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Sara Hellström

My research project concerns the effects of stressor combinations on solitary bees. I am interested in reproductive and longevity effects of exposure to agrochemicals and pathogens.

Wild bees are exposed to many risks in our modern-day agricultural landscape. Little is known about how solitary bee populations are affected by our widespread use of agrochemicals. Will exposure make bees more likely to suffer adverse effects from infections? Will exposure affect the reproduction or development of solitary bees? Will ground-nesting bees suffer from exposure via soil? I am adressing these questions with a laboratory-based experimental approach. My main model organism is the managed Red Mason Bee Osmia bicornis, but I am also working on the developement of a novel solitary bee species for further experimental work.

On a more general level, my research interests surround sustainable land-use. I believe solid science is essential to support a low-risk exploitation of our common resources, while safeguarding biodiversity.

MLU is a partner of PoshBee. This collaborative research project aims to support healthy bee populations, sustainable beekeeping and pollination across Europe.

For more information please visit http://www.poshbee.eu/about   

This project receives funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programe under grant agreement No. 773921

• 2018 Master of Science (Conservation Biology), Lund University, Sweden. Title of thesis project: Abundance and Diversity of Brazil nut pollinators and Orchid Bees in Secondary and Primary Forest Habitats in Eastern Amazon
• 2016 Bachelor of Science (Biology), Lund University, Sweden. title of thesis project: Species richness and Diversity of Hoverflies (Syrphidae) under differnt urban park management regimes

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