Center For Pollinator Health
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Click on the links to get to know more about our team.
Center For Pollinator Health
Search
Center For Pollinator Health
Please click on the links to learn about our team.
Center For Pollinator Health
Search
Click on the links to get to know more about our team.
Click on the links to get to know more about our team.
Team Leader
Team Leader
Team Leader
Esmaeil Amiri is an Assistant Professor, leading the Center for Pollinator Health at the Delta Research and Extension Center, MSU. He has research and extension responsibilities in pollinator health.
Esmaeil earned his doctorate from Aarhus University, Denmark, and shortly after that, he became a part of the honey bee research collaboration team in North Carolina. He extended his investigations into viral infections and immune responses in honey bee queens there. Using cutting-edge molecular tools and multi-omics approaches, Esmaeil has further broadened his research scope to include studying queen plasticity, maternal and trans-generational effects in honey bees, all aimed at gaining a deeper insight into how stressors affect queen health and consequently, the well-being of their progeny. In his current position, his research interests manifest in various research and extension projects conducted with his group members.
Esmaeil Amiri is an Assistant Professor, leading the Center for Pollinator Health at the Delta Research and Extension Center, MSU. He has research and extension responsibilities in pollinator health.
Esmaeil earned his doctorate from Aarhus University, Denmark, and shortly after that, he became a part of the honey bee research collaboration team in North Carolina. He extended his investigations into viral infections and immune responses in honey bee queens there. Using cutting-edge molecular tools and multi-omics approaches, Esmaeil has further broadened his research scope to include studying queen plasticity, maternal and trans-generational effects in honey bees, all aimed at gaining a deeper insight into how stressors affect queen health and consequently, the well-being of their progeny. In his current position, his research interests manifest in various research and extension projects conducted with his group members.
Esmaeil Amiri is an Assistant Professor, leading the Center for Pollinator Health at the Delta Research and Extension Center, MSU. He has research and extension responsibilities in pollinator health.
Esmaeil earned his doctorate from Aarhus University, Denmark, and shortly after that, he became a part of the honey bee research collaboration team in North Carolina. He extended his investigations into viral infections and immune responses in honey bee queens there. Using cutting-edge molecular tools and multi-omics approaches, Esmaeil has further broadened his research scope to include studying queen plasticity, maternal and trans-generational effects in honey bees, all aimed at gaining a deeper insight into how stressors affect queen health and consequently, the well-being of their progeny. In his current position, his research interests manifest in various research and extension projects conducted with his group members.
Dr. Esmaeil Amiri
Assistant Extension/Research Professor
Dr. Esmaeil Amiri
Assistant Extension/
Research Professor
Esmaeil Amiri is an Assistant Professor, leading the Center for Pollinator Health at the Delta Research and Extension Center, MSU. He has research and extension responsibilities in pollinator health.
Esmaeil earned his doctorate from Aarhus University, Denmark, and shortly after that, he became a part of the honey bee research collaboration team in North Carolina. He extended his investigations into viral infections and immune responses in honey bee queens there. Using cutting-edge molecular tools and multi-omics approaches, Esmaeil has further broadened his research scope to include studying queen plasticity, maternal and trans-generational effects in honey bees, all aimed at gaining a deeper insight into how stressors affect queen health and consequently, the well-being of their progeny. In his current position, his research interests manifest in various research and extension projects conducted with his group members.
Post Doctorates
Post Doctorates
Post Doctorates
Dr. Bita Valizadeh
Dr. Bita Valizadeh
Bita Valizadeh is a Postdoctoral Fellow in Pollinator Health at the Delta Research and Extension Center, MSU. Bita graduated with a Ph.D. in Entomology and Virology from Guilan University, Iran, and was a visiting researcher in Virology at the University of Queensland, Australia. Bita Joined our lab in August 2023 with a keen interest in insect cell culture. Her research interests include insect cell culture, pesticides, and insect-virus interactions. In particular, the discovery and analysis of host genes that facilitate virus replication and those that are used for defense and immunity at the molecular level. With strong communication and multitasking skills and a keen eye for detail, she is a reliable team member.
