Meet the Director of the Honey Bee Research Centre, Dr. Ernesto Guzman:
Research in Dr. Guzman’s lab is focused on three main areas: genetics, behaviour and parasitic mites of honey bees. These studies have contributed to the understanding of foraging behaviour, defensive behaviour and the mechanisms that provide honey bees resistance against parasitic mites, which is the most serious problem facing beekeepers worldwide. Currently, postdoctoral fellows, students and technicians in Dr. Guzman’s lab are investigating the effect of parasites and pesticides on the behaviour and immune responses of honey bees.
Our Research
- Use of oregano to control parasitic mites in honey bees.
- What is causing the increase in honey bee colony mortality?
Graduate Students
David MacKay, MSc, Effect of clothianidin in corn on honey bee survival, foraging behaviour, honey production and parasite survival
Recent Graduates
Daniel Borges, MSc, Effect of novel chemical treatments on Nosema spp and how it impacts honey bee immune responses
Shane Klassen, MSc, Prebiotics and probiotics for the control of Nosema ceranae in the honey bee at the colony level
Gun Koleoglu, MSc, Effect of Varroa destructor on the immune system of honey bees
Alice Sinia, PhD, Entomopathogeneic fungi as biocontrol agents of Varroa destructor
Pegah Valizadeh, PhD, Effect of Nosema ceranae on the immune system of honey bees
Hassan Zubaidy, PhD, Effect of pesticides used in agriculture on honey bee immunity
Research Associates/Postdoctoral Fellows
Nuria Morfin, PhD, Effect of stressors on honey bee health, behaviour, immunity and metabolisim. Gene expression associated with grooming behaviour. Honey bee pathology.
Berna Emsen, PhD, Genetic basis of disease resistance; breeding for Varroa destructor resistance in honey bees.
Hanan Gashout, PhD, Effect of miticides on honey bee behavior and immunity
