Harland Patch

Dr. Patch's research focuses on the genetics and genomics of olfaction in insects and other arthropods. Honey bee olfaction plays a central role in social integration, defense of the colony and in nectar and pollen finding. He is currently involved in a project to understand the evolution of the honey bee olfactory system and how selection has influenced changes in chemoreceptors and other proteins. Other projects include developing genomic resources for Varroa mites and, in collaboration with other members of the CPR group, understanding Varroa resistance in subspecies of Apis mellifera in East Africa.