Bita Valizadeh is a Postdoctoral Fellow in Pollinator Health at the Delta Research and Extension Center, MSU. Bita graduated with a Ph.D. in Entomology and Virology from Guilan University, Iran, and was a visiting researcher in Virology at the University of Queensland, Australia. Bita Joined our lab in August 2023 with a keen interest in insect cell culture. Her research interests include insect cell culture, pesticides, and insect-virus interactions. In particular, the discovery and analysis of host genes that facilitate virus replication and those that are used for defense and immunity at the molecular level. With strong communication and multitasking skills and a keen eye for detail, she is a reliable team member.
Bita Valizadeh is a Postdoctoral Fellow in Pollinator Health at the Delta Research and Extension Center, MSU. Bita graduated with a Ph.D. in Entomology and Virology from Guilan University, Iran, and was a visiting researcher in Virology at the University of Queensland, Australia. Bita Joined our lab in August 2023 with a keen interest in insect cell culture. Her research interests include insect cell culture, pesticides, and insect-virus interactions. In particular, the discovery and analysis of host genes that facilitate virus replication and those that are used for defense and immunity at the molecular level. With strong communication and multitasking skills and a keen eye for detail, she is a reliable team member.
Bita Valizadeh is a Postdoctoral Fellow in Pollinator Health at the Delta Research and Extension Center, MSU. Bita graduated with a Ph.D. in Entomology and Virology from Guilan University, Iran, and was a visiting researcher in Virology at the University of Queensland, Australia. Bita Joined our lab in August 2023 with a keen interest in insect cell culture. Her research interests include insect cell culture, pesticides, and insect-virus interactions. In particular, the discovery and analysis of host genes that facilitate virus replication and those that are used for defense and immunity at the molecular level. With strong communication and multitasking skills and a keen eye for detail, she is a reliable team member.
Dr. Omar Martinez
Omar joined our research team in April 2023 as a Postdoctoral Fellow. He is originally from Colombia. He earned his undergraduate degree in Animal Science from the National University of Colombia and obtained his MA and PhD in Biological Science – Genetics from the University of Sao Paulo – Brazil. Over the last 20 years, He has been experiencing different beekeeping cultures in different commercial beekeeping operations across various countries, including Brazil, New Zealand, and the United States. Currently, he is leading two projects with the aim to improve the quality and performance of honey bee queens through maternal investment. Omar is a true beekeeper and helps with various projects in the lab, too.
Dr. Bashiru Adams
Omar joined our research team in April 2023 as a Postdoctoral Fellow. He is originally from Colombia. He earned his undergraduate degree in Animal Science from the National University of Colombia and obtained his MA and PhD in Biological Science – Genetics from the University of Sao Paulo – Brazil. Over the last 20 years, He has been experiencing different beekeeping cultures in different commercial beekeeping operations across various countries, including Brazil, New Zealand, and the United States. Currently, he is leading two projects with the aim to improve the quality and performance of honey bee queens through maternal investment. Omar is a true beekeeper and helps with various projects in the lab, too.
Dr. Omar Martinez
Dr. Bashiru Adams
As a Postdoctoral Associate, Bashiru Adams joined the Pollinator Health Laboratory at the Delta Research and Extension Center, MSU, in December 2024. He holds a Ph.D. and an MPhil in Entomology from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana, respectively.
He carried out his PhD research work at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi-Kenya. Additionally, he previously worked at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research of Ghana as a Research Entomologist. He has expertise in diverse areas of entomology and chemical ecology. His research focuses on plant-insect-microbe interactions towards developing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Currently, he is leading two projects: to assess the impact of virus infections on honey bees and fire ants’ chemical communication towards improving honey bee health and sustainable fire ant control. He is also working to develop efficient semiochemicals for managing small hive beetles, an important honey bee-associated pest.
As a Postdoctoral Associate, Bashiru Adams joined the Pollinator Health Laboratory at the Delta Research and Extension Center, MSU, in December 2024. He holds a Ph.D. and an MPhil in Entomology from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana, respectively.
