Laura McHenry, Ph.D.

I am using tools in honey bee foraging ecology and bioinformatics to explore whether certified organic honey could be produced in the continental United States. 

Studied honey bee foraging ecology, communication networks, and behavioral & molecular responses to herbicide exposure. 

Took a summer away to study the effect of prescribed fire and appropriate grazing pressure on native bumble bee and butterfly communities, with a particular focus on the threatened Dakota skipper (Hesperia dacotae). 

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I have a Direct Hire Authority to be hired into an Department of Interior role that is valid until December 19 2026.  

After coming back from Kenya energized about bees, I found my academic home in the Couvillon Lab at Virginia Tech and moved back east, to Blacksburg, VA. 

Coordinated a team of educators to deliver high-quality, science-based, conservation-oriented live animal programming in Portland area schools and Head Start programs. 

Traveled to Kenya to work with the Elephants & Bees Project, an organization that protects small farming communities from crop-raiding elephants by constructing beehive fences.

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Went excited about elephants ... came back excited about bees!

Delivered high-quality, science-based, and conservation-oriented live animal programming in Portland area schools and Head Start programs.

Developed and taught science-based curriculum connecting students with the natural world, both onsite at the Sanctuary as well as on day excursions into the Columbia River Gorge and weeklong excursions to the San Juan Islands.

Studied the socioecology of wild groups of Barbary Macaques (Macaca sylvanus) in the Middle Atlas Mountains.

Tested wild Eastern Spadefoot Toads (Scaphipus holbrookii) for fungal infection.

Conducted independent research on the foraging ecology of Carolina chickadees (Poecile carolinensis).

Developed and taught educational workshops in natural history and led introductory backpacking experiences for youth.