Amy Toth, associate professor in ecology, evolution and organismal biology and entomology, is the recipient of the Rossmann Manatt Faculty Development Award from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University. Toth is one of the leading scientists in the field of sociogenomics, with her research focus on the genetic and genomic basis of sociality in bees and wasps. Her work at Iowa State has garnered 24 research grants totaling more than $6.5 million. Toth’s highly-cited publications, long award list, success in obtaining extramural research funding, leading roles in the professional community, national and international invitations received and the productive research team she has built, all testify to her outstanding work.
Toth’s intent for the Rossmann Manatt Faculty Development stipend is the BEE DIVERSE traineeship. The project will benefit the undergraduates in the college and STEM fields with training in bee biology and hands-on beekeeping and honey production experience. She also envisions the project as a stepping-stone to a long-term, recurring, revenue-generating and potentially self-maintaining training opportunity.