Jennifer M. Standley (she/her/hers)
About me...
Hi! A little about the research scientist I am:
I am currently a Ph.D. candidate in Entomology at the 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 preferences and the physiological effects of different pollen resources, with a primary emphasis on the invasive tallow tree (Triadica sebifera). I bring seven years of experience conducting research within honey bee systems.
My technical expertise includes pollen identification and acetolysis, in vitro insect rearing, DNA extraction, microbial bioassays, bacterial and fungal culturing, optical density measurements, serial dilutions, statistical analysis in R, and scientific illustration and visualization using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. I have also taken a leadership role in establishing and acquiring BSL-II laboratory space and associated permitting for two research laboratories.
Beyond research, I am passionate about extension, outreach, and science communication. I have nine years of experience participating in general entomology and beekeeping outreach at the state and community levels, along with 12 years of skilled hands-on beekeeping experience. I enjoy translating research into accessible information, communicating science to diverse audiences, and working directly with stakeholders to connect research with real world needs.
Major achievements
5 peer-reviewed publications; 2 grants awarded (total $38,484) and 5 grants contributed;
8 major awards: including research conference presenter winner (2) and AAPA exceptional student (total $2,800);
7 years research experience, 9 years extension and outreach experience (2 years Departmental Entomology Outreach Coordinator)
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 - current
Graduate Research Assistant, Honey Bee Research and Extension Lab
August 2020 - December 2022
Entomology Outreach Coordinator, Entomology and Nematology University of Florida, USA
August 2020 - August 2022
Research Lab Assistant Volunteer, Eckerd College, Saint Petersburg, FL USA
October 2019 - May 2020
AUBees Practical Beekeeping Workshop, Auburn Bee Center, Auburn, AL USA, Developed and launched a spring and fall beekeeping workshop for beginner beekeepers. These workshops are designed for the 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 biannually (spring/fall)
Teaching Assistant, Bee Biology Course ENTM 5500/6500, Auburn University Entomology and Plant Pathology Department, Auburn, AL USA, Instructor for numerous lecture and lab sessions, grading homework and exams, student mentorship for reviewing course material, and assisting professors with developing instructional material. Spring 2026
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. Accepted in final review
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
Education
Professional Experiences
Teaching
Refereed 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
Exceptional Student Award, American Association of Professional Apiculturist, $1,000. January 2027 (announced early)
American Bee Research Conference Presenter Winner, Mobile, AL USA. $300. In vitro rearing honey bees on a diet consisting of pollen commonly found in the southeastern United States, January 2026
Entomology Travel Grant, Auburn University, Entomology and Plant Pathology Department, Auburn, AL USA. $250, September 2026
Entomology Travel Grant, Auburn University, Entomology and Plant Pathology Department, Auburn, AL USA, $250, September 2025
Entomology Travel Grant, Auburn University, Entomology and Plant Pathology Department, Auburn, AL USA. $250, September 2024
Entomology Travel Grant, Auburn University, Entomology and Plant Pathology Department, Auburn, AL USA. $250, September 2023
American Bee Research Conference Presenter Winner, Jacksonville, FL USA. $300. “Sterilizing royal jelly for use in Apis mellifera in vitro rearing programs”, January 2023
Entomology and Nematology Student Organization, University of Florida, Entomology and Nematology Department, Gainesville, FL USA. Travel grant $200, February 2022
Major Awards