Trainees
Erica Maul
Department: Biological Sciences
Office: Mailing: Smith Bee Lab 101 Rouse Life Sciences Bldg Auburn University Auburn, AL 36849
erm0085@auburn.edu
Areas of Interest: Biology, Animal Behavior, Conservation, Ecology
Research Interests: better understanding of the social behaviors of honey bees that influence a colony's likelihood, or lack thereof, to survive threats such as extreme weather
Erica Maul is a Ph.D. student in the Smith Bee Lab at Auburn University, studying the behavior of eusocial insects, with honeybees as their model organism. Before coming to Auburn, Erica received a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies at Wellesley College in Massachusetts. Erica's current research in Dr. Michael Smith’s Bee Lab is the use of tree resins by honeybees as a nest construction material, how it varies across colonies, and its function in protecting honeybees from weather events. Outside of research, Erica loves tending to their vegetable garden, reading, and giving their cat, Charlotte, plenty of attention.
"With a background in environmental studies, I deeply believe that my research cannot exist in a bubble, at that climate change will affect all fields if not mitigated. The NRT program allows me to elevate and address these concerns during my graduate studies, as well as to grow and collaborate with other trainees."