Dr. Ramesh Sagili is an Associate Professor in the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University. He obtained his PhD in Entomology from Texas A&M University in 2007 specializing in honey bee research. His primary research focus is honey bee health, nutation and pollination. Ramesh initiated the creation of the Oregon Master Beekeeper Program and chaired the Oregon Governor’s Task Force on Pollination Health. His research program addresses both basic and applied questions to improve honey bee health and nutrition, hence a majority of his projects are collaborative efforts involving stakeholders (beekeepers and growers). He has authored several important research and extension publications along with an application titled “How to reduce bee poisoning from pesticides” that is being used by many beekeepers, growers and pesticide consultants/applicators in the country. He has received several awards including the Entomology Society of America Pacific Branch Research Award, Eastern Apicultural Society’s Outstanding Research Award and OSU Outreach and Engagement Award.

Dennis vanEngelsdorp leads the University of Maryland Bee Lab and is an Associate Professor in the UMD Department of Entomology. His research focuses on pollinator health, and is particularly intrigued with using an epidemiological approach to understanding and improving honey bee health. This approach is multi-faceted, requiring understanding both the etiology (causes) of individual bee diseases and the large scale monitoring of colony health.

Dennis is widely published and his TED talk, "a plea for bees" has been viewed 811,943 times -- click HERE and make it 811,944 views!

FUN FACTS: In his spare time Dr vanEngelsdorp loves to garden and considers himself "stereotypical Dutchman."