Dr. Jamie Ellis

Gahan Endowed Professor, Honey Bee Husbandry, Biology, Conservation, and Ecology

Dr. Ellis is the Gahan Endowed Professor of Entomology in the Entomology and Nematology Department at the University of Florida. At the University of Florida, Dr. Ellis has responsibilities in extension, instruction and research related to honey bees. Regarding his extension work, Dr. Ellis created the UF/IFAS Bee Colleges and the UF/IFAS Master Beekeeper Program. As an instructor, Dr. Ellis supervises Ph.D. and masters students. Dr. Ellis and his team conduct research projects in the fields of honey bee husbandry, biology, conservation, and ecology.

• Teaching

  Visiting scholars, postdoctoral research associates, undergraduate students, and graduate students are mentored/trained in many areas related to honey bee and wild bee research, extension, and instruction. Our instruction efforts ensure a legacy of academic interest in enhancing the sustainability of managed and wild bee populations and the agricultural/natural communities both support.

• Research

  Our research on bees is divided between two main emphases. In the first emphasis, we work to improve managed honey bee health by conducting research projects focused on honey bee husbandry, including honey bee colony disease/pest management, nutrition, and toxicology. Second, we attempt to understand wild honey bee ecology and genetic diversity/structure in an effort to sustain honey bee populations through informed conservation efforts. 

• Extension

  We communicate the findings from our research programs to various targeted audiences via multifaceted extension programs. We work to improve the sustainability of beekeeping by recruiting and training new beekeepers and providing cutting-edge educational opportunities for seasoned beekeepers, both domestically and internationally. We also serve as a source of bee-related information for people from all around the world and from all walks of life.

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• Education
  • 2004, Ph.D. in Entomology, Rhodes University, South Africa
  • 2000, B.S. in Biology, University of Georgia

  
  
  

• Publications
  • EDIS Publications
  • Google Scholar Publications
• Ellis Laboratory Mission Statement

  The mission of the Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory (HBREL) is to advance our understanding of managed honey bees and wild bees in Florida, the U.S., and globally, with a goal of improving the health and productivity of bee pollinators everywhere. We address this goal by conducting basic and applied research projects on bees, communicating our findings to assorted clientele groups through diverse extension programming, and training future generations of bee educators, researchers, conservationists, and more.

  • Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory