1 Abstracts

Jonathan Kwong’s Abstract:

In recent years, bee colonies have seen a major loss in their worker bees.  A queen cannot run the hive efficiently without worker bees, leading to what scientist have termed as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). This project aims to depict the collaboration of causes that induce CCD. The complementary project model is an interactive board, created with wood, cardboard, and sheet metal. The board is designed with laser cut wood that resembles honeycomb. The images drawn directly on the board show the beginning stages of a CCD contributor in the hive. Paired with each image is a magnet, which shows the result of its complementary process over time. The project intends to teach the audience about the many obstacles honey bees face and show how each factor impacts bee population. Parasites in honey bees often carry viruses as well, causing both factors to increase the risk of death in the honey bee. By creating a solution that targets parasites, the impacts of CCD can be greatly reduced. A glimmer of hope lies within the field of biotechnology with the potential of genetically modifying bees

Annika Prom’s Abstract:

The purpose of this project is to show common scenes in a honey bee colony that show the impact of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) through an interactive board. CCD is defined as a significant decline in worker bees in honey bee populations. Currently, no single root cause can be held responsible for the collapse of a colony, but many scientists have connected CCD to pathogens, parasites, and human influences. Honey bees primarily pollinate plants of which for humans to create commodities and essentials, such as food, cosmetics, feed for animals, and more. The board is decorated with wood that resembles honeycomb and is attached to sheet metal, which allows for the use of magnets. The wooden honeycomb was laser cut and glued onto the cardboard. The magnets show an “after” image where a contributor to CCD has taken its toll. Underneath the magnets are “before” images that show the early signs of these contributors. Lifting the magnets will reveal the developing stage of the contributor. By using the magnets, the audience can compare and contrast the progression of each factor. This project should demonstrate the influences on CCD and should show the audience the severity and significance of the honey bee die-out. Biotechnology has the potential to help honey bees combat CCD.