Dr. Mike Simone-Finstrom, PhD, Research Molecular Biologist, will update us on November 13 about honey bee health research he is leading at the USDA honey bee breeding, genetics, and physiology lab in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Mike earned his PhD at the University of Minnesota, where he pioneered a line of research with Dr. Marla Spivak examining propolis, why and how bees collect plant resins to use as propolis in the hive.

Before joining the Louisiana lab, Mike worked with Dr. David Tarpy at NC State University with a focus on topics ranging from queen quality to social immunity.

His focus over his career has been to understand how honey bees can be made stronger, healthier and more productive using their own natural defenses and traits.

Bring an appetizer or dessert and join us at the Orange County Center of the NC Cooperative Extension, 1020 US Highway 70 West in Hillsborough, at 6 pm for a time of food and conversation. Hive talk will run from 6:15-6:45 pm and the program begins at 7 pm, followed at 8 pm by a very brief business meeting.