He carried out his PhD research work at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi-Kenya. Additionally, he previously worked at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research of Ghana as a Research Entomologist. He has expertise in diverse areas of entomology and chemical ecology. His research focuses on plant-insect-microbe interactions towards developing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Currently, he is leading two projects: to assess the impact of virus infections on honey bees and fire ants’ chemical communication towards improving honey bee health and sustainable fire ant control. He is also working to develop efficient semiochemicals for managing small hive beetles, an important honey bee-associated pest.
Students
Julie Hardy
Graduate Student
Julie Hardy
Graduate Student
Julie Hardy
Graduate Student
Julie Hardy
Graduate Student
Julie Hardy is a graduate student at Mississippi State University and has been a part of the Center for Pollinator Health at the Delta Research and Extension Center since July 2022.
Julie has a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science from Delta State University and is now seeking a master's in Entomology. In her time at the Delta Research and Extension Center, Julie has worked on several projects including a study on the morphological size differences in small hive beetle populations, virus transmissions from honey bee larvae to fire ants, and viral infections and immune responses in honey bee queens.
Julie Hardy is a graduate student at Mississippi State University and has been a part of the Center for Pollinator Health at the Delta Research and Extension Center since July 2022.
Julie has a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science from Delta State University and is now seeking a master's in Entomology. In her time at the Delta Research and Extension Center, Julie has worked on several projects including a study on the morphological size differences in small hive beetle populations, virus transmissions from honey bee larvae to fire ants, and viral infections and immune responses in honey bee queens.
Julie Hardy is a graduate student at Mississippi State University and has been a part of the Center for Pollinator Health at the Delta Research and Extension Center since July 2022.
Julie has a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science from Delta State University and is now seeking a master's in Entomology. In her time at the Delta Research and Extension Center, Julie has worked on several projects including a study on the morphological size differences in small hive beetle populations, virus transmissions from honey bee larvae to fire ants, and viral infections and immune responses in honey bee queens.
Julie Hardy is a graduate student at Mississippi State University and has been a part of the Center for Pollinator Health at the Delta Research and Extension Center since July 2022.
Julie has a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science from Delta State University and is now seeking a master's in Entomology. In her time at the Delta Research and Extension Center, Julie has worked on several projects including a study on the morphological size differences in small hive beetle populations, virus transmissions from honey bee larvae to fire ants, and viral infections and immune responses in honey bee queens.
Sagar Bhandari
Graduate Student
Sagar Bhandari
Graduate Student
Sagar Bhandari
Graduate Student
Sagar Bhandari
Graduate Student
I’m Sagar Bhandari, a graduate student at Mississippi State University.
I attained my undergraduate degree from the Agriculture and Forestry University in Nepal. As a lab member, I will actively participate in a project on elucidating viral infection routes during queen production and assessing the SOV traits. My research interests encompass but are not confined to, trans-generational immune priming, co-evolutionary arms races between honey bees and viruses, and the assessment of the persistency of viruses in varroa mites.
I’m Sagar Bhandari, a graduate student at Mississippi State University.
I attained my undergraduate degree from the Agriculture and Forestry University in Nepal. As a lab member, I will actively participate in a project on elucidating viral infection routes during queen production and assessing the SOV traits. My research interests encompass but are not confined to, transgenerational immune priming,
co-evolutionary arms races between honey bees and viruses, and the assessment of the persistency of viruses in varroa mites.
I’m Sagar Bhandari, a graduate student at Mississippi State University.
I attained my undergraduate degree from the Agriculture and Forestry University in Nepal. As a lab member, I will actively participate in a project on elucidating viral infection routes during queen production and assessing the SOV traits. My research interests encompass but are not confined to, trans-generational immune priming, co-evolutionary arms races between honey bees and viruses, and the assessment of the persistency of viruses in Varroa mites.
I’m Sagar Bhandari, a graduate student at Mississippi State University.
I attained my undergraduate degree from the Agriculture and Forestry University in Nepal. As a lab member, I will actively participate in a project on elucidating viral infection routes during queen production and assessing the SOV traits. My research interests encompass but are not confined to, trans-generational immune priming, co-evolutionary arms races between honey bees and viruses, and the assessment of the persistency of viruses in varroa mites.
