Queen bee: Berry turns a sweet hobby into research and impact

The other half of Berry's role is teaching and promoting good beekeeping practices around Georgia and the world.

Over the years, she has assisted organizations like Farmer to Farmer, where she would travel to instruct beekeepers from across the United States, Europe, and South America. She teaches skills necessary for beekeeping, often correcting bad information.

"We think of bees as somewhat domesticated because we're taking care of them," Berry said. "But they're still wild and they're going to do their own thing. As much as we think we know about them, they shift the rules all the time."

It's not as simple as taking your cat or dog to the vet. Many apiarists look to their local or state clubs for help when their colony suffers. This is where Berry comes in, applying her own research to improve information on pest management.

One project close to her heart is the Georgia Prison Beekeeping Program, which started at Glennville's Smith State Prison in 2012. The UGA Bee Program began its support shortly thereafter in 2015. The first class saw 15 students certified through the Georgia Master Beekeeping Program. Now, it has expanded to eight prisons, with well over 200 participating and certified inmates.

The students' passion for beekeeping and learning is gratifying, Berry said.

"So many of these students had to be taught to read to take the exam," she said. "Once they realized they can pass a junior level UGA exam and make an A, they're like, 'Get out of my way!'"

Many have gone on to obtain GEDs, and some have continued into other educational programs. Several others have gone on to become beekeepers themselves following their release.

"It's one of our most popular programs because he's so compassionate about teaching as many people as he possibly can," said Berry of an inmate who is now master beekeeper at Hancock State Prison. "He can give these guys hope and options when they get out."

Now that Berry has completed her Ph.D., she's working with the Georgia Beekeeper Association to expand the program across the Southeast. They're developing a training manual, resource list, and starter kit that would include a hive and other necessary materials.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.