Lena

I am a passionate ecotoxicologist specializing in honey bee health, pesticide risk assessment, and sustainable agriculture. With a Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences and postdoctoral experiences in the U.S. and Europe, I focus on understanding the environmental impacts of pesticides on pollinators and advancing agroecological strategies for pest control. Currently, as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Auburn University, I am engaged in performing research on the honey bee parasitic mites Varroa destructor and Tropilaelaps mercedesae. Both are devasting parasites to honey bees – Varroa mites are the primary cause of honey bee colony death in the United States, whereas Tropilaelaps are a main cause of honey bee colony death throughout Asia. The latter Tropilaelaps mites have recently spread into eastern Europe, therefore it is urgent to fill important knowledge gaps so that U.S. government agencies and beekeepers can be properly prepared for its future arrival. For both mites, I contribute to field experiments to better understand and to improve how they can be managed. I also have a strong commitment to science education, having taught toxicology and mentored students in environmental science. My work is driven by a dedication to bridging research and policy to safeguard pollinators and promote sustainable farming practices. Key Skills: Ecotoxicology, Honey Bee Health, Pest Management, Agroecology, Pesticide Risk Assessment, Data Analysis (R), Scientific Communication.