Project Grant 2420131

This National Science Foundation (NSF) Office of International Science and Engineering (OISE) Project Grant award, under CFDA Number 47.079, provides $400,282 to Sacred Heart University Incorporated to fund the "BEE-HERO: An Inclusive International Research Experience for Undergraduates" program. This 4-year project will enable 18 undergraduate students from historically underrepresented groups to conduct international research on honey bee health and ecology at the Centre for Honey Bee Research at the Swedish University for Agricultural Sciences. The key objectives are to study bee parasites and viruses, develop students' research skills and professional networks, and foster their interest and preparedness for STEM careers. The project aims to address systemic inequities in access to international research experiences, which can act as a barrier to retention and success of underrepresented students in academic science. The research will have broad implications for managing domestic bee populations, understanding effects on wild bee populations, and advancing knowledge of disease ecology and pollinator sustainability.