By Scout Nelson
In a university called Bee Lab, a simple interest grew into a strong passion for research and environmental care. Even though studying bees can be complex, the motivation behind it remains clear and heartfelt.
“I just think bees are super cool,” Myers said. "I was thinking about going to medical school when I first came to Nebraska, but, in my heart, I knew I had this love for bees that I wanted to explore. So, during my freshman year, I got a job working at the Bee Lab.”
This early decision opened the door to a new path. Working alongside a graduate researcher, Myers’ began learning about wild bee populations and their importance. Field visits and real research experiences helped develop a deeper understanding of bees and their role in nature.
“The grad student at the time was doing a wild bee project similar to the one I'm doing today," Myers said. "I got to go out into the field with her to study wild bee populations, and that’s where I realized that I wanted to study bees for my career.”
With continued support from research programs, Myers collected important data and explored how landscapes affect bee populations. The research focused on campus spaces and agricultural lands, studying how specific areas can better support bees and increase biodiversity.
“The focus of my research has been looking at how different landscape designs impact wild bees," Myers said. "Half is looking at landscapes on our campus and seeing how different spaces support our bees, and the other has been looking at creating specific strips of land around agricultural fields that could support more biodiversity.”
This work plays an important role in strengthening ecosystems. Bees are essential pollinators, helping plants grow and produce food.
“By increasing and supporting their habitats, we can really help our native bee species thrive in ways that nurture our overall ecosystems in Nebraska," Myers said.
After completing undergraduate studies, the journey continued into advanced research. The experience gained in the Bee Lab helped build skills and confidence.
“Being able to work in the lab for this long is incredible. My undergraduate research really allowed me to pin down which area I wanted to focus on and help me develop those skills," Myers said. "Every day, I'm able to discover something new that I find fascinating, so I feel really lucky.”
This journey shows how passion, combined with learning, can lead to meaningful contributions to science and the environment.
Photo Credit: pexels-pixabay
Categories: Nebraska, Education