Understanding the biology and evolution of honey bees has been the subject of Olav Rueppell’s research for nearly 20 years. Photo credit: UNCG
From pollinating Earth’s plants and crops that feed our planet to the lucrative industry of honey production, the honey bee plays a critical role in the functioning of our world. Alberta alone is home to 40 per cent of Canada’s honey bee colonies, and Albertan honey production was valued at roughly $60 million in 2016.
Understanding the biology and evolution of honey bees has been the subject of Olav Rueppell’s research for nearly 20 years. A new professor in the University of Alberta’s Department of Biological Sciences, Rueppell’s research focuses on the social evolution of bees.
“Social evolution in honey bees creates unique opportunities to test general biological theories, so I think my research contributes to a better understanding of how the world around us works,” said Rueppell. “Moreover, honey bees are the most important managed pollinators and studying how bees can help themselves in their challenging environment contributes much to sustainable agriculture and food security.”
Rueppell joins the University of Alberta from the University of North Carolina Greensboro, where he was a professor of biology and the Florence Schaeffer Distinguished Professor of Science.
Join us in welcoming Olav Rueppell, and learn more about his research and teaching.
What makes the University of Alberta a good fit for you?
I am at home in a department that integrates all biological subdisciplines. I have always looked forward to working in a large department with excellent colleagues that have a lot of expertise that complements my own. I feel that I can fill an important niche here at the UAlberta, which is situated in the heart of Canada's most honey bee-inhabited province.
Tell us about your research program.
I am interested in the causes and consequences of social evolution in insects, particularly the honey bee. Within that context, I study a variety of questions about honey bee biology and health that range from the level of molecular mechanisms to evolutionary patterns across multiple species.
Why is this an important field of study? How can this work address some of our pressing societal challenges?
Social evolution in honey bees creates unique opportunities to test general biological theories, so I think my research contributes to a better understanding of how the world around us works. Moreover, honey bees are the most important managed pollinators and studying how bees can help themselves in their challenging environment contributes much to sustainable agriculture and food security.
What inspired you to enter this field?
I was really fascinated by the work and teachings of my PhD mentor, who specializes in social evolution in ants. The research area itself was also attractive because it was a field of biology with well-developed theory and the topic promised to be interesting due to the additional complexity that arises through colony life in combination with the enormous success of social insects.
Tell us about your teaching.
I will teach courses that relate to my area of expertise, probably an introductory course on biological evolution and an advanced course that deals with social evolution and biology more specifically.
Why is teaching important to you?
I love the transformation of my students that I can achieve, both in terms of understanding and level of interest. I like the energy and creativity of unencumbered minds and enjoy challenging my students: there are so many absolutely mind-boggling things to learn in biology.
I am really looking forward to connecting to everybody at the University of Alberta. I would also like to connect with the community and beekeepers are an important stakeholder group for me.