Bees and all pollinators are in trouble.  The problems that honey bees (which I view as an indicator species) are experiencing today is not new; they include misuse of pesticides, new pathogens and parasites, lack of plant diversity, and habitat loss (deforestation, urbanization, agriculture).  Bees and their products (honey, beeswax, propolis, and pollination services) are valuable anywhere and teaching people to observe and help all pollinators is in all of our best interest.  Indeed, food security is closely linked with the health of pollinators. 

Since 1978 when the first edition of my book, The Beekeeper’s Handbook was published, (a compilation of my teaching notes), it has been never been out of print and has since been translated into 3 languages. The 4^th edition was released this year (2011) and is still being used as the textbook of choice for students who are beginning in beekeeping.  The first edition served as a model for my Lesson Plans when I was teaching beekeeping in Peace Corps.  The second book Honey Bee Colony Health, Challenges and Sustainable Solutions, will be out this winter. I not only wrote chapters but organized and helped to edit the many contributors to this work. It summarizes all the current research that is being studied by many notable experts both here and abroad. My current research program includes investigations into honey bee diet and bee health. To further understand this, I am learning how to apply proteomics to identify the change of proteins in healthy vs. bees at risk. This work will include Varroa mites as well. 

My experience in managing and maintaining bees, as well as recognizing the plants that are useful to pollinators, has served me well over the years. My main interest has always been to share knowledge and learn new skills. To help accomplish this, I have worked with collaborators from several universities and institutions (nationally and internationally) and would like to broaden my experiences with other bee researchers.  The completion of the Honey Bee Health book has led to frank discussions of other possible collaborations and cooperative efforts, currently in the form of writing chapters and review papers. My newest effort is to create a flower guide booklet to help identify plants important to pollinators. 

I think I have more to offer and wish to expand my understanding of bee research and plant ecology, and to forge new contacts in the pollinator research arena.  I will be valuable resource to any group wanting to solve this complex problem of pollinator decline. I most enjoy teaching as well as conducting and helping in field research.