Gokul Dhanapati
Graduate Student
Gokul Dhanapati
Graduate Student
Gokul Dhanapati
Graduate Student
Gokul Dhanapati
Graduate Student
Gokul Dhanapati is a Ph.D. student in Entomology at Mississippi State University, having joined the Center for Pollinator Health in January 2025. Originally from India, he holds a master’s degree in Agricultural Entomology from Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya. His research project aims to explore the genetic and environmental factors influencing viral dynamics and develop strategies to select colonies that are resistance to viral infections. He is passionate about pollinator health and aims to contribute to sustainable beekeeping practices through his work.
Gokul Dhanapati is a Ph.D. student in Entomology at Mississippi State University, having joined the Center for Pollinator Health in January 2025. Originally from India, he holds a master’s degree in Agricultural Entomology from Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya. His research project aims to explore the genetic and environmental factors influencing viral dynamics and develop strategies to select colonies that are resistance to viral infections. He is passionate about pollinator health and aims to contribute to sustainable beekeeping practices through his work.
Gokul Dhanapati is a Ph.D. student in Entomology at Mississippi State University, having joined the Center for Pollinator Health in January 2025. Originally from India, he holds a master’s degree in Agricultural Entomology from Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya. His research project aims to explore the genetic and environmental factors influencing viral dynamics and develop strategies to select colonies that are resistance to viral infections. He is passionate about pollinator health and aims to contribute to sustainable beekeeping practices through his work.
Gokul Dhanapati is a Ph.D. student in Entomology at Mississippi State University, having joined the Center for Pollinator Health in January 2025. Originally from India, he holds a master’s degree in Agricultural Entomology from Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya. His research project aims to explore the genetic and environmental factors influencing viral dynamics and develop strategies to select colonies that are resistance to viral infections. He is passionate about pollinator health and aims to contribute to sustainable beekeeping practices through his work.
Staff
Staff
Staff
Somayeh Mehrparvar
Somayeh Mehrparvar
Somayeh Mehrparvar
Somayeh Mehrparvar
I hold a bachelor's degree in computer science and bring over five years of experience leading the IT department at Water and Waste Water Company. As a lab member in the Center for Pollinator Health, I undertake various responsibilities, including coordinating meetings, procuring lab requirements, troubleshooting, analyzing and visualizing data, and assisting team members whenever needed. Additionally, I design posters and create videos for extension activities, ensuring the successful execution of high-quality workshops. I also create, design, and maintain the lab website and make sure our website is updated with various activities. My focus is on ensuring the success of our research and extension projects and the smooth progress of lab members.
I hold a bachelor's degree in computer science and bring over five years of experience leading the IT department at Water and Waste Water Company. As a lab member in the Center for Pollinator Health, I undertake various responsibilities, including coordinating meetings, procuring lab requirements, troubleshooting, analyzing and visualizing data, and assisting team members whenever needed. Additionally, I design posters and create videos for extension activities, ensuring the successful execution of high-quality workshops. I also create, design, and maintain the lab website and make sure our website is updated with various activities. My focus is on ensuring the success of our research and extension projects and the smooth progress of lab members
I hold a bachelor's degree in computer science and bring over five years of experience leading the IT department at Water and Waste Water Company. As a lab member in the Center for Pollinator Health, I undertake various responsibilities, including coordinating meetings, procuring lab requirements, troubleshooting, analyzing and visualizing data, and assisting team members whenever needed. Additionally, I design posters and create videos for extension activities, ensuring the successful execution of high-quality workshops. I also create, design, and maintain the lab website and make sure our website is updated with various activities. My focus is on ensuring the success of our research and extension projects and the smooth progress of lab members.
I hold a bachelor's degree in computer science and bring over five years of experience leading the IT department at Water and Waste Water Company. As a lab member in the Center for Pollinator Health, I undertake various responsibilities, including coordinating meetings, procuring lab requirements, troubleshooting, analyzing and visualizing data, and assisting team members whenever needed. Additionally, I design posters and create videos for extension activities, ensuring the successful execution of high-quality workshops. I also create, design, and maintain the lab website and make sure our website is updated with various activities. My focus is on ensuring the success of our research and extension projects and the smooth progress of lab members.
