Auburn University's Commitment to Bee Conservation Gains Buzz
Pioneering Research in Bee Conservation
Auburn University's Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology is abuzz with activity as graduate students passionately delve into the world of bees. This esteemed institution offers a unique opportunity for student researchers to explore the intricate lives of native and honey bees while focusing on how their environments shape their existence.
One such dedicated researcher is Anthony Cuminale, an aspiring entomologist pursuing his master's degree. Cuminale's work centers on native bees and their interaction with agroecosystems. His research seeks to unravel the effects of soil treatments on these vital pollinators, emphasizing the challenges they face in our modern world.
Cuminale explains, "I'm striving to understand how agriculture influences these bee populations through soil manipulations. Many bees are ground nesters, and certain agricultural practices have caused their numbers to dwindle. These central place foragers build ground nests, collect pollen, but their limited flight range restricts their pollination of flowers. The expansion of agricultural fields is becoming a contributing factor in bee disappearances."
Cuminale's efforts have been ongoing at the Auburn Bee Lab since 2021. For the majority of the year, he conducts experiments with the bees, continuously seeking to expand our knowledge of these remarkable creatures.
"We've been collecting bees from the soil, handling them with care, without causing harm. Weekly, we collect nearly 120 bees, amassing a staggering 5,000 in two years. The intriguing part is that we are yet to fully comprehend what attracts bees to their nesting sites. It's clear that different environmental factors influence their choices, and this varies among species and genera," Cuminale adds.
At Auburn University, the Bee Lab, affectionately known as AU-Bees, not only contributes to research but also produces honey from their cherished bees, with proceeds supporting student research. On campus, the "For the Bees" club tirelessly promotes the significance of bees in our ecosystem.
Skyler Demi, a junior majoring in agriculture with a minor in entomology, is an active member of "For the Bees." The club visits local schools to educate students about the remarkable world of bees. They also organize monthly events to sell bracelets, raising funds for bee-focused education and selling honey from AU-Bees to support ongoing research.
Demi shared, "We've engaged with elementary students, offering them a unique chance to observe beekeeping gear, honeycombs, and even allowing them to hold drone bees, the harmless male bees. It's a truly enriching experience for an eight-year-old to hold a bee."
Beyond their outreach, the Bee Lab actively promotes bee conservation at university events such as the Sustainability Picnic, Earth Day Extravaganza, and the Welcome Back Picnic for the College of Agriculture.
Demi elaborated, "Our goal is to connect with fellow students and bridge the gap between the lab's research and the broader student community. We're passionate about educating others based on the insights we gain from the Bee Lab."
Furthermore, the Bee Lab warmly welcomes volunteers in collaboration with Auburn University's Department of Agriculture. They accept donations that directly support student research, honey production, and sales.
Auburn University's dedication to bee conservation not only resonates with its academic community but also echoes as a call to action, emphasizing the need to protect these invaluable pollinators for the benefit of our planet's ecosystems.
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