Jay Evans

PhD, Lead Scientist, USDA-ARS Bee Research Laboratory (Beltsville, MD)

Jay started studying insect colonies in college (Princeton University) and graduate school (University of Utah) while pursuing degrees in genetics and behavior. His research is focused on interactions between bees and the pathogens and parasites that torment them. He is focused on safe medicines and management strategies to reduce the impacts of bee disease.

Jay was a leader in the Honey Bee Genome Project and has helped develop new genetic insights into bee breeding and disease diagnostics. He has received USDA awards for ‘Early Career’ (2003) and ‘Senior’ (2023) Scientist of the Year, the EAS James Hambleton Award for Bee Research, and is a fellow in the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He has enjoyed mentoring dozens of students and professional researchers.

Along with trying to push the needle towards better honey bee survival, Jay argues that honey bees are a key part of human lives worldwide, as a form of equitable farming that gives much from small initial investments. He is thus keen on promoting honey bees and beekeeping as a sustainable part of nature and human health.

Jay writes a monthly research column for Bee Culture magazine (www.beesfoundintranslation.org) and enjoys frequent talks with beekeepers.