5 Years of RDAR: Q&A Dr. Shelley Hoover

As RDAR marks its fifth year anniversary, we’re sharing stories from across Alberta that show the real-world impact of producer-driven research. In this series, we speak with farmers, industry leaders, and research collaborators who are helping to shape the future of agriculture through practical, on-farm innovation.

Today, we sit down with Dr. Shelley Hoover, RDAR Professor and entomologist at the University of Lethbridge. A leading expert in honeybee health and pollination science, Shelley works closely with Alberta’s beekeeping sector to address critical challenges like queen viability, disease management, and climate resilience. We asked her a few questions about how applied research is strengthening the future of beekeeping in Alberta and beyond.

5 Years of RDAR: Q&A Dr. Shelley Hoover

RDAR 5th Anniversary Q&A

Your research focuses on honeybee health and pollination. What sparked your passion for working with bees, and how did you get started in this field?

Can you tell me a little about your role, and how that dovetails into your position as an RDAR professor?

Bees are critical pollinators in agriculture. What are the biggest challenges currently facing honeybee populations, and how can research help address these issues?

RDAR focuses on research that has a real-world impact on farmers and agriculture. Can you share a recent RDAR-funded project or breakthrough that has practical applications for beekeepers and growers?

Looking forward, what are the most important challenges you face in your research, and how will RDAR be best placed to serve those?

Dr. Shelley Hoover Interview

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