Cristian Lucanas, a 31-year-old entomologist from the University of the Philippines, is dedicated to the study of cockroaches, a group of insects often overlooked and reviled by the average person. He has discovered 15 new species and has garnered the nickname 'Lord of the Cockroaches' from his friends. Lucanas is aware of the general disdain that most people feel toward these insects, which are often viewed as disease carriers, yet he advocates for a deeper understanding of their ecological roles and contributions to the environment.

During an interview in Los Baños, near Manila, Lucanas shared his own childhood fears of cockroaches, admitting he once shared the common aversion to them. He highlights that this fear is innate in many people and humorously describes his work as akin to working in a 'museum.' With each discovery, he hopes to change perceptions and encourage more research into these often-misunderstood creatures, emphasizing their ecological significance.

Lucanas's commitment to his research is complemented by his relationship with a fellow entomologist, his girlfriend, whose work focuses on less-disliked insects. Together, they represent a growing movement among scientists to promote the importance of insects, particularly those that have been stigmatized. The study of cockroaches and their interaction with ecosystems not only sheds light on biodiversity but also underscores the need to address social perceptions of these insects.