At Planet Bee Foundation, we believe that sharing the stories of diverse voices in STEM is essential to fostering innovation and inspiring the next generation of scientists, educators, and environmentalists. Representation matters—especially in environmental science, where real-world challenges require diverse perspectives and creative problem-solving.
However, Black individuals remain underrepresented in STEM fields in the United States. In 2021, Black workers comprised 8% of the STEM workforce, which is lower than their 11% share of the total workforce. (ncses.nsf.gov)
This underrepresentation is also evident in environmental conservation. A recent U.S. Census Survey found that less than 3% of foresters and conservation scientists identify as African American. (forests.org)
This Black History Month, we’re highlighting the incredible work of Edward Amoah Idun, a doctoral student at Penn State University who bridges the worlds of entomology, artificial intelligence, and environmental conservation. Edward’s research explores how technology can help us better understand and support native pollinators—an area of study with profound implications for global food security and ecological health.
Planet Bee’s Education Manager, Melissa, interviewed Edward to discuss his work, his journey into STEM, and his advice for young scientists eager to make a difference.
A Passion for Bees and Technology
When you were a kid, did you imagine you’d grow up to work with bees and computers?
I’ve always been attracted to computers and technology in general, but I did not think that I will be working on bees.
What made you interested in studying bees?
I study bees because they are very important for our environment and the majority of the foods we eat depend on pollinators like bees to be produced. I also love studying bees because I get to combine my love for the environment and technology.
Do you have a favorite bee species?
I would have to say Apis mellifera, also known as the honeybee, is my favorite bee because they make honey.
Using AI to Study Solitary Bees
Your research blends artificial intelligence and entomology. How do you use technology, like AI and coding, to study bees?
I study the foraging and nesting behavior of solitary bees. Unlike honeybees, which live together in a colony, the solitary bees are independent and live by themselves. I am using camera traps to observe how environmental factors like temperature, rain, land use, etc. can affect the reproductive capacity of solitary bees.
You developed a computer program to track bee behavior through video analysis. Was it difficult to teach a computer to recognize bees?
I used motion detection algorithms to detect when something was moving in the videos, and I used a deep learning object detection model to identify what was moving in the video. Once the program detects a moving bee, the program will trace its trajectory to determine what it is doing in the video. It was challenging but it is also very rewarding to see what we can all achieve when we work hard.
Pollinators and Sustainable Farming
How does your work with bees help farmers grow their crops better?
Most farmers rent honey bees to pollinate their crops, but this approach is expensive and unsustainable. Using native or solitary bees is a feasible alternative, but this approach can be unreliable because weather conditions can be a major driver of native bee population patterns.
Getting Involved in Bee Conservation
What can kids do to help scientists study bees in their communities?
You can help our research by setting up a solitary bee hotel in your backyard. The data from your hotel can help scientists get a better understanding of how weather and other environmental factors can affect the reproductive capacity of native bees at a large geographical scale. Use community science tools like iNaturalist to contribute to the public dataset of bees and other pollinators. Join Planet Bee Foundation's Community Science Projects on iNaturalist!
What can we do to support native bees and pollinators in our own backyards or schools?
You can help native bees and other pollinators in your own backyard or schools by planting native plants and other species of plants that are known to support the native bees in your region. You can learn more about what to plant from the Center for Pollinator Research.
The Role of Coding in Solving Environmental Challenges
Why do you think coding and computer science are important tools for solving environmental problems?
I think computer science can help entomologists and ecologists ask new questions and analyze data at scales that were impossible before. Computer science can also accelerate the delivery of precise ecological solutions. For example, imagine if every farmer knew exactly how much fertilizer each plant needed, and we had the technology to deliver the exact amount to each plant. This technology would avoid fertilizer waste.
What kind of tools or gadgets would you recommend for students interested in studying bees or helping with conservation?
Learn how to code and develop AI technologies.
The Importance of Representation in STEM
Why do you think it’s important for diverse groups of people to go into STEM fields?
Different people have different experiences, and this can help diverse groups come up with innovative solutions by thinking in a different way.
Are there any other entomologists of color doing exciting work that we should check out?
I think James Crall from the University of Wisconsin-Madison is doing cool work with technology and bees. You can learn more about his research at his lab’s website.
Do you have advice for students who want to study STEM and work with nature like you do?
Study hard and learn how to work with people from different backgrounds. The best way we can support nature is by understanding and supporting each other.
Looking Ahead: Edward’s Future in STEM
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I see myself as an Assistant Professor at a Tier 1 research institute with a lab focused on developing innovative technologies to support ecological science and conservation efforts.
I can also see myself as a CEO of a company using technology to provide ecological services.
Final Thoughts: Representation and the Future of STEM
Edward Amoah Idun’s research integrates computer engineering, AI, and entomology to tackle environmental challenges, demonstrating the value of diverse approaches in STEM. His work underscores the need for broader representation—not only in identity but also in perspective and problem-solving. Read more about Edward's research on his website, here!
At Planet Bee Foundation, we are committed to making STEM education accessible and inclusive so that all students can envision a future in science and conservation. By sharing stories like Edward’s, we aim to encourage more young people to explore careers in these fields.
Support our mission by donating to fund hands-on Environmental STEM Programs or by getting involved in pollinator conservation efforts in your community. Learn more at Planet Bee Foundation.