Dr. Rachel Mallinger, Principal Investigator
Dr. Mallinger is an assistant professor in the Department of Entomology and Nematology at the University of Florida where she conducts research and extension on native wild bees, and teaches courses on pollinator ecology and conservation. She received a B.A. in biology from Kalamazoo College in Michigan, a joint Master's in Entomology and Agroecology from the University of  Wisconsin-Madison, and a PhD in Entomology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research interests include community ecology, macroecology, pollination biology, and landscape ecology. Outside of work, she spends time (preferably outdoors) with her toddler son and husband, and enjoys traveling, good food, and good books.  Download her CV here ​ and follow her on Twitter @remallinger

John Ternest, PhD student
I am a graduate student in the Mallinger Lab studying pollination ecology in commercial blueberry production. I received my bachelor's degree at the University of Colorado Boulder, where I completed an honors thesis on honey bee behavior. I then attended Purdue University where I completed my master’s degree on integrated pest and pollinator management in commercial watermelon production. My previous work has inspired me to continue researching bees, specifically at the intersection of ecology and agricultural management. At UF I hope to integrate these aspects of my research in a manner that promotes pollinator conservation as well as effective and sustainable agricultural practices. Follow me on Twitter (@TernestJ) for updates on my research, photos of insects, and the hijinks associated with life as a PhD student. ​

James Weaver, M.S. student
I joined the Mallinger Lab in the summer of 2018. In the past I've worked with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service on habitat restoration and marine bird monitoring at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, and also with USFWS as an ecological technician studying viability of urban landscapes for supporting migratory monarch butterflies. Most recently I worked with the U.S. Geological Survey on a habitat and health study for commercial honey bee colonies in North Dakota. I'm interested in landscape-scale conservation and enhancement of habitat for native pollinators. I received my undergraduate degree in Environmental Science from The University of Texas at Austin. Connect with me here.

Sarah Anderson, PhD student
I am a PhD student in the Mallinger lab studying the effects of agricultural intensification and climate change on specialized plant-pollinator relationships. Prior to beginning here at the University of Florida, I received dual bachelor’s degrees from the University of Kansas in Environmental Science and English – Creative Writing. While in Kansas, I studied the biology of multiple solitary bee species as well as the effects of habitat fragmentation and succession on insect body size. I enjoy spending my free time with my family, friends, and two dogs. 

Worrel Diedrick, PhD Student
I am a graduate student in the cooperative PhD program with University of Florida (UF) and Florida Agricultural Mechanical University (FAMU). When I am at UF, I study honey bee health in Dr. Mallinger’s Lab and when at FAMU in Dr. Kanga’s Lab. Previously, I completed my Master’s degree in entomology at FAMU focusing on egg parasitoids of Megacopta cribraria. My Bachelor’s degree in biology was completed at the Northern Caribbean University in Jamaica. During 2009 to 2015 I worked with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in Jamaica as a Plant Protection Officer where I functioned as a bridge between research and extension. One of my passion is to equip farmers with cutting edge information in agriculture. Whenever it is possible, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, especially, with my children.         

Sam Pryer, PhD student
​I am a PhD student in the Department of Entomology and Nematology at the University of Florida. I am originally from Arkansas, but moved to Kansas for college where I received my bachelor's in biology and master's in biology/botany from Pittsburg State University. My bachelor's work included work with phlebotomine sand flies in Kansas and Missouri during a 3 year collaborative project with a lab at Kansas State University. For my master's, I extensively surveyed the flora of two counties in southeast Kansas. Though a botanist by training, I am particularly interested in the interactions between plants and their pollinators, as well as the evolution of these relationships. When not in the lab, I love to explore the outdoors with my husband and dog.

​Shiala Morales Naranjo, Lab Manager
I joined the lab in September 2019 to help with projects studying native bee communities in blueberry farms and in habitat restorations. I also help with logistics to ensure a successful field season. My past experiences include evaluating how wildflowers support pollinator communities at the University of Florida, Michigan State University, University of Central Florida, and the University of Minnesota. Outside of the lab, I enjoy biking and gardening. 

Former Lab Members
Ann Deaderick, Undergraduate Researcher - Currently pursuing a degree in theology at Emory University
Jon Elmquist, Technician and Lab Manager - Currently pursuing a MS in Entomology at Penn State