KAYLA GAUDET, M.Sc
Apiculturist – ATTTA
Kayla joins the team as an Apiculturist for the Atlantic Tech Transfer Team for Apiculture and Perennia. Kayla will be involved in an applied research program that helps Maritime Beekeepers increase pollination capability, and enhance the skills needed to improve hive health and productivity. She will assist with research projects for honey bees and pollination by working collaboratively with beekeepers and blueberry growers throughout the Maritimes. This will involve delivering workshops, conducting farm visits, conducting field trials and engaging with growers and beekeepers.
Kayla has an educational background in Biology and Environmental Management. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in 2020, with an honours and major in Biology at the University of New Brunswick. She then continued her education at Acadia University, where she graduated in 2022 with a Master of Science in Biology. Her MSc thesis focused on developing a natural-based pesticide for agricultural and residential purposes. She developed and tested this product with an industry partner to be effective against the two-spotted spider mite and a common necrotrophic fungus (Botrytis cinerea). She also assessed the secondary impacts of the pesticide on the common eastern bumble bee.
Kayla has been involved in a variety of entomology-related projects for the past 5 years. She has worked on research projects involving eastern spruce budworm at the University of New Brunswick and Forest Protection Limited (Fredericton, NB). She has been involved in a variety of projects while working at Acadia University for the past 3 years. Most recently her research has focused on the black-legged tick. She studied the impacts of Borrelia burgdorferi (bacterial causative agent for Lyme disease) on the behaviour and chemosensory system of the black-legged tick. Throughout her diverse education and work experience Kayla has become passionate about how natural products can be used to manage a variety of pest species within the agricultural sector.
Kayla is excited to start her new role as an Apiculturist with ATTTA and Perennia. She looks forward to bringing her knowledge of pest management and entomology to the team.
