Bee Center Team

Ms. De La Fuente graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. in Biology. She managed a plant pathology research lab for several years prior to joining the Auburn community in 2008. She has been the lab manager for the Bee Center since February 2019, overseeing administrative aspects of the day-to-day activities of the Bee Center. Her main responsibilities include grant administration, support of scientific and technical personnel, and organization of various Bee Center professional meetings and events.

Gracie Cotter joined the Bee Center as an Outreach Coordinator in 2026. She earned both a B.S. in Applied Biotechnology with a minor in Communications and an M.S. in Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences from Auburn University. As Outreach Coordinator, she serves as a link between the Bee Center and the community, organizing events and educational opportunities focused on pollinators. She is passionate about scientific communication and works to make the Bee Center's research accessible to audiences of all ages.

Zach completed his B.Sc in Wildlife Ecology at the University of Maine before completing his M.Sc in Entomology at Auburn University. Currently, he works as a technician supporting research on native bee community ecology and conservation.

Anthony Cuminale completed his B.S. in Biology at the University of Central Florida before earning his M.S. in Entomology at Auburn University. He specializes in the taxonomy and ecology of native bees and aculeate wasps, supporting research on biodiversity and conservation. Currently, he works as a technician supporting research initiatives focused on pollinator communities.