A rising ASU researcher takes on honeybee health with national recognition

Zion Hubbard is no stranger to staying busy.

As an accelerated master’s student of biology in Arizona State University's School of Life Sciences, he balances research, teaching and mentorship with a sense of purpose that continues to grow alongside his work.

Recently, that dedication earned national recognition with a North American Pollinator Protection Campaign Honey Bee Health Grant, a milestone that both supports and celebrates his research into one of the most pressing ecological issues of our time.

Hubbard’s academic journey began early in his undergraduate career when he joined the lab of his principal investigator, Susan Holechek, after taking one of her courses. What started as a first-semester opportunity quickly developed into a three-year commitment to research. Now, as a student in the accelerated master’s program, he is preparing to defend his thesis while also stepping into a leadership role as the upcoming course coordinator for BIO 194: iSTEM SOLUR Prep Seminar.

Along the way, Hubbard has made a lasting impact on the students around him. He has mentored more than 30 undergraduates, guiding them through the process of developing research projects, analyzing data and preparing presentations for academic symposiums. His work with these students reflects a deep commitment to building community within science.

“I was mentored when I first started,” he says. “Now I get to do the same for other students. It’s a full-circle moment.”

At the center of Hubbard’s research is a focus on honeybee health. His thesis explores how specific chemical signals, known as volatiles, can stimulate hygienic behavior in honeybees. This behavior allows bees to detect and remove infected members of the hive, helping to limit the spread of viruses transmitted by parasitic Varroa mites, one of the leading causes of hive loss.

The importance of this work extends far beyond the hive. Honeybees are among the most critical pollinators in the United States, supporting agricultural systems and maintaining ecological balance.

“Honeybees support our crops, our produce and even the plants around campus,” Hubbard explains. “They may be small, but their impact is huge.”

It is this impact that makes Hubbard’s recent achievement especially meaningful. The NAPPC Honey Bee Health Grant recognizes promising research aimed at improving pollinator health. For Hubbard, receiving the grant not only provides essential funding for his project but also affirms the significance of his work within the broader scientific community.

He discovered the opportunity through his own research, searching for grants that aligned with his interests in conservation and honeybee biology. After missing an initial application cycle, he returned to apply the following year, motivated by the organization’s strong support for pollinator-focused research.

“It’s a niche area compared to other types of research,” he says. “But it’s important. Finding an organization that supports this work means a lot.”

The grant will help launch the next phase of his thesis, allowing him to test new approaches and refine his methods. It also places him among a network of researchers dedicated to protecting pollinators, further expanding his academic and professional connections.

Hubbard’s work is strengthened by ASU’s extensive honeybee research infrastructure. Through collaborations with faculty across multiple campuses, he has been able to integrate behavioral science, genetics, molecular biology and ecology into a single, cohesive project. Each mentor contributes a different area of expertise, allowing Hubbard to approach his research from multiple angles.

This interdisciplinary experience has shaped his future goals. As he looks ahead to PhD programs, Hubbard hopes to continue exploring honeybee conservation while deepening his focus on molecular and genetic research.

Beyond the lab, his growth as a mentor and communicator stands out as one of his most meaningful achievements. Once unsure about stepping into leadership roles, he now thrives on helping other students find their place in research.

Each semester, Hubbard works closely with student teams in the BIO 194 course, preparing them to present their work at the School of Life Sciences Undergraduate Research Symposium. Watching students gain confidence and discover their own passion for science has become one of the most rewarding parts of his journey.

“It’s exciting to see them grow,” he says. “You can tell when it clicks for someone.”

He credits much of his development to the School of Life Sciences Undergraduate Research program, which provides students with research opportunities, funding and professional training. Through workshops, seminars and hands-on experience, the program has helped him refine both his scientific skills and his ability to communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences.

As Hubbard continues his work, the recognition from the NAPPC Honey Bee Health Grant marks an important moment in an already impressive trajectory. It highlights not only his potential as a researcher but also the growing importance of the work he has chosen to pursue.

In studying honeybees, Hubbard is contributing to something much larger than a single project. His research speaks to the health of ecosystems, the stability of food systems and the future of environmental conservation. And with national support now behind him, his work is poised to make an even greater impact.