Liz Walsh ’14 earns high honor in international research competition

Liz Walsh ’14, a Ph.D. student at Texas A&M University, received a second-place award for a research project submitted to an international agricultural science competition. More than 9,000 students from 61 countries participated in the Alltech Young Scientist Competition.

Walsh, originally from Johnson Creek, Wisconsin, majored in biology and English at Ripon College.

Her research project, “The Effects of In-Hive miticides on honey bee (Apis mellifera) queen retinue,” involved chemicals used to protect honey bees from Varroa mites, which are deadly pests that affect honey bees.

“As a part of the beekeeping community, my goal is to make a positive impact on the beekeeping industry and community which have had such a positive impact on me, both personally and professionally,” Walsh said.

Dr. Juliana Rangel, with whom Walsh studied at part of the Research Experience for Undergraduates program in 2013, said, “Her recognition in the media does increase the visibility and importance of honey bees and of our honey bee research program at Texas A&M University. These types of awards come to those who are passionate about their work, and her accomplishments so far are increasingly effective in showcasing her work, our ongoing research efforts, and the importance of pollinators to every member of our society.”