Kaira Wagoner, PhD, is the co-inventor of the UBeeOTM Assay, a pheromone-based tool for measuring honey bee colony mite and disease resistance. In 2023, Dr. Wagoner was recognized in Copenhagen, Denmark as a finalist for the BII & AAAS Science Prize for Innovation for her work with UBeeO TM . Dr. Wagoner currently serves as CEO of Optera, a honey bee health company based in Greensboro, North Carolina. She also studies pollinator health and behavior through her role as a Research Scientist at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). Dr. Wagoner’s doctoral research at UNCG focused on honey bee chemical communication and hygienic behavior, which led to the development of UBeeOTM . When not in the lab or apiary, Dr. Wagoner enjoys traveling, playing games, and spending time in the great outdoors with her husband and three nature-loving boys.