Colleen is Principal Investigator for phase 2 of the MN Bee Atlas and was the entomologist for the stem and wood nesting bee portion in phase 1. As a researcher in the College of Biological Sciences at the University of Minnesota, she has coordinated and lead research since 2009, focusing especially on discovering nesting habitats for stem and wood nesting bees. Colleen has worked on three Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund projects-- Wildlife and Biofuels, Enhancing Pollinator Landscapes, and Minnesota Bee Atlas. More recently, she also worked as Principal Investigator for the UMN Minnesota Futures Pollinator Project. 

Thea has been the project coordinator for the MN Bee Atlas since 2021, and also coordinates maintenance of the pollinator demonstration garden at the UMN Bee Lab. She loves learning about the interactions between insects and plants and making space to live alongside wild plants and animals. Prior to working on stem and wood nesting bee research, she ran a native plant landscaping company and studied restoration ecology at the University of Minnesota.

Meet Jake, staff research scientist at the Bee Atlas! When Jake isn't busy in the lab, you'll often spot them immersed in their garden or dreaming up plans for future green spaces. With a rich background in outdoor education and animal behavior, Jake brings over a decade of experience supporting various community science and conservation education initiatives. From grey whales to monarchs, mussels to megachile, Jake is curious about how species interact with each other in systems, and how humans can foster better interactions with them within our own spaces. 

Kateri Cavanagh, a recent post-graduate with a B.A. in Biology, a minor in Environmental Ethics, and an M.S. in Entomology focusing on IPM in greenhouse environments, is embarking on a new journey as a first-time worker at the MN Bee Atlas this season. When not examining bees and wasps under a microscope, Kateri enjoys watching horror movies, tending to her houseplants, and playing with her cats. She is excited to expand her experience and passion for entomology in this role, where she can apply her knowledge to contribute to the understanding and conservation of pollinators.

Jena Ostendorf is an undergraduate student at the UMN majoring in Plant Science and double minoring in Insect Science and Agricultural & Environmental Communications. She has been a lab technician for MN Bee Atlas since March 2022! In the lab, she enjoys identifying specimens (especially the Chrysididae family). Outside of the lab, she can be found working on the Cuckoo wasp project, planning Insect Club meetings, or waiting for the next moment to hammock in the trees. 

I am an undergraduate studying Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology along with minoring in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management and Insect Science. I am interested in herpetology, entomology, arachnology, and more specifically toxinology/venomics and ecology. Outside of my academic life I like video games, art, music, reading, and spending time with my loved ones including my beloved cat.  

Elaine Evans is a University of Minnesota Extension Educator and Researcher working on pollinator education and research relating to bee conservation. She was Co-PI on phase 1 of the MN Bee Atlas. Her work helps to monitor pollinators, improve the impact of pollinator habitat, raise awareness of pollinators and action steps for pollinator conservation, and connect pollinators to climate, water, and soil.

Britt Forsberg served as the Bee Atlas Project Coordinator from 2015-2020. During that time she recruited and trained the first group of Bee Atlas volunteers with the occasional stint rearing or pinning specimens in the lab.  Now with Thriving Earth Exchange at the American Geophysical Union, she supports community science projects across North America, the Caribbean, and South America. In her free time, Britt enjoys gardening and exploring the outdoors with her family.