Future Scientist
Future Scientist
Elena is a bright 5th-grade student who loves solving puzzles and drawing different things. She is great in her classes and is a big hit with her teachers. Elena also loves making things and selling them. Right now, she is writing her book. Her hobbies are reading, drawing, crafting, and writing. Elena has a YouTube channel where she shares the books she is reading with other kids. She has two Parakeets named Oreo and Creamy and two chickens, Hannah and Vanilla.
Elena is a bright 5th-grade student who loves solving puzzles and drawing different things. She is great in her classes and is a big hit with her teachers. Elena also loves making things and selling them. Right now, she is writing her book. Her hobbies are reading, drawing, crafting, and writing. Elena has a YouTube channel where she shares the books she is reading with other kids. She has two Parakeets named Oreo and Creamy and two chickens, Hannah and Vanilla.
Elena Amiri
Elena Amiri
Elena is a bright 5th-grade student who loves solving puzzles and drawing different things. She is great in her classes and is a big hit with her teachers. Elena also loves making things and selling them. Right now, she is writing her book. Her hobbies are reading, drawing, crafting, and writing. Elena has a YouTube channel where she shares the books she is reading with other kids. She has two Parakeets named Oreo and Creamy and two chickens, Hannah and Vanilla.
Future Scientist
Elena is a bright 5th-grade student who loves solving puzzles and drawing different things. She is great in her classes and is a big hit with her teachers. Elena also loves making things and selling them. Right now, she is writing her book. Her hobbies are reading, drawing, crafting, and writing. Elena has a YouTube channel where she shares the books she is reading with other kids. She has two Parakeets named Oreo and Creamy and two chickens, Hannah and Vanilla.
Elena Amiri
Past Team Members
Hossam Aboushaara
Postdoc
April 2022 - April 2023
Akanksha Sehgal
Postdoc
April 2022 - Nov 2022
Hanna James
Graduate Student
May 2023 - Aug 2023
Jan 2024 - Aug 2024
Yasmin Veal
UnderGraduate Student
May 2023 - Aug 2023
Samuel Waldbieser
UnderGraduate Student
May 2023 - Jan 2024
Vanessa Bonatti
Lab Member
Jan 2024 - July 2024
Doug Meredith
Lab Member
Jan 2023 - July 2024
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Past Team Members
Hossam Aboushaara
Hossam Aboushaara
Hossam Aboushaara
Postdoc
Postdoc
Postdoc
April 2022 - April 2023
April 2022 - April 2023
April 2022 - April 2023
Akanksha Sehgal
Akanksha Sehgal
Akanksha Sehgal
Postdoc
Postdoc
Postdoc
April 2022 - Nov 2022
April 2022 - Nov 2022
April 2022 - Nov 2022
Hanna James
Hanna James
Hanna James
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
May 2023 - Aug 2023
Jan 2024 - Aug 2024
May 2023 - Aug 2023
Jan 2024 - Aug 2024
May 2023 - Aug 2023
Jan 2024 - Aug 2024
Yasmin Veal
Yasmin Veal
Yasmin Veal
UnderGraduate Student
UnderGraduate Student
UnderGraduate Student
May 2023 - Aug 2023
May 2023 - Aug 2023
May 2023 - Aug 2023
Samuel Waldbieser
Samuel Waldbieser
Samuel Waldbieser
UnderGraduate Student
UnderGraduate Student
UnderGraduate Student
May 2023 - Jan 2024
May 2023 - Jan 2024
May 2023 - Jan 2024
Vanessa Bonatti
Vanessa Bonatti
Vanessa Bonatti
Lab Member
Lab Member
Lab Member
Jan 2024 - July 2024
Jan 2024 - July 2024
Jan 2024 - July 2024
Doug Meredith
Doug Meredith
Doug Meredith
Lab Member
Lab Member
Lab Member
Jan 2023 - July 2024
Jan 2023 - July 2024
Jan 2023 - July 2024
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