Bhumika Acharya

I am Bhumika Acharya, a graduate with a Master’s degree in Environmental Science from the College of Applied Sciences-Nepal. My undergraduate research sparked a deep interest in entomology, initially focusing on the morphological characteristics of Himalayan honey bees. Although resource constraints hindered this pursuit, my passion for honey bees endured. I redirected my efforts toward studying insect distribution in a conserved area. During my master’s studies, I further explored entomology, examining the impacts of pesticides on pests and dedicating my final semester to an in-depth study of the wild honey bee, Apis laboriosa. This research involved investigating parasitism, the effects of land use change, and conducting qualitative interviews with honey hunters to identify additional factors affecting honey bee populations. The declining population of Apis laboriosa highlights the urgent need for research on their diseases and parasites, an area where expertise is lacking in Nepal. Despite most studies focusing on domesticated honey bees, Apis laboriosa possesses unique therapeutic properties and plays a crucial role in pollination. My research has solidified my determination to contribute to the conservation of this invaluable species, and I am eager to pursue a PhD in honey bee biology to further explore the challenges facing Apis laboriosa and develop strategies to mitigate their decline. I believe my research experience and passion for honey bees make me a strong candidate for your PhD program.