BIOS

PhD

Tom Seeley, biologist and beekeeper, is a retired professor of the Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, at Cornell University.  He began keeping bees in 1970, when he was a senior in high school.  In 1978, he earned a Ph.D. in biology at Harvard University. From 1980 to 2020, he taught courses on animal behavior and conducted research on the behavior, social life, and ecology of honey bees. 

He has described his studies of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) in six books:  Honeybee Ecology (1985), The Wisdom of the Hive (1995), Honeybee Democracy (2010), Following the Wild Bees (2016), The Lives of Bees (2019) and Piping Hot Bees and Boisterous Buzz-Runners (2024).  Each book shares with non-scientists (especially beekeepers) some of the discoveries he has made about the astonishing behavioral skills of worker honey bees.  

In recognition of his many findings about the lives of honey bees, he has received various scientific awards, including the Golden Goose Award from the American Association for the Advancement of Science.  He has also been elected a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the German National Academy of Sciences.  He writes: "These honors are gratifying, but for me the most important 'prizes' by far are the discoveries that I have made about the inner workings of honey bee colonies."

DVM
MASTER BEEKEEPER

Leonard attended the University of Kentucky and Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine and is a small animal veterinarian in Louisville, where he owns and operates Davis Animal Clinic.  He is USDA-Aphis accredited.  He currently manages 45+ colonies practicing self-sustaining beekeeping.  He grafts and raises his own queens.  Leonard is an Eastern Apiculture Society (EAS) Certified Master Beekeeper and the EAS Kentucky Director.   He was the president of the EAS 2021 Conference that was held in Shepherdsville just south of Louisville.  He is currently the president of the Bullitt County Beekeepers Association, a member of the Kentuckiana Beekeepers Association, the Kentucky Queen Breeders Association, and the Kentucky State Beekeepers Association.  Leonard has taught at several local association meetings, the EAS Conference, the Kentucky State Beekeepers meetings, and various other clubs and organizations.

Vice President

Thomas is an accomplished individual with a diverse educational background; he has always been passionate about learning and exploring new fields. His journey began at the University of Kentucky, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Microbiology. This degree allowed him to delve into the fascinating world of microorganisms and their impact on our lives.

His thirst for knowledge did not stop there. He went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Northwood University, which gave him a solid foundation in the principles of business and entrepreneurship. he also earned a Bachelor's degree in Science from the University of Louisville, which broadened his understanding of the natural world and its complexities.

In addition to his Bachelor's degree, he also holds an Associate degree in Business Administration from McKendree University. This degree gave him practical skills and knowledge he applied throughout his career.

Outside of my academic pursuits, he has also pursued his passion for beekeeping. For the past four years, he has been a dedicated beekeeper, tending to his hives and learning about bees' important role in our ecosystem.

Overall, his diverse educational background and passion for learning have shaped him into a well-rounded individual with a deep appreciation for the natural world and a drive to positively impact his community.