Bee Behavior and Aging Research
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Research Description
Research in the Kapheim Lab at Utah State University addresses the evolutionary processes responsible for the diversity and plasticity of complex traits. The primary focus of this research is the evolution of social behavior in bees. We seek to understand the developmental and sociogenomic mechanisms underlying behavior to better understand how it evolves. Our research is integrated across sub-disciplines of biology, including evolutionary biology, behavioral ecology, comparative genomics and transcriptomics, neuroscience, physiology, and metagenomics. For Fall 2026, we are recruiting students to work on projects aimed at testing theories of aging with bumble bees. The work will involve husbandry, experimental manipulation, and behavioral observations of larvae, pupae, and adult bees.
Qualifications and Requirements
This research involves handling live bumble bees. Students with a known allergy to bee stings may not want to apply. It is imperative that student researchers treat the study animals with respect, meaning attentive care and provisioning of basic needs, but should also be comfortable euthanizing the bees for research purposes. Students enrolled in BIOL 5800 should be available for 3 credits (9 hours per week) and commit to preparing a poster to describe the findings of the study. Dr. Kapheim will work with the students on the project goals, experimental design, and preparation of the poster.
Student researchers may also have the opportunity to continue in the lab for additional semesters in a paid position.