Okay Erdag

I am a veterinarian and MSc graduate in Animal Sciences from Wageningen University & Research, with a specialization in animal breeding and genetics. My master’s thesis explored the division of labor in honeybees and how it is influenced by stress factors such as chronic Varroa destructor infestations and acute cold shock, conducted under the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Group.

I am strongly interested in molecular ecology, honeybee health, and colony resilience. I am particularly fascinated by how environmental stressors affect social insects and their behaviour, including mechanisms like self-medication and the role of fungal interactions in bee immunity. Working with honeybees in both field and laboratory settings has deepened my appreciation for their complex social structures and resilience.