Pam Hedgpeth

Honey bees contribute approximately $150 million dollars annually to North Carolina fruit and vegetable agriculture, benefiting wild flowers and balancing the natural food cycle. In recent years, domesticated honey bees have been under severe strain and wild honey bees have all but vanished, but local beekeepers often face the lack of technical resources to diagnose problems due to pesticide accumulation, parasites or microbial hive contamination. The UNCP Biotechnology Research Center works with local beekeepers and the Robeson Beekeepers Association to assist in maintaining healthy, productive hives by sampling and examining the honey, water, comb and environment for harmful indicators. This is an excellent opportunity for Pam Hedgpeth to help make the biology curriculum relevant for students.