Email: takesha@tamu.edu
MS, Entomology
Advisor - Dr. Marvin Harris

BS, Texas A&M University

Future Plan:
"Most likely I will continue to read and keep myself well acquainted with insect and spider groups and terminology. I would like to pursue a higher degree to teach others that they too can succeed."

Takesha Henderson’s interest in spiders dates back to her childhood. Years later she still fills her day with these creatures that so many find extremely daunting. Takesha is Master's degree holder in entomology from Texas A&M University. She entered TAMU and the Bridge to the Doctorate program in the fall of 2004. Her thesis work documents ground spiders in College Station’s Lick Creek Park. Her research has turned up 25 spiders foreign to the Brazos Valley and 1 never before found in Texas. The new additions to the Brazos Valley include funnel web weavers, sac spiders, trap door spiders, meshed web weavers, ground spiders, money spiders, wolf spiders, jumping spiders and long-jawed orb weavers. Takesha also found a species of running crab spider which is a first for Texas.

Henderson will completed her Masters program and plans to work for the government or a museum identifying spiders. In cases of emergency, being able to do this may make the difference in someone living or dying. Local scientists keep a list of the plant, animal and insect life that exists in Lick Creek Park. Henderson’s research will allow a number of species of spiders to be added to that list