Graduate Program
The honey bee graduate program is heavily weighted toward problems in applied apiculture and pollination. However, basic research is also encouraged as it is basic research that precedes and underpins more applied discoveries.
All students, whether engaged in basic or applied problems, are expected to participate in any number of the beekeeper-oriented workshops, lectures, and meetings conducted by the program. Authorship in extension publications, videos, bulletins, and popular articles is also encouraged. This type of clientele contact is considered a valuable part of the student's education and serves to improve the student's competitiveness in the entomology job market.
Research Topics
Although any aspect of bee biology and plant pollination is open to consideration for thesis or dissertation projects, some of the more recent research areas in the program include: pathological effects of parasitic mites on honey bees, integrated control of parasitic mites, interaction of comb substrate on bee sociobiology, blueberry pollination, flower behavior of blueberry pollinators, and bee conservation biology.
Facilities and Transportation
Finally, potential students must be aware that the program's research and teaching facilities are located five miles off-campus. It is too far to walk, too traffic-congested for bicycles, and not served by public transportation. Thus, all students are required to have personal independent transportation. International students especially must plan to get a Georgia driver's license and budget for a personal motor vehicle, insurance, and registration.
