Sarah Page Lawson

Sarah Page Lawson, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Quinnipiac University, where she has taught since 2019. She holds a BS in Biology from the University of New Mexico and a PhD in Biological Sciences (Ecology and Evolution) from Vanderbilt University. Following doctoral studies, she completed a National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of New Hampshire.

Her research focuses on two primary domains: pollinator ecology (examining nutritional landscapes, floral resource impacts, and physiological responses in native bees) and social evolution (investigating ecological predictors of social behavior transitions in animals). Her work integrates field studies with experimental approaches to address conservation challenges and behavioral mechanisms.

Publications demonstrate strong emphasis on native pollinator systems, particularly carpenter bees (Ceratina calcarata), with recurring themes in conservation biology, behavioral ecology, and nutritional physiology. Recent work shows expanded focus on neuroethological mechanisms (biogenic amines) and applied conservation (pollinator garden efficacy).

• Awards:
  • National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (2014-2018)

She mentors multiple students in independent research projects, with advised work presented at regional and national conferences including the Eastern Colleges Science Conference and Entomological Society of America meetings. Current courses include Ecology and Biodiversity, Conservation Biology, Evolution, and Introduction to Environmental Studies.

Leads the Lawson Lab specializing in pollinator health and social behavior research, with active field projects including pollinator garden installations and population monitoring initiatives at Quinnipiac.