Varroa destructor, a mite that feeds on honey bees, is the greatest single driver of the global honey bee health decline. For years, scientists and bee keepers were told that the Varroa mite feeds on hemolymph (the bee’s blood) based on scientific research done long ago. However, for our research team led by Samuel Ramsey, Ph.D., this did not make sense, as the mite’s digestive system and mouthparts just did not seem like they were structured properly for blood feeding.

Tropilaelaps mercedesae (“Tropi” for short) is a parasitic mite—smaller than varroa mite—that is currently an incredible issue for apis mellifera beekeepers in Asia. Tropi is an emerging major threat to North American beekeepers because it is spreading like Varroa spread before being introduced to North America, and Dr. Ramsey suspects it will eventually move West.

Sammy’s life began in Washington, DC, but soon his family moved to Maryland where he lives today. The joy of singing began very early in his life, before he was even talking. His favorite toy was a microphone attached to a toy tape recorder. So singing, into a microphone or not, has always been an important part of his life. He does not limit his music to any particular genre or style. He just loves music and singing.