About
The Bee Lab at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) conducts research and extension education programs aimed at better understanding the various stressors affecting wild and managed bee health.
Led by Dr. Judy Wu-Smart, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist at UNL, the lab is located on the university's East Campus within the Department of Entomology. The lab's research, extension training, and education efforts are dedicated to exploring the factors contributing to the decline of bee populations, providing beekeepers, landowners, and homeowners with the scientific knowledge needed to support and sustain healthy bee populations.
The lab’s research examines a wide range of stressors, from environmental challenges to biotic factors such as pests and pathogens, that impact both managed and wild bee populations. Students in the lab work to better understand these factors and develop solutions to address the issues threatening bee health.
Lab Leader
Research
Student-led research efforts at the Bee Lab focus on the collection of field-relevant data that may be utilized in real-life applications such as informing policy decisions, providing input on risk assessment procedures, building stakeholder collaborations, and refining pollinator practices relevant to growers, homeowners, and beekeepers. Professional development training for students in science communication, extension/outreach education, and public engagement are also critical components for conducting applied science and becoming effective at translating complex and nuanced scientific literature into accessible information for learners of all types and ages. The ability to engage and connect with diverse stakeholders and external partners fosters greater collaboration, open dialogue, and feedback from different perspectives considering economic and conservation needs. Students learn to deliver research seminars and lectures as well as learn to develop field demonstrations and hands-on activities targeting stakeholder groups, youth, and the general public in formal and informal settings.
Education & Training
The Bee Lab provides information focused on promoting bee health and pollinator-friendly practices to beekeepers, community partners, and the public through lectures, handbooks, videos, and demonstrations. Informational content is supplemented by field training exercises that include hands-on guidance and activities that require participants to get their hands in bee hives. We model evidence-based techniques and practices then support local beekeeping organizations and educators to offer the same or similar training. This community focused approach fosters collaborative working environments that facilitate the development of other beneficial training programs, including train-the-trainer programs, working groups such as the IPM4Bees Midwest Working Group and the Midwest Managed Pollinator Protection Plan (Midwest MP3) Group, and even other beekeeping training programs, such as the Heroes-to-Hives Veterans Program led by Michigan Food & Farming Systems and Michigan State University partners.
Community Outreach & Service
The Bee Lab focuses on “people-centered” outcomes and fosters community connections by building broad collaborations and forming diverse networks of learners, educators, and advocates through conservation science. Community engagement empowers and inspires people to improve, expand, and grow in ways that further contribute to personal and professional development as well as the betterment of their communities.
Order Bee Lab Honey
We sell honey extracted locally from our teaching and pollination hives. Products, including liquid gold, specialty honey, and comb honey, are available in many sizes and options to suit your needs. All proceeds from honey sales go toward supporting undergraduate and graduate research projects and professional development opportunities. We appreciate your support and thank you for helping us make a difference!
