Kaira Wagoner

CEO Optera, Research Scientist at UNC Greensboro

Kaira Wagoner, PhD
Kaira Wagoner, PhD, is the co-inventor of the UBeeOTM Assay, a pheromone-based tool for measuring honey bee colony mite and disease resistance. UBeeOTM tests a colony’s ability to detect and remove unhealthy brood from the hive, a heritable trait known as hygienic behavior. Research indicates that colonies with higher UBeeOTM scores have fewer mites, higher survival, and lower virus, Nosema, and chalkbrood loads. In 2023, Dr. Wagoner was recognized in Copenhagen, Denmark as a finalist for the BII & AAAS Science Prize for Innovation for her work with UBeeOTM. Dr. Wagoner currently serves as CEO of Optera, a honey bee health company based in Greensboro, North Carolina, which manufactures UBeeOTM. She also works with pollinators in her role as a Research Scientist at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). Dr. Wagoner’s doctoral research at UNCG focused on honey bee chemical communication and hygienic behavior, which led to the development of UBeeOTM. When not in the lab or apiary, Dr. Wagoner enjoys traveling, playing games, and spending time in the great outdoors with her husband and three nature-loving boys.