Louis Nastasi: class of 2016
Louis Nastasi, a proud alumni of Wayne Valley class of 2016, has built an impressive career rooted in dedication and a passion for science that began in the classrooms of Wayne Valley.
After graduating from Wayne Valley, Nastasi went on to attend Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio where he majored in evolutionary biology. His academic journey continued at Penn State University, where he earned his PHD in entomology in May 2025. During his doctoral work, Nastasi partnered with Forbes on a 2024 study that described 22 new species of the oak gall wasps. Nastasi’s career has shown him how deeply science impacts everyday life, even when that work goes unnoticed.
Currently, Nastasi works as a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Iowa, where his work focuses on oak gall wasps. His work involves identifying new species and developing tools that help scientists distinguish between insects that appear nearly identical. Looking ahead, Nastasi recently accepted a professor position in entomology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he will begin teaching and continuing his research in May.
Reflecting on his time at Wayne Valley, Nastasi credits his science teacher with shaping his academic success. “I had two absolute favorite classes while at Wayne Valley,” he shared. “My absolute favorite was Mrs. Ahlert’s AP Biology class; she has an absolutely infectious level of excitement about science, and her ability to break down extremely complex topics was highly impactful.” He also noted that Mrs. Potts’ Biology for Allied Health class strengthened his understanding of how science intersects with society. These experiences helped him learn to approach large, complex ideas with curiosity rather than fear, an approach he now carries into his professional work.
When asked for advice for current Wayne Valley students, Nastasi emphasized the importance of understanding how you learn. He encourages students to figure out whether they are visual, auditory or hands-on learners, noting that knowing how to study effectively is just as important as studying hard. “Understanding your ideal approach to studying will pay off immensely regardless of your career path,” he said.
From Wayne Valley classrooms to universities across the country, Louis Nastasi’s journey is an example of how curiosity and dedication to learning can lead to a career making a global impact.
