Dr. Vivian Sandoval

Dr. Vivian Sandoval is an entomologist passionate about the taxonomy and biology of insects associated with fungi, such as mycetobiont beetles and leaf-cutter ants. Vivian works for the Queensland Department of Primary Industries with the National Fire Ant Eradication Program, where she is managing the Diagnostic Centre and supporting fire ant research. In her spare time, Vivian is foraging for fungi in order to study the complex biology of their inhabitants, with the support of the Queensland Mycological Society.

Vivian is currently the Business manager of "The Australian Entomologist", a non-profit journal published by the Entomological Society of Queensland, devoted to entomology of the Australian Region. She is also the artist behind "Bugs & Beads", a gift shop specialised in insect/fungi-inspired accessories, jewellery, stationary, and educational resin blocks. Vivian wants to increase appreciation for insects and fungi, raise awareness, and change negative perceptions and entomophobia with her products.

• National Fire Ant Eradication Program link: https://www.fireants.org.au
• The Queensland Mycological Society link: https://qldfungi.org.au
• The Australian Entomologist link: https://www.esq.org.au/publications.html 
• Bugs & Beads link: https://bugsandbeads.com