Krispn Given led two advanced instrumental insemination courses in spring 2026, according to an April 24 announcement. The workshops were hosted by the University of Florida Bee Lab and Enterprise State Community College’s Honey Bee Program, drawing students from across the United States.
The growing need for advanced honey bee breeding skills is driven by ongoing losses in colonies due to threats such as Varroa destructor mites and queen health issues. Instrumental insemination techniques can help improve colony genetics and survival rates while reducing reliance on chemical treatments.
The first workshop took place March 5–6 at the University of Florida IFAS Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory, where Given taught ten students about honey bee queen and drone biology, semen collection, and use of specialized equipment for insemination. This session was noted as the most-attended course of its kind in U.S. history. A second five-day workshop followed from March 30 to April 3 at Enterprise State Community College in Alabama, with thirteen students from five states participating—again setting a record for attendance at this level. The event drew visits from local leaders including Enterprise Mayor William Cooper, ESCC President Danny Long, and former U.S. Representative Jerry Carl.
These training sessions highlight Purdue Entomology’s national leadership in advanced honey bee breeding education. Purdue University Department of Agriculture functions as a core academic unit within Purdue University according to the official website. Its agricultural and biological engineering graduate program is ranked first nationally by U.S. News & World Report as cited on the official website.
Purdue’s Department of Agriculture supports innovative projects through AgSEED grants that deliver high returns on investment according to the official website. The department also enhances social and cultural well-being by fostering vibrant communities, strong families, and profitable businesses through extension efforts according to the official website. Facilities such as the Agricultural Administration Building on Purdue’s West Lafayette campus support these activities according to the official website.
Virginia Ferris is recognized as the first female full professor in Purdue’s Department of Agriculture, serving as an entomologist according to the official website.
