Just who are these "Bee Girls" (and boys)?

Meet the team!

Janet Tam

Janet Tam, B.Sc., Technology Transfer Technician

  Originally from Toronto, I graduated with a B.Sc. specializing in Zoology from the University of Guelph in 1998 and have lived in Guelph since with my husband Russ. I have been with the Ontario Beekeepers’ Association Technology-Transfer Program since 1998. Since then, I have devoted countless hours to the improvement of the genetic stock of honey bees in Ontario and the development of mite monitoring techniques and treatments. I enjoy speaking at meetings and sharing my expertise. Besides keeping honeybees (I manage 10 of my own colonies), I also have birds and lizards.

Melanie Kempers

Melanie Kempers, B.Sc., Technology Transfer Technician

  I grew up on a dairy farm in Prince Edward County. My love of animals and the outdoors led me to the University of Guelph in 2002 to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science. Thanks to Les Eccles and our many discussions regarding queen bees during cheese class, I developed an interest in honey bees. In 2006, I began working for the OBA Tech-Transfer Program as an apprentice Bee Girl. I have now attained full Bee Girl status and really enjoy the opportunities my job creates for me.

Alex Maranduik

Alex Maranduik, B.Sc., Research Assistant

  Growing up in cottage country off of Georgian Bay (Penetanguishene), I came to Guelph in 2006 to study Psychology at the university. After 4 years I graduated with a B.Sc. I took the introductory apiculture course and since then have been fascinated by bees, though I never imagined I’d be working for the OBA. I’m really looking forward to working with the Bee Girls and my Bee Boy colleague Devan and gaining some hands on research experience.

  I’ve been launched into things already at the TTP, having had the chance to attend workshops, collect and analyze samples, manage colonies, and get a general idea of beekeeper life (which of course includes a few stings!). Also, I must say that honey is quite delicious and one day I hope to own some colonies of my own.

Devan Rawn

Devan Rawn, B.Sc., Research Assistant

  I’m happy to say that I’ve recently begun working at the Tech-Transfer program in Guelph. Before beginning at the TTP I hadn’t had any hands-on experience with beekeeping. The idea of starting work with bees full time was exciting and a little bit nerve racking at the same time. With quite a few stings under my belt (including a couple good face ones) I’m proud to say I’ve become a bee boy. Now I’m fully immersed in the job and enjoy it very much.

  In my spare time I like doing pretty much anything outside in the natural world and am an avid disc golfer. I owe it to many of the courses I’ve taken at U of Guelph for sparking an interest in insects and our fascinating environment. I’ll be finishing up a degree in biological science over the next year.

  I’m sure I will learn a lot working with the Bee Girls and I look forward to all of the new things I will experience.