Sandra Rehan, Principal Investigator
My research focuses on social evolution and comparative genomics. My interests range from natural history and taxonomy to phylogenetics and biogeography. I also have a keen interest in biodiversity conservation and integrate community ecology, climate and land use change, environmental DNA, metagenomics and population genomics. I study solitary and facultatively social bees to understand the genetic underpinnings and ecological constraints selecting for social behaviour. My work includes field observations to explore the life history and ecology of bees in their natural habitats and lab based experiments to investigate behavioural plasticity. I use genomics to uncover the genetic basis of group formation and transcriptomics to understand the epigenetic modifications involved with social experience.
My research focuses on social evolution and comparative genomics. My interests range from natural history and taxonomy to phylogenetics and biogeography. I also have a keen interest in biodiversity conservation and integrate community ecology, climate and land use change, environmental DNA, metagenomics and population genomics. I study solitary and facultatively social bees to understand the genetic underpinnings and ecological constraints selecting for social behaviour. My work includes field observations to explore the life history and ecology of bees in their natural habitats and lab based experiments to investigate behavioural plasticity. I use genomics to uncover the genetic basis of group formation and transcriptomics to understand the epigenetic modifications involved with social experience.
Postdoctoral Researchers
Sandara Brasil, Postdoctoral Researcher
I earned my Ph.D. in Ecology and Natural Resources from the Federal University of Ceará, Brazil. My dissertation research examined the population genomic status of the large carpenter bee Xylocopa grisescens and how the anthropogenic changes in the landscape impacted their genetic diversity. I have a robust background in population and landscape genomics and bioinformatics data analysis. Also, I am broadly interested in molecular ecology and evolution of native bees and the consequences of anthropogenic changes to their natural habitat. In the Rehan lab, I am currently a postdoc fellow using integrative genomic tools to examine the effects of urbanization and historic land use changes on native bee species.
I earned my Ph.D. in Ecology and Natural Resources from the Federal University of Ceará, Brazil. My dissertation research examined the population genomic status of the large carpenter bee Xylocopa grisescens and how the anthropogenic changes in the landscape impacted their genetic diversity. I have a robust background in population and landscape genomics and bioinformatics data analysis. Also, I am broadly interested in molecular ecology and evolution of native bees and the consequences of anthropogenic changes to their natural habitat. In the Rehan lab, I am currently a postdoc fellow using integrative genomic tools to examine the effects of urbanization and historic land use changes on native bee species.
Makaylee Crone, Postdoctoral Researcher
I completed my PhD in Ecology at Penn State in 2023. My dissertation research focused on how nutrition interacts with various stressors in both managed and wild bees, including pesticides and habitat urbanization, as well as determining the nutritional needs of two wild bee species, Osmia cornifrons and Heriades truncorum. My postdoctoral research in the Rehan lab aims to determine how plant-pollinator interactions shape bee and floral microbiomes, the effects of urbanization on wild bee health, and how nutrition may influence social behaviour in the small carpenter bee Ceratina calcarata.
I completed my PhD in Ecology at Penn State in 2023. My dissertation research focused on how nutrition interacts with various stressors in both managed and wild bees, including pesticides and habitat urbanization, as well as determining the nutritional needs of two wild bee species, Osmia cornifrons and Heriades truncorum. My postdoctoral research in the Rehan lab aims to determine how plant-pollinator interactions shape bee and floral microbiomes, the effects of urbanization on wild bee health, and how nutrition may influence social behaviour in the small carpenter bee Ceratina calcarata.
Kate Chau, Postdoctoral Research Fellow
I have always had a passion for working with animals and the environment which led me to pursue a career in environmental sciences. I specialize in conservation biology and genomics. My work spans environmental DNA to detect at-risk and invasive freshwater fish from tributaries in the Great Lakes to detection of selection patterns in various osmoregulatory and vision genes in Neotropical fishes that have experienced habitat and diet transitions. I am currently developing metagenomic tools to study urban wild bee populations to assess pollinator health, identifying threats and also looking for signatures of local adaptations, thus informing conservation practices.
I have always had a passion for working with animals and the environment which led me to pursue a career in environmental sciences. I specialize in conservation biology and genomics. My work spans environmental DNA to detect at-risk and invasive freshwater fish from tributaries in the Great Lakes to detection of selection patterns in various osmoregulatory and vision genes in Neotropical fishes that have experienced habitat and diet transitions. I am currently developing metagenomic tools to study urban wild bee populations to assess pollinator health, identifying threats and also looking for signatures of local adaptations, thus informing conservation practices.
