Current research projects

1. Molecular pathogen survey using wild Osmia lignaria nests

Presently, I am conducting a molecular pathogen survey using next-generation sequencing (NGS) in order to identify pathogen sequences from Osmia lignaria hosts. Samples were collected from natural nests in northern Utah.

2. In vitro methods for rearing Osmia lignaria in a laboratory

Combining the experience of multiple collaborators, I am helping develop methods for rearing O. lignaria in a laboratory setting using nests constructed in apple orchards and progeny from those nests. Because O. lignaria is becoming increasingly managed in the United States, there need to be methods to evaluate how alterations to O. lignaria diets impact survivorship, development, and immune response to inform bee managers and orchard owners about how harmful stressors, such as pesticides and pathogens, may impact O. lignaria retention and propagation.

3. Synergistic effects of agrichemical and pathogen exposure to Osmia lignaria

I am exploring how agrichemicals and pathogen exposure impact survival, development, and immune response to O. lignaria. Using the in vitro techniques still in development, I am able to investigate synergistic effects of agrichemical and pathogen impacts on O. lignaria health. Additionally, molecular techniques such as DNA and RNA extraction, qPCR and RT-qPCR, and sequencing will be utilized to understand how treatments influence immune gene expression in O. lignaria at varying life stages.