Save the Bees: MU Alum Does his Part

The buzz around saving the bees may have died down, but one Millersville alum has dedicated his career to researching the honey bee and its survival. Dr. Frank Rinkevich '02, a research entomologist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Research Service in the Honeybee Breeding, Genetics and Physiology Laboratory in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has recently accepted a new role within the lab as acting research leader.

Rinkevich earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biology with a minor in biochemistry from Millersville University and his Master of Science and Doctorate in Entomology from Cornell University. He has been with the Baton Rouge Lab since 2016 and has had extensive training in insect toxicology, biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics. Although not a beekeeper himself, Rinkevich works closely with local, regional and national and beekeepers who practice a wide diversity of beekeeping methods.

Rinkevich's research focuses on a phenomenon named the amitraz resistance, studying the tolerance pests have against the widely used pesticide designed to kill parasites, such as the Varroa destructor (mites), a culprit in the major loss of honey bee colonies. His work includes determining the prevalence and distribution of pesticide resistance in Varroa mites, constructing a cooperative network for resistance monitoring through bioassays and genotyping. He serves as an expert in Varroa management to the honey bee industry, other federal and national agencies and interacts with the public as an invited guest on podcasts, trade publications and popular press media.

"The integration of genetics has vastly improved our understanding of toxicology in ways that we would never have thought about less than 40 years ago by allowing us to get more accurate and precise measurements of how pests respond physiologically, genetically and evolutionarily to pesticides," says Rinkevich.

As the acting research leader, Rinkevich's priority is to ensure that scientists get to engage with as many stakeholders as possible, holding meetings to discuss research. These meetings ensure beekeepers are kept informed with the most up-to-date research they can use to help reduce colony losses. "The next priority is for all of us to conduct longitudinal research in collaboration with beekeepers so we can understand the factors that are causing these high levels of colony losses," says Rinkevich.

With that in mind, Rinkevich's research prioritizes how beekeepers can practically implement the findings from the lab's genetics and breeding programs to improve the health and survival rates of their commercial colonies. "The best research doesn't mean anything to beekeepers if it is too expensive or time-consuming, so practicality is fundamental to translating research findings into action," says Rinkevich.

Rinkevich also works with economists on demonstrating the cost benefits of using their research findings, so it makes financial sense. "At the end of the day, beekeeping is a business,' says Rinkevich

Rinkevich offers word of advice to students and early-career scientists interested in pursuing a career in applied entomology and genetics research: "Ask questions and reach out to scientists whose research interests you. You must create your own opportunities and call your own shots. Opportunities rarely fall into your lap."

"If you show the appropriate level of enthusiasm and interest in research, nearly any scientist will offer an opportunity to work with them," he says. "The biggest issue, though, can be funding that may be available. If the researcher doesn't have funds available, apply for as many grants and awards as you can, no matter the amount."

"Be flexible in your interests and be ready to move for the right opportunity. You never know where research will take you. Don't get into science for money. While you can make a good living, you will likely never be a millionaire in this field. I can't think of a more rewarding and interesting career than the one I have had, and every day is a fun challenge knowing you're helping advance a field of research to help our beekeeping community in a meaningful way."