Profile

I am a retired Lecturer in Human Genetics of the University of Newcastle, former President of SICAMM and former Conservation Officer of BIBBA. I have published many papers on aspects of human genetics and latterly on beekeeping. In 1986 I published "Foundations of Developmental Genetics" (ISBN 0-85066-356-3; ISBN 0-85066-287-7 Pbk). Since my retirement in 2000 I have written three editions of "Medical Genetics at a Glance" as lead author with Bruce R. