Bee expert to keynote Biology Symposium today

The Biology Department will host the 38th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium in Biology on Friday, April 8, in the Adducci Science Center.

Students from Saint Mary’s and other colleges and universities in the tri-state region will present the results of their undergraduate research projects. Registration is free and begins at 8 a.m. Presentations begin at 8:20 a.m.

The symposium presents attendees with the opportunity to experience the process of open collegial assessment of experimental findings, the opportunity to encounter discoveries from a variety of scientific disciplines, and an excellent environment to develop personal contacts and acquaintances.

Dr. Marla Spivak, Distinguished McKnight Professor of Apiculture and Social Insects in the Department of Entomology and director of the Bee Lab at the University of Minnesota, will present the R.V. Kowles Lecture. Dr. Spivak’s research into the mechanisms of disease resistance in bee colonies is internationally recognized. For her work and her active dissemination of best practices to beekeepers worldwide, Dr. Spivak was recently awarded a MacArthur Fellowship. Her presentation, titled “Socialized Medicine in Honey Bee Colonies,” will begin at 1:45 p.m. in Figliulo Recital Hall.

The public is invited to attend the lecture, as well as the student presentations, free of charge. Morning refreshments will be provided.