Meet a Scientist: Bill Donahue (Patreon)

It takes a lot of time and effort to produce each episode of Deep Look, and we couldn’t do it without the help of scientists and other valuable collaborators who have closely worked with us over the years. We’re introducing several of these wonderful partners to you in a series of short profiles so you can get a deeper look at their expertise.

Meet Bill Donahue, the owner and laboratory director of Sierra Research Laboratories. This is a small independent contract research laboratory based in Modesto, California.

“I am an entomologist who worked in industry laboratories for 14 years before starting my own laboratory in 1994. My staff and I conduct research and product development projects for companies interested in developing pest control products of many sorts. Most of our projects are designed to demonstrate the efficacy of products produced by other companies in support of product registrations within the United States and many countries worldwide. We focus on pest insect and other arthropod species, weeds and rodents, which in some way negatively affect people, animals and environments. These scientific studies are used by the companies and regulatory agencies to determine the products’ usefulness and efficacy in today's changing world.”

Donahue and his team have been incredibly generous over the years, collaborating with Deep Look on our episodes about hissing cockroaches, bed bugs, fleas and firebrats.

“My staff and I have opened our laboratory to the folks at Deep Look, providing insects and other arthropods, staged props and lent our expertise with the arthropods we work with on a day-to-day basis. We have enjoyed interactions with the producers, allowing us to slow down and really take a closer look at the insects we work with and marvel at the biology, morphology and behavior that got us interested in the science in the first place.

Sierra Research Laboratories technician Azucena Verizquez holds a Madagascar hissing cockroach in her hand while producer/cinematographer Josh Cassidy films her. Credit: Jenny Oh/KQED

“Whereas we have worked with many film crews over the years, we have really enjoyed working with Deep Look because of how scientifically prepared they are when they visit the lab. The combination of art and science is amazing. They have a script they share with us beforehand and welcome our input during the filming.

Adult bed bugs like this one are about the size and color of an apple seed. Credit: Josh Cassidy/KQED

“Being a veterinary entomologist, I have especially enjoyed the episodes on cat fleas and bed bugs, species which usually creep people out! The producers were willing to let these insects crawl on them, bite them and generally were very enthusiastic with the days’ activities. They had the same level of wonderment as we did with these fascinating creatures and how they have affected people, society and history. Blood-feeding, disease vectors are always a challenge to capture on film, but it's so rewarding to see your blood pumping through a flea or bed bug and realize the intricacy of the whole process captured on film.”

And Donahue is not just an invaluable colleague, but a fan!

“It is rewarding to see these completed mini-documentaries about science and realize the impact it has on children that may want to pursue careers in biology or entomology because of what they experience on Deep Look. It's also great to see and hear adults talking about what they saw, and I get the feeling that there is quite a bit of educational value for all sorts of people. This is one reason most scientists enjoy their careers, the learning never stops and hopefully we make this world a slightly better place because of what we do.”

Photo of Bill Donahue courtesy of Bill Donahue