This semester, I
am continuing my research on infection rates of bumble bees by Nosema, a fungal gut pathogen. My
research is an important component in understanding declines of bumble bees and
other essential pollinators. My general interest in conservation biology and
species protection has made me interested in this pollinator conservation
project.
Over winter
break and at the start of this semester, I have been processing the bumble bees
for DNA analysis of Nosema in the gut
tissue and of pollen composition in the crop (honey stomach) and corbicula
(pollen basket). On a weekly basis, this involves sterilizing bees to remove
any external pathogens, taking measurements of their body weight and wing wear,
and dissecting their abdomens. I will complete the DNA analyses in Dr. Pat
Gillevet’s lab at GMU’s Microbiome Analysis Center. Specifically, I will
determine Nosema infection using PCR and pollen composition using
Next-Generation Ion Torrent sequencing. I will analyze the data for
correlations pollen diversity and Nosema
infection rates and will compare infection levels across species using ANOVA. I
am excited to learn DNA extraction and analysis techniques, especially Next-Gen
sequencing technology. Additionally, Dr. Forkner, my research mentor, and I
have been preparing to present my research at the National Conference of
Undergraduate Research this April.
The research I
have done through the URSP program has given me considerable experience both in
field and lab research techniques that I can use in graduate school and future
research. I am interested in working in the conservation field as a researcher
at a non-profit, aquarium or zoo, or even in the federal government. I want to
be able to have my research make a difference in conserving the biodiversity of
life on this planet and to keep the environment healthy for future generations.
