were in the 1970s due to pollution and pumping of water from the underground aquifer.

What is your suggestion for families of children with disabilities to empower their children?R: Expose them to new things and try to guess what they gravitate towards. The more interest they have in the world around them and the better they understand it, the more likely they will develop a career that they love and that will provide them a decent living. School alone usually does not prepare them.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who are interested in pursuing a career in science?R: Take advantage of opportunities that help you develop in the direction of your interests. Be prepared for a lifetime of hard, but fun work.

Any special message for our community?R: Everyone, disabled or not, has a special uniqueness. As human beings we have opportunity to explore and understand our uniqueness and to pass on the best parts to our loved ones and our culture.