REU site: integrative biological studies of plant-pollinator dynamics in an island ecosystem

The National Science Foundation Division of Biological Infrastructure awarded the University of Central Oklahoma $458,550 on May 1, 2026, to operate a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site investigating plant-pollinator dynamics in an island ecosystem. The award supports training of seven undergraduate students annually for eight weeks during summers 2026 through 2028, conducting field and laboratory research on the Northeast Aegean Island of Lesvos, which contains one of the world's highest known levels of bee species diversity. The research employs an integrative biological approach to test hypotheses concerning lethal and sublethal effects of environmental stressors—including chemicals and temperature extremes—on bee populations through four interrelated areas of inquiry: comparative learning analysis using a honey bee model system, bee foraging dynamics in relation to thermal niches, ecophysiological phenotypes of bees under stress, and genomic and molecular systems underlying those phenotypes. Students will gain skills in experimental design and laboratory techniques, present research results at conferences, and complete biweekly written reflections and post-program surveys assessing preparation for scientific careers. The funding is authorized under NSF Biological Sciences (CFDA 47.074), with place of performance at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Oklahoma, and a period of performance through April 30, 2029. Students apply through NSF ETAP (Education and Training Application).

Abstract

This REU site award to the university of central oklahoma (UCO) and will support the training of seven students for eight weeks during the summers of 2026 - 2028. Research will be conducted on the northeast aegean island of lesvos, which has one of the highest known levels of BEE species diversity in the world. The study will investigate what environmental stressors (chemicals, temperature extremes, etc.) negatively impact BEE populations. This information is important for understanding worldwide declines in pollinator populations as well as aiding the preservation of BEE species that pollinate both native and non-native (crop) plant species. Students will learn how field and laboratory research is conducted and present the results of their work at conferences; they will gain valuable skills in experimental design and laboratory techniques that will prepare them to successfully enter the scientific workforce of the 21ST century. Assessment will include concurrent feedback (biweekly written reflections), post-program surveys (on preparation for becoming a scientist), and agency feedback that includes annual reports as well as information garnered from the participant application process itself; students should apply to the REU site using NSF etap (education and training application: https://etap.NSF.GOV). The training students will receive is aligned with NSF priorities in artificial intelligence. The project will use an integrative biological approach to test hypotheses in four interrelated areas of inquiry concerning lethal and sublethal effects of environmental stressors on BEE populations: (1) comparative analysis of learning using a honey BEE model study system, (2) foraging dynamics of bees in relation to thermal niches, (3) the ecophysiological phenotypes of bees under stress, and (4) the genomic and molecular systems underlying those phenotypes. This highly interdisciplinary project will continue a productive collaboration between the PI institution and the university of the aegean at mytilene but will also include collaborating senior personnel from other institutions in kansas, north dakota, oklahoma, and pennsylvania. Students will be trained to conduct experimental studies with cutting edge technology for assessing temperature variation as well as in detecting responses by bees to environmental conditions simulated in the laboratory; they will also be trained in responsible and ethical conduct of research during a mini-course at the outset of the program. During the final week of the project, students will complete self-assessments of their development as scientists to aid senior personnel in evaluating project outcomes; they will also present their findings during an on-campus symposium at the close of the program and, later, at a national conference. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.