I am a postdoctoral researcher with the Wild Bee Health group at the Institute of Bee Health.
I completed my PhD on honeybee health, where I focused my efforts on investigating the role of micronutrients and microbiota on Apis mellifera health. My thesis work revealed that habitual exposure to high levels of B-vitamins can indeed reduce the lifespan of winter bees, and probiotics offer potential as a useful additive to honeybee supplemental feeding. Following my PhD, I worked as a postdoctoral researcher with Prof. Adria LeBoeuf (University of Cambridge, UK), where I studied metabolic division of labor using ants as a model system to better understand cooperative physiology in eusocial species.
Currently, my research focuses on how agrochemicals and environmental stressors influence bee health across seasons and species, ranging from honeybees to bumblebees and solitary wild bees. My current work focuses specifically on male-fitness traits (i.e. fertility), microbiota, and ecotoxicology to better understand and support sustainable pollinator health.
In addition to my research, I also contribute to teaching at the Institute of Bee Health, assisting with courses on insect anatomy, pathology, environmental stressors, and statistical study design for bee researchers.
