The honey bee is one of the most intriguing species on the planet — and one of the most important. From increasing the amount and nutritive value of our food crops to literally producing light, they are enthralling creatures that have been studied throughout history.
The University of Lethbridge’s Dr. Shelley Hoover, one of Canada’s foremost bee researchers, will unlock some of the mysteries surrounding the incomparable honey bee at the next PUBlic Professor Series lecture, Fiat Lux (or, why honey bees are practically magic) on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, 7 to 9 p.m. at the Agri-Food Hub & Trade Centre. Note this is a new venue and new night for a PUBlic Professor Series event.
“Everybody has a story about bees, whether they’re a gardener and they like bees to pollinate their garden, or maybe they have a beekeeper in their family or they love to eat honey, or they’ve been stung by a bee — bees have been captivating people for thousands of years,” says Hoover, an associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences. “In my talk, I’ll discuss what it is about bees that captivates us, how we use bees in our daily lives, and how research solutions in my lab are helping bees in Canada become healthier.”
Hoover studies bees, their interactions with one another, with other organisms, and with their environment. Her lab has ongoing research in diverse areas related to this theme, including how parasites alter bee behaviour, the honey bee microbiome, the breeding and management of honey bees, the role of pheromones in social structure, pollination and how environmental change affects the interactions between plants and pollinators.
Honey bees can live nearly anywhere on Earth, they are integral to food crops, and they make hive products that are eaten, used in medicine, cosmetics, dentistry, waterproofing, lubricants, polishes, ornamentation and art, cooking, sewing, metal casting, sealing documents, and yes, literally to produce light. With their complex social structure, behaviours and communication, it is no wonder they have fascinated people for centuries.
The annual PUBlic Professor Series lectures spark thought-provoking discussions on the most relevant topics of the day, bringing together a diverse group of experts and researchers from across campus and into the community. Every talk is free of charge.
2024-25 PUBlic Professor Series
Fiat Lux (Or, why honey bees are practically magic) — Dr. Shelley Hoover, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024 — Agri-Food Hub & Trade Centre
Will Generative AI Change the World? — Dr. Sidney Shapiro, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024 — Slice Bar and Grill
Political and Policy Innovation in Alberta: The More Things Change . . . ? — Dr. Lars Hallstrom, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 — Sandman Signature Lodge
Sentimental Songs for Sentimental People — Dr. Emily Gale, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025 — The Owl
Does Reading Even Matter Anymore? — Dr. Robin Bright (BA ’79, BEd ’82, MEd ’88), Thursday, Mar. 27, 2025 — Sandman Signature Lodge