Michael Mikát, Marie Curie Postdoc Fellow
I am behavioural ecologist fascinated by social insects, parental care and sexual behaviour. I obtained my PhD from Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. My research focused on the natural history of European species of Ceratina small carpenter bees. I documented the first observations of biparental care in bees using combined foraging ecology and microsatellite techniques. For my postdoc, I plan to perform comparative analyses of Ceratina social behaviour and parental care strategies. Firstly, I will document natural history using nest collections and subsequently examine the fitness of sympatric solitary and social conspecifics using relatedness and demographic comparisons.
I am behavioural ecologist fascinated by social insects, parental care and sexual behaviour. I obtained my PhD from Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. My research focused on the natural history of European species of Ceratina small carpenter bees. I documented the first observations of biparental care in bees using combined foraging ecology and microsatellite techniques. For my postdoc, I plan to perform comparative analyses of Ceratina social behaviour and parental care strategies. Firstly, I will document natural history using nest collections and subsequently examine the fitness of sympatric solitary and social conspecifics using relatedness and demographic comparisons.
Ben Pyenson, Postdoctoral Researcher
I study insects to explore the ways that animals form and maintain their social groups. I obtained my MSc from McGill and PhD from Arizona State University. From my experience studying solitary (i.e. crickets) as well as social species (i.e. ants), I am excited to examine how seasonally-dependent sociality of small carpenter bees can be maintained. My research as a postdoctoral researcher in the Rehan Lab will unravel the relationship of gene regulation, behaviour, and neurophysiology that support their facultative sociality.
I study insects to explore the ways that animals form and maintain their social groups. I obtained my MSc from McGill and PhD from Arizona State University. From my experience studying solitary (i.e. crickets) as well as social species (i.e. ants), I am excited to examine how seasonally-dependent sociality of small carpenter bees can be maintained. My research as a postdoctoral researcher in the Rehan Lab will unravel the relationship of gene regulation, behaviour, and neurophysiology that support their facultative sociality.
Trevor Sless, Postdoctoral Researcher
I am an evolutionary biologist and geneticist fascinated by bees and their diverse array of life history strategies and ecological interactions. I completed my PhD at Cornell University, where my dissertation research focused on the evolutionary dynamics, phylogenetic relationships, and genomics of parasitic cuckoo bees. I enjoy applying molecular tools and data to address biological questions across a range of scales. As a postdoctoral researcher in the Rehan lab, my work investigates parasitic bee genomics, phylogenomics, microbial ecology and the structure and health of wild bee populations.
I am an evolutionary biologist and geneticist fascinated by bees and their diverse array of life history strategies and ecological interactions. I completed my PhD at Cornell University, where my dissertation research focused on the evolutionary dynamics, phylogenetic relationships, and genomics of parasitic cuckoo bees. I enjoy applying molecular tools and data to address biological questions across a range of scales. As a postdoctoral researcher in the Rehan lab, my work investigates parasitic bee genomics, phylogenomics, microbial ecology and the structure and health of wild bee populations.
Graduate Students
Anthony Ayers, PhD student in Biology
I am interested in the ecology and conservation of native bees within urban landscapes. I investigate the efficacy of urban green spaces and their ability to sufficiently sustain and maintain native bee communities. Specifically, I explore methods that can be used to best improve these areas and the resources within them, in part, by examining plant-pollinator interaction networks occurring within such spaces. Previously, I have participated in research examining how pollinator plantings affect native bee species richness and abundance in agricultural landscapes.
I am interested in the ecology and conservation of native bees within urban landscapes. I investigate the efficacy of urban green spaces and their ability to sufficiently sustain and maintain native bee communities. Specifically, I explore methods that can be used to best improve these areas and the resources within them, in part, by examining plant-pollinator interaction networks occurring within such spaces. Previously, I have participated in research examining how pollinator plantings affect native bee species richness and abundance in agricultural landscapes.
Jesse Huisken, PhD student in Biology
I am fascinated by diversity in nature, in particular the ecology and evolution of social behaviour and castes. I am currently using experimental manipulation of observation colonies combined with transcriptomic research to understand plasticity in foraging behaviour, social environment and nutritional regulation of dominance hierarchies in the small carpenter bee (Ceratina calcarata). Jesse's excellence in research is recognized by a 2019 Toronto Entomological Association's Glenn Richardson Award, a 2020 Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology, a 2021 Vernon Oliver Stong Graduate Scholarships in Science, a 2022 Ontario Graduate Scholarship, and a 2023 NSERC PGS-D.
I am fascinated by diversity in nature, in particular the ecology and evolution of social behaviour and castes. I am currently using experimental manipulation of observation colonies combined with transcriptomic research to understand plasticity in foraging behaviour, social environment and nutritional regulation of dominance hierarchies in the small carpenter bee (Ceratina calcarata). Jesse's excellence in research is recognized by a 2019 Toronto Entomological Association's Glenn Richardson Award, a 2020 Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology, a 2021 Vernon Oliver Stong Graduate Scholarships in Science, a 2022 Ontario Graduate Scholarship, and a 2023 NSERC PGS-D.
Phuong Ngyugen, MSc student in Biology
I completed my undergraduate studies in Biomedical Science at York University. My honours thesis in the Rehan lab examined the developmental microbiome of wild bees. I find the different social behaviours of bees to be fascinating and I am particularly interested in studying bee health and landscape genomics. I am curious as to how urbanization and human land use affect the sociality of bees and would like to increase public awareness about the important roles of wild bees in our environment. My MSc thesis project in the lab examines the microbial ecology of wild bees across urbanization and agricultural land use gradients. Phuong's excellence in research is recognized by a 2022 Ontario Graduate Scholarship.
I completed my undergraduate studies in Biomedical Science at York University. My honours thesis in the Rehan lab examined the developmental microbiome of wild bees. I find the different social behaviours of bees to be fascinating and I am particularly interested in studying bee health and landscape genomics. I am curious as to how urbanization and human land use affect the sociality of bees and would like to increase public awareness about the important roles of wild bees in our environment. My MSc thesis project in the lab examines the microbial ecology of wild bees across urbanization and agricultural land use gradients. Phuong's excellence in research is recognized by a 2022 Ontario Graduate Scholarship.
Katherine Odanaka, PhD student in Biology
I have worked on bees in many different environments which have helped shape my broad research interests in both systematics and restoration. My MSc research examined wild bees as bioindicators of sustainable land use. For my PhD I am focusing on my fascination with cleptoparasitic bees, especially Nomada, and am examining in their systematics, taxonomy, and ecological roles. Katherine's excellence in research are recognized by a 2018 NSF GRF honourable mention, a 2019 Carswell Scholarship, a 2020 MITACS Research Training Award, a 2022 Ontario Graduate Scholarship and IUSSI Michener Award, and a 2023 Susan Mann Dissertation Year Scholarship.
I have worked on bees in many different environments which have helped shape my broad research interests in both systematics and restoration. My MSc research examined wild bees as bioindicators of sustainable land use. For my PhD I am focusing on my fascination with cleptoparasitic bees, especially Nomada, and am examining in their systematics, taxonomy, and ecological roles. Katherine's excellence in research are recognized by a 2018 NSF GRF honourable mention, a 2019 Carswell Scholarship, a 2020 MITACS Research Training Award, a 2022 Ontario Graduate Scholarship and IUSSI Michener Award, and a 2023 Susan Mann Dissertation Year Scholarship.
Khara Stephen, MSc student in Biology
I have completed my undergraduate studies in Biomedical Science at York University. During my studies, I became captivated by the intricacies of bee ecology, with a particular emphasis on bee health. I am keen to explore the effects of environmental factors, notably pesticides and habitat loss, on bee brain development, function, and behaviour. In doing so, I hope to understand the potential implications on One Health and the complex interconnections between bees and our well-being while pursuing my MSc in the Rehan Lab.
I have completed my undergraduate studies in Biomedical Science at York University. During my studies, I became captivated by the intricacies of bee ecology, with a particular emphasis on bee health. I am keen to explore the effects of environmental factors, notably pesticides and habitat loss, on bee brain development, function, and behaviour. In doing so, I hope to understand the potential implications on One Health and the complex interconnections between bees and our well-being while pursuing my MSc in the Rehan Lab.
Research Associates
Farida Samad-Zada, Research Technician
I have a background in bioinformatics and NGS data analysis, having worked on a variety of different study systems throughout my career. Specifically, I am interested in using genomic data to address pressing issues in ecology. In one of my previous projects, I used data insights to inform sockeye salmon restoration initiative in British Columbia, where I became interested in applying bioinformatics tools to answer evolutionary questions that have direct management implications. In my current role as the Rehan lab Research Technician, I use genomics to study landscape ecology of wild bees across eastern North America, as well as help to develop genomic and transcriptomic databases to support wild bee conservation efforts.
I have a background in bioinformatics and NGS data analysis, having worked on a variety of different study systems throughout my career. Specifically, I am interested in using genomic data to address pressing issues in ecology. In one of my previous projects, I used data insights to inform sockeye salmon restoration initiative in British Columbia, where I became interested in applying bioinformatics tools to answer evolutionary questions that have direct management implications. In my current role as the Rehan lab Research Technician, I use genomics to study landscape ecology of wild bees across eastern North America, as well as help to develop genomic and transcriptomic databases to support wild bee conservation efforts.
Undergraduate Research Students
Gregory Churkin, Honours Biomedical Science
I am one year into my undergraduate journey in York University’s Biomedical Sciences program. Throughout my first year at York I have developed an interest in ecology and evolutionary biology. In Dr. Rehan's lab I am seeking the opportunity to examine the effects of urbanisation on wild bees, such as impacts on their body size and anatomical shape. I am keen on expanding my knowledge on these fascinating insects while developing useful laboratory techniques related to microscopy and identification. I plan on actively assisting in this lab during my research practicum placement this summer and beyond!
I am one year into my undergraduate journey in York University’s Biomedical Sciences program. Throughout my first year at York I have developed an interest in ecology and evolutionary biology. In Dr. Rehan's lab I am seeking the opportunity to examine the effects of urbanisation on wild bees, such as impacts on their body size and anatomical shape. I am keen on expanding my knowledge on these fascinating insects while developing useful laboratory techniques related to microscopy and identification. I plan on actively assisting in this lab during my research practicum placement this summer and beyond!
Bita Ghafarifarokhza, Honours Biotechnology
I am in my third year of undergraduate studies in the biomedical science program at York University with a great interest in conservation biology, evolutionary biology, and ecology. More specifically, I am passionate about the conservation of wild bee species of eastern North America and their interaction with wildflower species. This is an important research area because of the considerable decline of bees in North America due to the destruction of natural landscapes. In the Rehan lab, I am trying to learn more about plant-pollinator interactions in urban green spaces in Ontario and how these areas can be improved.
I am in my third year of undergraduate studies in the biomedical science program at York University with a great interest in conservation biology, evolutionary biology, and ecology. More specifically, I am passionate about the conservation of wild bee species of eastern North America and their interaction with wildflower species. This is an important research area because of the considerable decline of bees in North America due to the destruction of natural landscapes. In the Rehan lab, I am trying to learn more about plant-pollinator interactions in urban green spaces in Ontario and how these areas can be improved.
Christian Nakla, Honours Biology
I am a second-year undergraduate student at York University who is pursuing an Honours B.Sc. Biology degree. I am particularly interested in studying ecology and conservation biology, especially as it pertains to biological communities and ecosystems. As part of my research practicum experience in the Rehan Lab, I am excited to learn more about ecological influences that wild bee taxa have on ecological relationships and structures. I am keen to further my understanding on the nature of wild bees, all while developing and strengthening laboratory and field skills. Through my work, I am contributing to long-term wild bee studies pertinent to wild bee ecology and conservation.
I am a second-year undergraduate student at York University who is pursuing an Honours B.Sc. Biology degree. I am particularly interested in studying ecology and conservation biology, especially as it pertains to biological communities and ecosystems. As part of my research practicum experience in the Rehan Lab, I am excited to learn more about ecological influences that wild bee taxa have on ecological relationships and structures. I am keen to further my understanding on the nature of wild bees, all while developing and strengthening laboratory and field skills. Through my work, I am contributing to long-term wild bee studies pertinent to wild bee ecology and conservation.
Isooda Vahdattalab, Honours Biology
I am currently in my second year of undergraduate studies pursuing an Honours B.Sc. in the Biology program at York University. Volunteering at the Rehan Lab has provided me with a valuable opportunity to gain practical knowledge and skills related to research alongside experienced researchers. This experience has sparked my interest in ecology and social evolution, with a particular focus on the social behaviour of bees and behavioural genetics. I am excited to deepen my understanding of the role of social environment on the behaviour and gene expression of the small carpenter bees through my research practicum.
I am currently in my second year of undergraduate studies pursuing an Honours B.Sc. in the Biology program at York University. Volunteering at the Rehan Lab has provided me with a valuable opportunity to gain practical knowledge and skills related to research alongside experienced researchers. This experience has sparked my interest in ecology and social evolution, with a particular focus on the social behaviour of bees and behavioural genetics. I am excited to deepen my understanding of the role of social environment on the behaviour and gene expression of the small carpenter bees through my research practicum.
Open Positions
Research Opportunities
Interested in behavioural ecology, molecular phylogeny, or comparative genomics? We are currently looking for undergrads, grad students and postdocs to collaborate on a variety of projects. I am also keen to discuss funding opportunities and future projects. Please send me an email if you are interested in joining the lab.
Interested in behavioural ecology, molecular phylogeny, or comparative genomics? We are currently looking for undergrads, grad students and postdocs to collaborate on a variety of projects. I am also keen to discuss funding opportunities and future projects. Please send me an email if you are interested in joining the lab.
Lab Alumni
Visiting Scholars
2017-2019 Rebecca Dew, Australian Endeavour Research Fellow - Wild bee behavioural ecology
2015-2016 Michael Mikát, Charles University, Prague - Comparative sociobiology of small carpenter bees
Postdoctoral Scientists
2020-2021 Wyatt Shell, FFAR Postdoc Research - now co-founder My Home Park landscape design, MA
2020-2021 Iwona Giska, FFAR Postdoc Research - now Postdoc at CREAF Centre for Ecological Research, Spain
2019-2021 Evan Kelemen, NSF Postdoc Researcher - now Senior systems analyst at Bryan Stratton College, NY
2018-2019 Sabine Nooten, FFAR Postdoc Researcher - now Postdoc Fellow at the University of Würzburg
2017-2019 Célia Bordier, USDA Postdoc Researcher - now Postdoc at UMR INRA Save at INRA Bordeaux, France
2015-2018 Michael Steffen, NSF Postdoc Researcher - now R & D Scientist, Maine Molecular Quality Controls Inc.
2015-2018 Erika Tucker, USDA Postdoc Researcher - now Insect Collection Manager, University of Michigan
2014-2018 Sarah Lawson, NSF Minority Postdoc Fellow - now Assistant Professor, Quinnipiac University, CT
Graduate Students
2021-2023 Phuong Nguyen, MSc Biology - Microbial ecology of wild bees across land use gradients
- now PhD student, Rehan lab, York University
2020-2022 Anthony Ayers, MSc Biology - Functional ecology and plant-pollinator networks in urban landscapes
- now PhD student, Rehan lab, York University
2019-2021 Jesse Huisken, MSc Biology - Foraging behaviour and social environment of small carpenter bees
- now PhD student, Rehan lab, York University
2015-2020 Wyatt Shell, PhD Biology - Behavioural genomics of small carpenter bees
- now Postdoctoral Researcher, Rehan lab, York University
2017-2019 Katherine Odanaka, MS Biology - Effects of land use on wild bee functional diversity
- now PhD student, Rehan lab, York University
2016-2018 Robert Oppenheimer, MS Biol - Population genetics and relatedness of small carpenter bees
- now Agricultural Biotechnician, Invaio Sciences
2016-2018 Minna Mathiasson, MS Biology - Wild bee declines using museum data and plant pollinator networks
- now Masters of Civil and Environmental Engineering student, UNH
2014-2016 Nicholas Pizzi, MS Zoology - Cuticular hydrocarbons of the small carpenter bee Ceratina calcarata
- now Field Chemist, Tradebe Environmental Services
2014-2016 Jacob Withee, MS Zoology - Behavioral genetics of aggression and social experience
- now Design Team Instructor, Science Museum of Minnesota
2017-2019 Rebecca Dew, Australian Endeavour Research Fellow - Wild bee behavioural ecology
2015-2016 Michael Mikát, Charles University, Prague - Comparative sociobiology of small carpenter bees
Postdoctoral Scientists
2020-2021 Wyatt Shell, FFAR Postdoc Research - now co-founder My Home Park landscape design, MA
2020-2021 Iwona Giska, FFAR Postdoc Research - now Postdoc at CREAF Centre for Ecological Research, Spain
2019-2021 Evan Kelemen, NSF Postdoc Researcher - now Senior systems analyst at Bryan Stratton College, NY
2018-2019 Sabine Nooten, FFAR Postdoc Researcher - now Postdoc Fellow at the University of Würzburg
2017-2019 Célia Bordier, USDA Postdoc Researcher - now Postdoc at UMR INRA Save at INRA Bordeaux, France
2015-2018 Michael Steffen, NSF Postdoc Researcher - now R & D Scientist, Maine Molecular Quality Controls Inc.
2015-2018 Erika Tucker, USDA Postdoc Researcher - now Insect Collection Manager, University of Michigan
2014-2018 Sarah Lawson, NSF Minority Postdoc Fellow - now Assistant Professor, Quinnipiac University, CT
Graduate Students
2021-2023 Phuong Nguyen, MSc Biology - Microbial ecology of wild bees across land use gradients
- now PhD student, Rehan lab, York University
2020-2022 Anthony Ayers, MSc Biology - Functional ecology and plant-pollinator networks in urban landscapes
- now PhD student, Rehan lab, York University
2019-2021 Jesse Huisken, MSc Biology - Foraging behaviour and social environment of small carpenter bees
- now PhD student, Rehan lab, York University
2015-2020 Wyatt Shell, PhD Biology - Behavioural genomics of small carpenter bees
- now Postdoctoral Researcher, Rehan lab, York University
2017-2019 Katherine Odanaka, MS Biology - Effects of land use on wild bee functional diversity
- now PhD student, Rehan lab, York University
2016-2018 Robert Oppenheimer, MS Biol - Population genetics and relatedness of small carpenter bees
- now Agricultural Biotechnician, Invaio Sciences
2016-2018 Minna Mathiasson, MS Biology - Wild bee declines using museum data and plant pollinator networks
- now Masters of Civil and Environmental Engineering student, UNH
2014-2016 Nicholas Pizzi, MS Zoology - Cuticular hydrocarbons of the small carpenter bee Ceratina calcarata
- now Field Chemist, Tradebe Environmental Services
2014-2016 Jacob Withee, MS Zoology - Behavioral genetics of aggression and social experience
- now Design Team Instructor, Science Museum of Minnesota
Undergraduate Students
2023-Present Gregory Churkin, Research Practicum - Community ecology of wild bees across urban landscapes
2023-Present Isooda Vahdatta lab, Research Practicum - Behavioural ecology of wild bee social networks
2022-Present Christian Nakla, Research Practicum/NSERC USRA - Conservation ecology of native bees
2021-Present Bita Ghafarifarokhzad, Research Assistant/Research Practicum - Wild bee urban ecology
2022-2023 Nandini Gupta, Honours thesis - Bee brain atlas and comparative single cell gene expression
2022-2023 Megan George, Honours thesis - Local and landscape fitness consequences on wild bees
2022-2023 Claire Del Zotto, NSERC URSA - Urban ecology and plant-pollinator networks
2021-2022 Nourallah Salem, Research Assistant - Microbial ecology across urban and rural landscapes
2021-2022 Merna Khair, Research Practicum/Honours thesis - Effects of land use on urban bee fitness
2020-2022 Mariam Shamekh, NSERC USRA/Honours thesis - Behavioural genetics and maternal care
2021-2022 Eliana Masellis, Volunteer - Landscape ecology of wild bees across urbanization gradients
2021-2022 Shon Lazarev, Research Practicum - Maternal care and bee brain gene expression
2021-2022 Kylie Tedeschi, Volunteer – Wild bee community ecology and functional traits
2021-2022 Shai Ginsberg, Honours thesis - Nutritional transcriptomics of worker production
2021-2021 Olivia La Piane, Research Assistant - Urban ecology of wild bees across land use gradients
2020-2021 Phuong Ngyugen, Volunteer/Honours thesis - Wild bee urban ecology and environmental stressors
2019-2020 Arshdeep Thuhan, Research Assistant - Community ecology and dietary needs of wild bees
2019-2020 Muna Mohamed, Volunteer - Museum curation and digitization of cleptoparasitic bees
2019-2020 Bassam Tungekar, Research Practicum - Biogeography and molecular phylogeny
2019-2020 Alessia Schembri, Research Assistant - Behavioural ecology of wild bees
2019-2020 Yousaf Malik, Research Assistant - Population genetics of small carpenter bees across North America
2019-2020 Shelly Bard, Research Assistant - Field ecology and comparative ethology of small carpenter bees
2018-2019 Gianna Demarco, Research Assistant - Agroecology and behavioral plasticity of wild bees
2018-2019 Hannah Pare, SURF scholar - Comparative genomics and behavioral ecology
2016-2019 Stephanie Gardener, Research Assistant - Comparative ethology of small carpenter bees
2018-2019 Josh Hall, REAP scholar - Wild bee community ecology and conservation biology
2017-2018 Amy Denton, Research Assistant - Social evolution and comparative genomics
2017-2018 Kiley Kennedy, Research Assistant - Behavioral ecology of small carpenter bees
2016-2017 Cassidy Richard, BIOL 795 - Biodiversity and conservation of wild bees
2016-2017 Bailey Orvis, BIOL 795 - Comparative morphology and systematic entomology
2016-2017 Samson Lam, BIOL 795 - Historic declines in wild bee populations
2015-2017 Molly Jacobson, SURF Scholar/Honors Wildlife Conservation - Historic changes in bumble bees
2013-2017 Sean Lombard, REAP/SURF Scholar/Honors Biomedical Science - Comparative ecology and sociobiology
2015-2016 Alona Brosh, INCO 590/790 - Comparative morphology and social dominance
2014-2015 Krista Ciaccio, Honors Zoology - Ecological and evolutionary implications of maternal investment
2013-2015 Dusty Durant, GEN 795/Research Assistant - Gene expression and functional annotation
2014-2016 Cullen Franchino, INCO 790 - Foraging ecology of native bees
2014-2015 Lauren Giorgetti, ZOOL 795 - Comparative evolution of animal play behavior
2013-2015 Robert Hafford, GEN 795 - Comparative genomics and homology
2014-2015 Elizabeth Haas, REAP Scholar - Taxonomy and systematics of the native bees of New England
2015-2016 Salena Helmreich, Wheaton Scholar - Epigenetic regulation of caste determination
2015-2016 Kayleigh Kane, Honors Zoology - Nutritional regulation of caste determination
2014-2015 Martha Kelly, McNair Scholar - Bee biodiversity and conservation
2013-2015 Robin Levine, ZOOL 795 - Bee taxonomy and biodiversity
2015-2016 Corey Liss, SAFS 795/Research Assistant - Historical demography of native bees in New England
2014-2015 Ashlea Scruton, INCO 590 - Reproductive plasticity with social experience
2015-2016 Joseph St. Peter, ZOOL 795/Research Assistant - Diversity and sustainability of native bees
2013-2014 Anastasia Zielinski, ZOOL 795 - Phylogeography of small carpenter bees
2023-Present Gregory Churkin, Research Practicum - Community ecology of wild bees across urban landscapes
2023-Present Isooda Vahdatta lab, Research Practicum - Behavioural ecology of wild bee social networks
2022-Present Christian Nakla, Research Practicum/NSERC USRA - Conservation ecology of native bees
2021-Present Bita Ghafarifarokhzad, Research Assistant/Research Practicum - Wild bee urban ecology
2022-2023 Nandini Gupta, Honours thesis - Bee brain atlas and comparative single cell gene expression
2022-2023 Megan George, Honours thesis - Local and landscape fitness consequences on wild bees
2022-2023 Claire Del Zotto, NSERC URSA - Urban ecology and plant-pollinator networks
2021-2022 Nourallah Salem, Research Assistant - Microbial ecology across urban and rural landscapes
2021-2022 Merna Khair, Research Practicum/Honours thesis - Effects of land use on urban bee fitness
2020-2022 Mariam Shamekh, NSERC USRA/Honours thesis - Behavioural genetics and maternal care
2021-2022 Eliana Masellis, Volunteer - Landscape ecology of wild bees across urbanization gradients
2021-2022 Shon Lazarev, Research Practicum - Maternal care and bee brain gene expression
2021-2022 Kylie Tedeschi, Volunteer – Wild bee community ecology and functional traits
2021-2022 Shai Ginsberg, Honours thesis - Nutritional transcriptomics of worker production
2021-2021 Olivia La Piane, Research Assistant - Urban ecology of wild bees across land use gradients
2020-2021 Phuong Ngyugen, Volunteer/Honours thesis - Wild bee urban ecology and environmental stressors
2019-2020 Arshdeep Thuhan, Research Assistant - Community ecology and dietary needs of wild bees
2019-2020 Muna Mohamed, Volunteer - Museum curation and digitization of cleptoparasitic bees
2019-2020 Bassam Tungekar, Research Practicum - Biogeography and molecular phylogeny
2019-2020 Alessia Schembri, Research Assistant - Behavioural ecology of wild bees
2019-2020 Yousaf Malik, Research Assistant - Population genetics of small carpenter bees across North America
2019-2020 Shelly Bard, Research Assistant - Field ecology and comparative ethology of small carpenter bees
2018-2019 Gianna Demarco, Research Assistant - Agroecology and behavioral plasticity of wild bees
2018-2019 Hannah Pare, SURF scholar - Comparative genomics and behavioral ecology
2016-2019 Stephanie Gardener, Research Assistant - Comparative ethology of small carpenter bees
2018-2019 Josh Hall, REAP scholar - Wild bee community ecology and conservation biology
2017-2018 Amy Denton, Research Assistant - Social evolution and comparative genomics
2017-2018 Kiley Kennedy, Research Assistant - Behavioral ecology of small carpenter bees
2016-2017 Cassidy Richard, BIOL 795 - Biodiversity and conservation of wild bees
2016-2017 Bailey Orvis, BIOL 795 - Comparative morphology and systematic entomology
2016-2017 Samson Lam, BIOL 795 - Historic declines in wild bee populations
2015-2017 Molly Jacobson, SURF Scholar/Honors Wildlife Conservation - Historic changes in bumble bees
2013-2017 Sean Lombard, REAP/SURF Scholar/Honors Biomedical Science - Comparative ecology and sociobiology
2015-2016 Alona Brosh, INCO 590/790 - Comparative morphology and social dominance
2014-2015 Krista Ciaccio, Honors Zoology - Ecological and evolutionary implications of maternal investment
2013-2015 Dusty Durant, GEN 795/Research Assistant - Gene expression and functional annotation
2014-2016 Cullen Franchino, INCO 790 - Foraging ecology of native bees
2014-2015 Lauren Giorgetti, ZOOL 795 - Comparative evolution of animal play behavior
2013-2015 Robert Hafford, GEN 795 - Comparative genomics and homology
2014-2015 Elizabeth Haas, REAP Scholar - Taxonomy and systematics of the native bees of New England
2015-2016 Salena Helmreich, Wheaton Scholar - Epigenetic regulation of caste determination
2015-2016 Kayleigh Kane, Honors Zoology - Nutritional regulation of caste determination
2014-2015 Martha Kelly, McNair Scholar - Bee biodiversity and conservation
2013-2015 Robin Levine, ZOOL 795 - Bee taxonomy and biodiversity
2015-2016 Corey Liss, SAFS 795/Research Assistant - Historical demography of native bees in New England
2014-2015 Ashlea Scruton, INCO 590 - Reproductive plasticity with social experience
2015-2016 Joseph St. Peter, ZOOL 795/Research Assistant - Diversity and sustainability of native bees
2013-2014 Anastasia Zielinski, ZOOL 795 - Phylogeography of small carpenter bees
Fall 2023 lab photo: (front row left to right) Bita Ghafarifarokhzad, Makaylee Crone, Anthony Ayers, Katherine Odanaka, Cindy Nguyen; (back row left to right) Graham Thompson (visiting scholar), Benjamin Pyenson, Sandra Rehan, Trevor Sless, Jesse Huisken
Spring 2023 lab photo: (front row left to right) Katherine Chau, Anthony Ayers, Nandini Gupta, Sandara Brasil, Farida Samad-zada, Cindy Nguyen; (back row left to right) Katherine Odanaka, Trevor Sless, Benjamin Pyenson, Jesse Huisken, Sandra Rehan, Megan George, Mariam Skamekh
Winter 2022 lab photo: (left to right) Jesse Huisken, Anthony Ayers, Michael Mikát, Sandra Rehan, Katherine Odanaka, Cindy Nguyen, Sandara Brasil, Farida Samad-zada
Spring 2022 lab photo: (front row) Nourallah Salem, Merna Khair, Mariam Shamekh, Phuong Nguyen, Farida Samad-zada, Bita Ghafarifarokhzad, Anthony Ayers, Sandara Brasil; (back row) Claire Del Zotto, Katherine Odanaka, Jesse Huisken, Sandra Rehan, Michael Mikát
Fall 2018 lab photo: (back row) Sabine Nooten, Sandra Rehan, Rebecca Dew, Katherine Odanaka, Wyatt Shell;
(front row) Stephanie Gardner, Hannah Pare, Madeline Young, Celia Bordier
(front row) Stephanie Gardner, Hannah Pare, Madeline Young, Celia Bordier
Fall 2017 lab photo: (back row) Erika Tucker, Katherine Odanaka, Molly Jacobson, Wyatt Shell, Michael Steffen, Robert Oppenheimer; (front row) Sandra Rehan, Sarah Lawson, Rebecca Dew, Minna Mathiasson, Kiley Kennedy