Outreach & Extension
Publicizing science to the public
My main extension effort occurs through the Honey Bee Queen & Disease Clinic at NC State Apiculture Program. This clinic is a client-funded, grant-subsidized research organ that leverages state-of-the-art scientific techniques and equipment for public use. Our clients are governmental agencies, research institutions, private firms, commercial beekeepers, beekeeping clubs, and even individuals and students. We primarily perform reproductive and morphological testing on honey bee queens and drones, as well as molecular tests for viral diseases. However we have the capability to conduct many other assays. Please contact the clinic if you’re interested in working with us in that capacity.
Presenting and speaking
I regularly accept speaking engagements to beekeeping clubs, state meetings, scientific conferences, and other learning institutes. Please contact me if you’re interested in an educational program. I typically ask for travel funding for in state events, and and additional honorarium for out of state to cover time spent. I have presentations prepared on the following topics, but as you may see, I have broad interests and am happy to discuss other topics of interest to your group.
Honey bee queen & disease clinic
A more-directed overview of the activities of the queen & disease clinic with discussion of queen health more generally. This talk is directed towards generally more experienced beekeepers interested in rearing or buying queens.
Bees in the Anthropocene
A “save the bees” talk that focuses on evolutionary history of bees more generally and policy/behavior efforts to improve outcomes in populations of primarily unmanaged pollinators. This talk is directed toward the general public and life-long learners.
The ill-considered drone
A science-forward talk about the honey bee male and my research efforts over the last several years to understand more about their biology and behavior. This talk is directed toward the general public and life-long learners.
Honey bee chemical communication
An educational tour through how honey bees communicate and what that can mean for the beekeeper. This talk is directed towards beekeepers and the general public.
So you done got stung
A personal essay on my experiences as a patient with venom allergy, some of what I’ve learned of the science of allergy, and how I got through the process of venom attenuation. This talk is geared towards beekeepers and the general public.
Stinging insects of North Carolina
A broad discussion giving an overview of stinging hymenoptera in North Carolina, their biology, and their study. This talk was written for the NC State Zoology club and is directed towards an undergraduate audience, but is suitable for all audiences.