Esther Elizabeth (Ezette) du Rand

After specializing in chemistry as an undergraduate, I pursued a postgraduate career in biochemistry specializing in analytical biochemistry with a focus on plant secondary metabolites. During my doctoral studies, I was introduced to honeybee research and the interaction of bees with secondary plant metabolites, as well as pesticides present in pollen, nectar and their immediate environment. I developed a keen interest in the detoxification strategies bees use to cope with nectar and other dietary toxins. Since then my research interests expanded to include bee nutrition with a focus on digestive biochemistry and physiology.

Presently, I am a post-doctoral research fellow in the Department of Zoology and Entomology at the University of Pretoria (South Africa) affiliated to the Social Insects Research Group (SIRG). Currently, my research mainly focuses on shedding more light on the molecular mechanisms underlying sexual conflict and post-mating changes in honeybees by identifying the molecular-level mediators present in the reproductive fluids of drones and queens.