معرفی
Beryl Jones is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Kentucky's Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Her research focuses on the genomics of socio-behavioral plasticity in wild bees, integrating behavior, ecology, and modern computational biology approaches to understand phenotypic complexity evolution. She serves as both a Career and Professional Mentor and Research Mentor for students.
Dr. Jones received her educational training through:
- B.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Biochemistry, University of Arizona, 2011
- Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2019
Her research program centers on social insects as models for evolutionary transitions and phenotypic plasticity. The Jones Lab specifically studies sweat bees (Halictidae) which exhibit remarkable plasticity within and across species, repeated gains and losses of social traits, and newly developed genomic resources. Her work integrates behavioral ecology with computational biology and genomics to understand the mechanisms behind phenotypic complexity. This research has implications for understanding evolutionary transitions, social behavior development, and the genetic basis of plasticity across developmental and evolutionary timescales.
Analysis of Dr. Jones' publication record reveals a consistent focus on the genomics of social behavior in bees, with particular attention to sweat bees as model organisms. Her work spans molecular, physiological, and behavioral levels, connecting gene regulatory networks to social phenotypes. Recent research has increasingly incorporated advanced computational methods including AI and machine learning for behavioral tracking. Her publications span high-impact journals across evolutionary biology, genomics, and entomology, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of her work.
Dr. Jones has received numerous scientific awards throughout her career:
- George C. Eickwort Student Research Award (IUSSI-NAS) 2019
- Robert Emerson Memorial Award (UIUC) 2018
- NSF Graduate Research Fellowship 2012-2015
- Illinois Distinguished Fellowship 2012-2018
- Multiple undergraduate research awards including the Barry M. Goldwater Fellowship
Dr. Jones actively mentors students and has served as a Teaching Assistant, Guest Lecturer, and Lecturer for various courses including Bioinformatics and Bees and Beekeeping. She is currently recruiting M.S. and Ph.D. students for her lab. Her research has been supported by multiple grants including NSF funding and institutional fellowships. Dr. Jones has also served on graduate admissions committees, organized conferences, and participated in peer review for numerous journals.
The Jones Lab focuses on the genomics of socio-behavioral plasticity in wild bees, particularly sweat bees in the family Halictidae. The lab integrates behavioral ecology with computational biology and genomics to understand the evolution and development of phenotypic complexity. Current research examines how social traits evolve and are maintained through genetic and environmental interactions, with particular attention to facultatively eusocial species that can switch between solitary and social behaviors.
