Hi everyone! My name is Katherine Mihalczo. I just started my PhD on insect eco-physiology with Andreas Nord. During my project, I will be investigating the thermal responses and adaptations of bees.
After graduating with my bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, I spent a few years trying to find my career niche. Eventually I began working at the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee, where I was lucky enough to assist with an annual week-long BioBlitz. I spent several of these days searching for the endangered rusty patched bumblebee in Appalachian mountain meadows. I became so captivated by the wild bees we found that I knew instantly that I wanted to pursue a master’s degree to study them.
While studying at Utrecht University in the Environmental Biology program, I designed and completed three research projects related to bees. My master’s thesis investigated phenological advances of wild bees, my internship project found complementary pollinator networks on bean and maize crops, and my elective credits project looked at whether a honeybee’s age is related to her foraging behavior. Through all these projects, my fascination with bees never abated and I am so thrilled to continue researching them here at Lund!
When I’m not thinking about bees, I enjoy hiking, fiber arts, and reading. I also love horror movies, sci-fi novels, and playing Dungeons & Dragons. I am looking forward to exploring Sweden this winter by going snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. I’m excited to meet you all in the coming time, please feel free to stop by my office for a chat if you’d like!
