Welcome to the U-ACRE Apiary Page
The U-ACRE Project manages eight colonies of honeybees in collaboration with the Fullerton Arboretum
Learning Farm and Apiary on the Cal State Fullerton
campus. The apiary team is composed of U-ACRE undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and Arboretum staff. Our research uses agroecological practices such as integrated pest management to mitigate damage by Varroa destructor mites. We evaluate the efficacy of cultural and mechanical techniques in reducing Varroa mite populations. Our research focus is on the interplay between honeybee behavior and parasite load. Honeybees respond to a decrease in resource level by altering the developmental schedule of offspring and adults. We're interested in understanding whether the increased time honeybees spend grooming as a means to mitigate Varroa mite damage affects time and energy devoted to other activities crucial to reproduction.
We are a satellite hub with the California Master Beekeeper Program
(CAMBP) at UC Davis. This connects U-ACRE students and faculty to a larger community of beekeepers and researchers. Additionally students benefit from the opportunity to advance their study through classes and achievement of different levels of certification.
Our team is committed to creating a welcoming inclusive environment where learning as individuals as well as in a group setting is our number one priority.
Apiary Team
U-ACRE Director and Principal Investigator:
Dr. Sara Johnson, Professor of Anthropology and Environmental Studies
U-ACRE Graduate Fellows:
Steve Anticona, Environmental Studies
Ifeyani Williams, Environmental Studies
U-ACRE Undergraduate Fellows:
Gabriella Funes, Biology Major
Emily Holden, English Major
Fullerton Arboretum/Apiary Staff:
Anna Baier, Fullerton Arboretum Horticulturist
