Femi E Benny is a PhD scholar currently associated with the Insect Biosystematics and Conservation Laboratory at Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE). Her research interests span the fields of ethnography, sustainable food systems, entomophagy, and insect taxonomy with a specific focus on bees and wasps. With a deep-rooted passion for the order Hymenoptera, Femi has dedicated her doctoral research to exploring the fascinating world of edible bees, wasps and ants. Her work focuses on unravelling the cultural, nutritional, and environmental dimensions of entomophagy. As an ardent advocate for sustainable food systems, she examines the potential of edible insects to address pressing global food challenges.

Beyond her scholarly pursuits, she is a passionate advocate for raising awareness about the ecological importance of bees and wasps and promoting their conservation. Her work not only showcases the remarkable diversity and significance of these insects but also emphasises their cultural relevance in various societies. Apart from this, she actively collaborates with industry partners, and local communities to promote the adoption of insect rearing practices. By bridging the gap between scientific research and practical application, she envisions a future where nutritionally and economically superior insects play a significant role in addressing global food challenges.