Scientific Mentorship in Taxonomy

Who this is for

Is this mentorship for you?

→ You work with phasmids or any other insect group and need specialist guidance in taxonomy
→ You are a master's or PhD student whose supervisor is not a specialist in your group
→ You are an amateur entomologist or naturalist with solid field material and want to move into published science
→ You want to publish taxonomic descriptions but don't know the editorial process or ICZN nomenclature

What you get

What the mentorship includes

→ Concrete project plan from the first session
→ Regular work sessions with a real agenda — not generic academic tutorials
→ Manuscript and taxonomic description review
→ Guidance on ICZN nomenclature, editorial process and journal selection
→ Email access between sessions for urgent questions

The problem of the taxonomic impediment

Taxonomy faces a crisis of specialists: more experts retire each year than are trained, and university programs barely cover this fundamental discipline. For anyone who wants to start working in taxonomy, finding real guidance — not just a reading list — is hard.

I spent eight years working alongside the leading specialists in Phasmatodea, learning the craft first-hand in reference collections and in the field. I also learned a great deal on my own: literature scattered across four languages, unprocessed museum material, problems with no one to ask. This service comes from both. Phasmatodea is my speciality, but most of what I know about how taxonomy actually works applies to any group. If you're interested, get in touch.

What I Offer

Personalized mentorship

Project Guidance

Research project design, study material selection and realistic goal planning.

Field Methodology

Sampling techniques, specimen preservation and scientific quality photographic documentation.

Taxonomic Analysis

Identification of diagnostic characters, use of taxonomic keys and comparison with type material.

Scientific Writing

Structure of taxonomic descriptions, nomenclature according to ICZN and manuscript preparation for publication.

Scientific Networking

Connection with other specialists, access to collections and international collaborations.

Manuscript Review

Detailed feedback on drafts, nomenclature correction and improvement of diagnostic figures.

Process

How does it work?

First we talk — no charge

30-minute video call so you can tell me where you are and where you want to go. I evaluate whether I can genuinely help you and what that help would look like. If I'm not the right person, I'll tell you.

We define a concrete plan

Not a generic program: what we'll work on, in what order, how often and with what measurable goals. Typical frequency: monthly or biweekly sessions, depending on the project phase.

Real work sessions

Each session has an agenda. We review material, analyse specimens if needed, correct text, work through concrete taxonomic problems. Not generic academic tutorials.

Access between sessions

Questions don't wait. You can email me when something urgent comes up: a difficult identification, a nomenclatural issue, a reviewer asking for something unexpected. I respond as soon as I can.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

No. Publishing taxonomy does not require a university degree or an institutional affiliation — it requires rigour, correct methodology and knowing how the process works. I work with researchers from beginner to advanced level. Many naturalists with solid field material have more potential than they realise; what they lack is knowing how to turn that work into science. What matters is having a concrete project or a clear intention to develop one.

I can work in both languages, according to your preference.

It depends on your goals. Some projects require 3-6 months, others can extend to 1-2 years. We define it in the initial consultation.

Phasmatodea is my speciality and where I can go deepest. But most of what I know — how to structure a project, how to work with collections, how to write a description, how to navigate ICZN nomenclature — applies equally to any other group. If you're working with a different insect order and don't know where to start, get in touch anyway.

Next Step

Request your initial consultation

Tell me where your project stands and what you need. The first call is free and without commitment — if I'm not the right person for what you're looking for, I'll say so directly.

Each case is different. In a free 30-minute initial video call we assess your project and put together a tailored plan, no commitment required.

Request Initial Consultation →