We are looking for a motivated MS student to study the phenology of a native and commercially managed solitary bee species, the blue orchard bee, in managed and unmanaged settings. The student will be advised by Dr. Theresa L. Pitts-Singer in the USDA-ARS Pollinating Insects Research Unit in Logan, UT. Specific research objectives of the position are as follows:
1. Determine the variation in developmental phenology of regional populations of blue orchard bees (BOBs) by maintaining regionally-specific bees under managed or unmanaged conditions. 2018 January-December; 2019 January-June.
2. Determine the heritability of regional phenology traits for BOBs from California and Utah by examining population crosses in controlled experiments. 2018 January-December; 2019 January-June.
3. Determine the difference in the retention of females between California and Utah BOBs used as pollinators in regions outside of their geographic origin by examining the dispersal and flight range of these populations in cherry orchards in regionally distinct environments. 2018 March-November.
Requirements: Acceptance to USU graduate program; Bachelor’s Degree in life sciences (e.g., biology, ecology, entomology, natural resources, botany) from accredited university; experience with bees and/or pollination desired.
More information USDA ARS Pollinating Insects Research Unit:
https://www.ars.usda.gov/pacific-west-area/logan-ut/pollinating-insect-biology-management-systematics-research/
More information on Utah State University Biology Department: http://www.biology.usu.edu/
Send inquiries to Dr. Theresa Pitts-Singer, Theresa.Pitts-Singer@ars.usda.gov; 435-797-0581