Brief Biography

Breven is from Rantoul, Illinois and earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Before starting his undergraduate studies, Breven volunteered at his small-town veterinary clinic and explored his budding interests in genetics and microbiology by researching honey bees in Dr. Gene Robinson’s lab. Under the guidance of excellent mentors, Breven expanded his knowledge and skills in these fields. However, he developed a severe allergy to bee stings which prompted him to reflect on his values and career trajectory. While his love for honey bees remains steadfast, Breven’s passion lies in research that can advance veterinary treatments, specifically by improving our understanding of animal gut microbiomes. He hopes to define his training and career by the principles of One Health to improve the health care of many animals, including honey bees.

Education

 B.S. in Animal Sciences with a minor in Chemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 2026

Research Interest Statement:

Breven’s research has focused on the gut microbiome. He first investigated how honey bee host genetics influence microbial establishment in their gut. After this project, he analyzed how Fescue Toxicosis shapes the gut microbiota of Angus heifers. Breven is currently working on a project in Dr. Craig Altier’s lab investigating Stenotrophomonas maltophilia’s production of a fatty acid that suppresses Salmonella virulence. These experiences have formed Breven’s present interest in elucidating the gut microbiome’s role in disease.

Publications:

Stark B, Robinson GE, Vernier CL. (2026). Host genetic background and environment have different effects on the establishment and structure of the adult worker honey bee gut microbiota. PLoS One 21(1): e0340218. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0340218

Stark, B. (2024). University Club Beekeeping: Challenges and Triumphs. American Bee Journal 164(11),1243-1245.

Stark, B. (2023). Honey bee health: What do veterinarians have to do with it? American Bee Journal, 163(12), 1309-1311.

Presentations:

“Exploring the Effects of Fescue Toxicosis on the Fecal Microbiota of Beef Cattle”. Poster Presentation, Undergraduate Research Symposium, Urbana, Illinois, April 2025.

“Determining the Effects of Host Genetics and Environment on Gut Microbiome Composition in the Honey Bee”. Poster Presentation, Undergraduate Research Symposium, Urbana, Illinois, April 2023.