Nick Calderone

Department of Entomology > People > Nick Calderone

Nicholas Calderone
Associate Professor
nwc4@cornell.edu

Areas of Expertise

Apis mellifera, honey bee, sociobiology, behavior, genetics parasitic mites, apiculture

Research

My professional goals include efforts in research, extension and teaching. My research program has basic, directed and applied components. My basic research efforts focus on the evolution of the highly complex honey bee society. Currently, I am focusing on the evolution of life-history traits that distinguish temperate from tropical races. I also plan to incorporate molecular techniques that will allow me to better characterize the contributions of genes and environment to honey bee behavior.My directed research focuses on basic issues that can have a significant impact on the beekeeping industry. Currently, I am interested in colony-level regulation of drone production. Results of this research can be used by queen breeders to better control mating. The focus of my applied research will continue to be the development of IPM programs for the control of pests, parasites, pathogens and predators that threaten the supply of honey bee colonies that provide essential pollination services. My extension efforts are shifting to the development of web-based deliverables, including a biannual newsletter, a selection of pertinent ‘Fact Sheets’, slide presentations, and information of general interest to beekeepers and the general public. I plan to accelerate the process of porting my extension presentations, including my Master Beekeeper Workshops, to the web. A portion of this material will be freely accessible, while the remainder will be made available on a subscription basis, reflecting the growing need for an economic partnership between industry and extension. The online Master Beekeeper Apprentice Level workshops will also become part of my course materials for ENTOM 200 and 264. My teaching objectives include transforming ENTOM 260 - The Biology of the Honey Bee – into a course with broader scope and appeal. ENTOM 260 will offer students a window into the life of one of the most fascinating animals on the planet. The honey bee is a model organism for introducing students to an array of key topics in basic biology, including animal communication, the evolution of sociality, learning and memory, the evolution of life-histories, nature and nurture and much more. In addition, humans and honey bees have a long-standing relationship involving the pollination of agricultural crops, the production of honey, beeswax and other hive products, as well as a prominent role in art, mythology, religion and culture. Lessons from the hive will be used to explore the similarities between human and honey bee societies in their struggle for survival.

Extension and Outreach

I serve NYS beekeepers, fruit and vegetable growers, federal, state, local and university staff and the general public. I conduct Master Beekeeper Workshops at Dyce Lab and visit local beekeeping groups to make presentations. Master Beekeeper Workshops are in-depth orientations to basic beekeeping and IPM for honey bee pests. Regional conferences provide opportunities for beekeepers to meet for a day-long conference where they meet with several speakers making presentations on various aspects of beekeeping. Articles in national trade journals provide beekeepers with timely information on pest management and other issues important to the industry. I work with or have worked with Ag and Markets (Apiary Industry Advisory Committee, Africanized Honey Bee Response Plan) and DEC (Bears and Bees), and plan to work with CU EHS as a speaker at their annual pesticide recertification workshop. I answer dozens of questions from members of the general public contacting me by phone or e-mail. Impact is documented through the use of pre- and post-tests completed by participants at all extension events.

My extension efforts are expanding to include more web-based deliverables, including a biannual newsletter, a selection of pertinent ‘Fact Sheets’, slide presentations, and information of general interest to beekeepers and the general public. I plan to accelerate the process of porting my extension presentations, including my Master Beekeeper Workshops, to the web. A portion of this material will be freely accessible, while the remainder will be made available on a subscription basis, reflecting the growing need for an economic partnership between industry and extension. The online Master Beekeeper Apprentice Level workshops will also become part of my course materials for ENTOM 2600/2640.

Courses Taught

ENTOM 2600 Biology of the Honey Bee
ENTOM 2640 Practical Beekeeping

Publications (last 5 years)