Deborah Roan Smith

Dr. Deborah Roan Smith is a Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Kansas. Her research focuses on molecular systematics and social arthropods, particularly spiders and honey bees. She collaborates internationally, including with institutions in Israel, Thailand, and Nepal. Key areas include population genetics of social spiders (e.g., Stegodyphus), biogeography of honey bees (Apis species), and coevolution between bees and parasites like Varroa.

Education and Research: Her work integrates field studies and molecular techniques. Major projects involve studying colonial spider behavior, identifying new spider species in Thailand, and investigating honeybee diversity in Asia. She has published extensively on topics like spider social behavior, honeybee phylogeny, and conservation challenges in apiculture.

Grants and Labs: While specific grants are not listed, her research likely involves funding from international collaborations. No lab teams are explicitly mentioned, but her work engages with global partners like the University of the Negev and Chulalongkorn University.