February 27th, Leeah Richardson

Buzzworthy Behaviors and the Sting of Anthropogenic Stressors

How do bees learn to navigate the dazzling variety of flowers — and how do plants ensure their pollinators do the job? Join PhD candidate Leeah Richardson on February 27th as we dive into the intricate world of bee foraging. Explore how bees process floral diversity, from colors and scents to shapes, and how their behavior is shaped by farming practices, landscapes, and pesticides. Learn how these tiny pollinators help sustain ecosystems — and how human actions impact their ability to do so.

Lecture Schedule

• 7:00 pm: Kid’s activities and natural history displays
• 7:15 pm – 7:45 pm: Guided tour of the Brackenridge Field Laboratory (sturdy shoes and water recommended!)
• 8:00 pm: The talk begins!
• 8:45 pm: Q&A with the speaker

This event is part of the 2025 Texas Science Festival. Check out the other amazing events hosted by College of Natural Sciences at UT Austin!

📍 Location: Brackenridge Field Laboratory, 2907 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, Texas 78703
💡 No RSVP is required – just show up and enjoy!
🅿️ Free parking is available at BFL for all lecture events!
🌦️ While we aim to host all events outdoors, sometimes weather conditions or volunteer capacity may require that we move the event inside the laboratory building.

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🎨 Join us at STEM Girl Day at UT Austin on February 22! We’ll have a table featuring our activity: Coloring, Creatures, and Curiosity. Explore fascinating Austin animals, get creative with coloring, and ask UT biologists anything you’re curious about. Don’t forget to register for STEM Girl Day 2025!