Our Research Focus:

Neurophysiology of Circadian Neurons

We are developing new tools to study circadian neurons in the honey bee brain. (USDA-NIFA 2026-67039-46034)

Circadian Timing and Learning

Learning and memory in bees are influenced by the time of day, by the life stage of the individual, and even by the species of flower an individual bee has chosen to pollinate! We are investigating changes in the activity of circadian neurons during timed learning tasks to understand how clocks shape cognitive performance. 

Environmental Stressors and the Clock

Our research builds on findings that pesticides and other environmental factors alter circadian rhythms and sleep in bees. 

Genetic and Transcriptomic Basis of Behavioral Timing

Honey bee colonies exhibit ‘shift work,’ with some bees showing more activity in the morning and other individuals showing more activity in the evening. We are investigating how natural variation in circadian clock genes shapes these behavioral differences and contributes to overall colony organization.