Need help identifying a game

Dont know much other than: 
Pc Game from mid nineties 
Educational game i think 
I think the main character was a scientist of some description 
and at one point he was turned into a rat or something 
 
Any ideas?

There's a game who's identity has been a great mystery to me for years now.  
PC game, before the year 2000. 
I'm remembering a strategy style involving warring alien races.
Little boxes with the alien contact-diplomat  would appear and they would discuss strategy with you. 
One of the races was bug like. Called the Cht-cht, I believe. Also a race called the Zith? Probably making that up.
Honest, I looked around and can't figure it out.