Research

Our group investigates the ecology, behaviour, and evolution of bees, with a particular focus on the lives of social bees. We study honey bees, bumble bees, and other pollinating insects to understand how interactions among individuals, colonies, parasites, pathogens, flowering plants, and environmental stressors shape behaviour, health, and fitness. Our research draws on principles from sociobiology, ecology, behavioural ecology, and evolutionary biology to explore how animal societies evolve and function.

Research in the lab spans pollination ecology, host-parasite interactions, pollinator nutrition, disease ecology, environmental contaminants, and conservation biology. We combine field experiments, laboratory studies, and quantitative approaches to examine how ecological conditions influence individual behaviour, colony organization, social evolution, and pollinator communities in both natural and agricultural landscapes.

By integrating fundamental and applied research, our goal is to advance understanding of the ecological and evolutionary processes that shape animal societies while generating knowledge that supports pollinator conservation, sustainable agriculture, and ecosystem resilience.

Prospective undergraduate and graduate students interested in joining the lab are encouraged to contact me to discuss research opportunities.