WABA Hosts Dynamic Guest Speaker Dr. Christopher Ehrhardt on Bacterial Hitchhikers
The Williamsburg Area Beekeepers Association (WABA) welcomed a captivating guest speaker, Dr. Christopher Ehrhardt, at its 12 June 2025 meeting. Dr. Ehrhardt is a research professor in the Department of Forensic Science at Virginia Commonwealth University and brought a wealth of scientific insight to the group.
With an impressive background that includes postdoctoral work at the FBI’s Counterterrorism and Forensic Science Research Unit and the National Security Directorate at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Dr. Ehrhardt now leads a research team at VCU exploring cellular biology and non-genetic signatures. His work focuses on “touch” DNA evidence and bacterial biothreat agents.
In his presentation titled “From Space Stations to Honey Jars: An Anxiety-Free Tour of Bacterial Hitchhikers,” Dr. Ehrhardt guided attendees through a fascinating journey of microscopic travelers. From anthrax to botulism, he explored the complex world of bacteria that hitch rides on surfaces, tools, and even in our favorite jars of honey.
The engaging and informative talk connected global scientific concepts to local concerns, providing a deeper understanding of the microbial universe around—and within—our apiaries. WABA members left the meeting with a renewed appreciation for the unseen world that impacts both public health and the beekeeping community.
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