Speakers’ Bios

Dr. David Tarpy is a Professor and Extension Specialist (Apiculture) over Entomology & Plant Pathology at North Carolina State University. Dr. Tarpy’s research programs span the entire spectrum from highly basic science on honey bee biology to highly applied science on apiculture and bee management. His extension program is targeted at disseminating information about honey bees and bee management to the public and beekeeping groups, working with local, state, and national beekeeping associations, and administering novel extension initiatives such as the online Beekeeper Education & Engagement System (BEES) and the NC State Queen & Disease Clinic.

Dr. Ferhat Ozturk

Dr.Ozturk is currently serving as a Volunteer Research Scientist at The University of Texas at San Antonio & PLTW Biomedical Science Teacher at School of Science and Technology. Dr. Ozturk specializes in NGS-based molecular diagnostics with a strong Ph.D. background in gene therapy, molecular and cellular biology, bioinformatics, biotechnology, and biochemistry research. He has taken this knowledge and applied it to the unique biological and chemical makeup of different mono-floral honey from around the world allowing him to unlock the hidden knowledge of age old wisdom regarding the healing benefits of honey. His current research is helping to identify U.S. based honey sources that contain high bioactivity levels and healing properties that can not only compete with, but out perform those of Manuka honey!

Dr. Samuel Ramsey

Dr. Ramsey graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Entomology from Cornell University in 2011, and focused his research on Predatory & Parasitic Insect Behavior. He cultivated an interest and expertise in the close relationships between insects and other creatures (symbioses), and dedicated his doctoral research to understanding a parasite killing honey bees globally (Varroa destructor). In Dr. Dennis VanEngelsdorp’s Honey Bee lab at the University of Maryland, College Park; he completed his formal education. Dr. Ramsey went on to create award-winning research on Varroa destructor that has changed the standing paradigm on how the parasite feeds upon, and ultimately kills, honey bees. At the forefront of this scientific inquiry, he has had many opportunities to share his work internationally. Dr. Ramsey firmly believes that the ability to articulate one’s findings to anyone who wants to hear them is just as important as the skills needed to reach important findings in the lab. This conviction is evidenced by his engaging scientific presentations and his contagious excitement in supporting the entomological community. His attention has now turned to the next big honey bee threat… the Tropilaelaps Mite!

Sam Comfort

Sam came into beekeeping after winning 6 hives in a poker game. He has since worked for several years in commercial beekeeping across America. He started Anarchy Apiaries in 2005 to explore permaculture ideas of low input natural cycles. He breeds queens from hardy survivors, experiments with splitting techniques, and messes around with hive designs. Sam’s mission is to 1: Make more beehives than there are televisions, and 2: Have a good time, all the time (with bees). Anarchy Apiaries runs around 1000 hives that split seasonally into 1500+ mating nucs with no treatments, minimal feeding, and do-it-yourself hive boxes in New York and Florida. Through teaching independent, biological beekeeping, he hopes to make it more affordable, approachable, and enjoyable; thus bring the means of production back to the beekeeper.