What do you study?

I started researching pollinators in high school, developing a new method of detecting varroa mites—one of the biggest threats to honeybee health. Now at Cornell’s McArt Lab, I study disease ecology in bumblebees, focusing on deformed wing virus. Pollinators are essential: ~75% of global food crops and flowering plants depend on them. Protecting bees means protecting our ecosystems, agriculture, and future.

How do you know you're having an impact?

Awards and achievements are meaningful, but the real reward is when people understand and connect with my research. There’s a growing gap between scientists and the public. Research only becomes powerful when people can actually use it. When a beekeeper tells me my work could one day help their colony thrive, that’s the moment I’m most proud of.

What have you learned at Cornell? 

College has been a huge turning point for me. Living away from home has made me more
independent, confident, and self-reliant. At Cornell, I’ve met incredibly talented and genuine people who push me to grow while being a support system I can always depend on. I’m grateful every day for this community.