PAm/Costco Canadian Scholars

Project Apis m. is proud to announce the 2022 selection of PAm-Costco Canada Scholars!

The PAm-Costco Canada Scholarships are awarded to outstanding scholars in Canada who are dedicated to making an impact on honey bee health and the sustainability of beekeeping throughout their careers.

PAm-Costco Canada scholars demonstrate academic excellence, innovation, scientific aptitude, communication skills, and a commitment to honey bees and beekeepers.

The students who receive this PhD Fellowship award bring new energy, ideas, and expertise to the fold of scientists pushing the edges of bee health research across the globe. This award is an investment in the next generation of leaders to innovate and support beekeepers and pollinators.

We commend all of the applicants and give our heartfelt congratulations to the Awardees!


Ana María Quiroga Arcila

PhD student, Laval University

Awarded: $60,000

Ana María Quiroga Arcila is pursuing her PhD in the Phytology Department at Laval University. She is co-advised by Dr. Valérie Fournier, and Dr. Pierre Giovenazzo. She will be researching stocking rates and blueberry pollination in Quebec. Her project is titled:

 “Optimization of Lowbush Blueberry Pollination by Honeybees and Bumblebees.” 


Tracey Smith

PhD student, University of Alberta

Awarded: $60,000

Tracey Smith is pursuing her PhD at the University of Alberta. She is advised by Dr. Olav Rueppell. The focus of her research is relative humidity within bee colonies and it’s impact on varroa and viral transmission. Her project is titled:

“ The Effect of Hive relative Humidity on Varroa destructor Reproduction and Viral Infections.”