Pollinators play a hugely important role in both natural and human-controlled environments. Unfortunately, there are some indications that pollinator numbers are declining. This data comes primarily from honeybee populations, which are well studied due to their economic impact and ease of data collection. Less well studied are the native pollinators. These pollinators are more diffcult to study, leacing us without adequate information about the scope and severity of pollinator declines. I use Brassica rapa (called fast plants) to quickly and comparably measure pollintor abundance to answer a variety of questions including: are pollinators declining? are certain types of pollinators more at risk? what environmental factors affect the rate of decline? what are the effects of pollinator declines on plant reproduction? what are the long-term effects of pollinator declines on the plants they pollinate?
Responsibilities differ depending on the project. Responsibilities may include: growing plants, measuring plants, performing crosses, counting seeds, observing pollinators, entering data, analyzing data, presenting data.
This project best suits students interested in graduate school since there is a heavy focus on science skill development.
Email me at mlv18@psu.edu.