Carmine DeStefano

I am most interested in questions that radiate from the intersection of humanities impact on the environment. Current interest and research goals are related to environmental health and biomonitoring/ecosystem modeling. Understanding how resource driven economies impact not only our environment but also our health and daily lives. I engage in activities that have included qualitative and quantitative research to better understand the environmental and occupational hazards fishermen face. I have used these skills in ecosystem modeling and heavy metal transport. Most of this activity is centered around beekeeping and sustainable food activities. Bee's provide an ideal platform in understanding climate. By using bee data collated with satellite vegetation data one can track vegetation profiles and GIS data to assign useful potential honey yeilds. The dynamic weight of a beehive that is integrated with land based temperature, humidity, CO2 and UV data can show that these factors influence yearly honey yields. We can learn intimate details about phenological shifts and nutrient availability in the environment as well as tracking the migration of heavy metals in pollen. Yearly honey yields referenced with ambient environmental data is a powerful tool for understanding pollination efficiency and pollinator health. This understanding is crucial for our agricultural systems' ability to support food security for our population. "Bee truthing" shows how dependent humanity is on the natural world. I have an eclectic mix of education, professional experience and creativity. I am always on the lookout for interesting opportunities and new ways to explore the human/environmental complex.