Apr 29, 2025

Heather Hines named interim director of the Center for Pollinator Research and the Insect Biodiversity Center

Heather Hines, Associate Professor of Biology and Entomology, has been named Interim Director of the Center for Pollinator Research (CPR) and the Insect Biodiversity Center (IBC). Hines is succeeding Christina Grozinger, Publius Vergilius Maro Professor of Entomology and director of the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences.

Hines’ research focuses on characterizing the evolutionary history and diversity of bees and wasps, determining the genetic processes that have generated novel and diverse traits in insects, and understanding how environmental stressors impact bumble bee populations.

The Center for Pollinator Research is a multidisciplinary group dedicated to advancing pollinator health and conservation. The center is comprised of faculty including researchers, educators, extension specialists, and outreach coordinators from multiple departments and Colleges. Their mission is to conduct and communicate research that advances the health of managed and wild pollinator populations and promotes the conservation of their ecosystems.

The Insect Biodiversity Center brings together researchers across disciplines to tackle complex biological, environmental, social, economic, and political drivers underlying changes in insect species abundance and distribution. The center is focused on exploring, understanding, and promoting insect conservation efforts, as well as reducing the adverse effects of economically and environmentally harmful insect species.

As Hines steps into her role as interim director, her vision for the future of the CPR and IBC centers is one of continued innovation, collaboration, and community engagement. She is particularly excited to expand the centers' outreach efforts, enhance lab coordination, and integrate the arts and sciences in a way that engages diverse audiences on pollinator-relevant issues.

“In addition to the opportunity for growth in leadership, I am eager to help facilitate networking and enhance research opportunities and synergies among the excellent community of pollinator biologists and insect biodiversity scientists here at Penn State,” said Hines. “I am excited to do my part to sustain and grow collaborative science in these centers.”

Hines aims to increase the visibility of the centers’ work through community events, such as the Great Insect Fair, Ag Progress Days, and Arboretum events. She also hopes to enhance participation in pollinator seminars and journal clubs, as well as build more engagement opportunities.

“Heather has a uniquely broad perspective on pollinator research, management and conservation, and thus is well-positioned to lead the Center for Pollinator Research and Insect Biodiversity Center,” said Grozinger.

Hines will serve as interim director of both Centers in advance of the formal process to identify the new director in the coming academic year.