All speakers will present via zoom, so everyone will also have the option of attending via zoom if you do not wish to attend in person. No drinks or snacks will be provided, but you may bring something for yourself or to share.

Mini Presentation:

Wayne Downs will show a different way to feed fondant through the winter. 

Main Topic:

Title: The ancestral origin and genetic complexity of modern honey bee populations.
"Honey bees are essential pollinators that have a fascinating history that traces back to their native regions in Europe, Africa, and West Asia. This talk will delve into the importance of understanding the ancestral origins of honey bees to uncover how they have evolved over time. Additionally, we will explore how the translocation of honey bees across the globe has altered their genetic composition, shedding light on the impacts of human intervention and environmental changes on these vital pollinators.”

Bio: Dr. Kathleen Dogantzis completed her PhD at York University. Her research focused on uncovering the ancestral origins of Apis mellifera honey bees and improving tools to monitor the spread of Africanized bees. Currently Dr. Dogantzis is working on a large Canada wide project looking for identify genetic variation associated with economically important honey bee traits.