Jennifer M. Standley (she/her/hers)
About me...
Hi! A little about the scientist that I am. Currently a Ph.D. student in Entomology at Auburn University Bee Center, where my research focuses on western honey bee (Apis mellifera) nutrition, palynology, and pollination ecology. My work investigates honey bee pollen forage preference and their physiological effects, with a primary emphasis on the invasive tallow tree (Triadica sebifera). I currently have seven years in honey bee systems research.
Some of my technical competencies include: Pollen identification and acetolysis, in vitro rearing, DNA extractions, microbial bioassays, culturing bacteria and fungi, optical density measurements, serial dilutions, statistical analyses in R, and scientific illustrations in Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator. I also played the leadership role in acquiring BSL-2 laboratory space and permitting at two labs.
Additionally I love extension and outreach and have nine years of activities in general entomology and beekeeping at the state and community level, including 12 years of skilled beekeeping experience.
Major achievements
4 peer-reviewed publications and 1 in-review; 2 grants awarded (total $38,484), 5 grants contributed ($2,042,664);
7 years research experience, 9 years extension and outreach experience (2 years Departmental Entomology Outreach Coordinator)
My interviews: Tallow research Podcast Link; In vitro research Podcast Link; Museum of Natural History Link
Doctor Philosophy, Entomology, Auburn University Bee Center, Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, USA, January 2023 - spring 2027
Master of Science, Entomology, Honey Bee Research and Extension Lab, Entomology and Nematology University of Florida, USA
August 2020 - December 2022
Bachelor of Science, Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL USA, Graduated – 2011
Graduate Research Assistant, Auburn University Bee Center
January 2023 - spring 2027
Graduate Research Assistant, Honey Bee Research and Extension Lab
August 2022 - December 2022
Entomology Outreach Coordinator, Entomology and Nematology University of Florida, USA
August 2020 - August 2022
Teaching Assistant, Bee Biology Course ENTM 5500/6500, Auburn University Entomology and Plant Pathology Department, Auburn, AL USA, Spring 2026
AUBees Practical Beekeeping Workshop, Auburn Bee Center, Auburn, AL USA. Developed and launched a spring and fall beekeeping workshop for beginner beekeepers designed for participants to gain vital beekeeping skills through both classroom instruction and hands-on training. Some topics covered include: colony health, pests and disease, varroa management, nutrition, splitting a colony, and honey extraction. The workshop program remains currently active. Fall 2023 – currently reoccurring
Olatinwo, R., Bataineh, M., Standley, J.M., Abbate, A., Williams, G., Lau, P., 2025. Chloroplast markers for detecting Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera) DNA in environmental samples. Forests 16, 437. https://doi.org/10.3390/f16030437
Standley, J.M., Marcelino, J., Yu, F., Ellis, J.D., 2025. A meta-omics approach using eDNA and eRNA for the assessment of biotic communities associated with royal jelly produced by the western honey bee (Apis mellifera L.). Molecular Ecology Resources 25, e14090. https://doi.org/10.1111/1755-0998.14090
Standley, J.M., Prouty, C., Ellis, J.D., 2024. Does consuming irradiated royal jelly affect Apis mellifera larvae development and survival to adulthood in vitro? Journal of Apicultural Research. https://doi.org/10.1080/00218839.2024.2368283
Boardman, L., Marcelino, J.A.P., Valentin, R.E., Boncristiani, H., Standley, J.M., Ellis, J.D., 2024. Novel eDNA approaches to monitor Western honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) microbial and arthropod communities. Environmental DNA 6, e419. https://doi.org/10.1002/edn3.419
Standley, J.M. Sterilizing royal jelly for use in Apis mellifera in vitro rearing programs." M.S. thesis, University of Florida, 2022. https://ufdc.ufl.edu/UFE0059501/00001/pdf
In review
Standley, J.M., Abbate, A.P., Lau, P.W., Tundo, G., Williams, G.W., A scientific note on an invasive pollen provider, tallow (Triadica sebifera), as a resource for honey bees (Apis mellifera). Apidologie. In review.
Education
Employment
Teaching
Major Publications
ALFA Bee and Honey Division, Auburn University Bee Center, AU, Auburn, AL USA. Effects of tallow tree pollen on honey bee development and longevity. 1 June 2024 – 31 May 2025 ($3,600)
USDA-APHIS-PPQ (Cooperative agreement, #: AP22PPQS&T00C189), Honey Bee Research and Extension Lab, UF, Gainesville, FL USA. Sterilizing royal jelly for use in western honey bee in vitro rearing programs. 1 July 2022 – 31 Dec 2022 ($34,884)
Grants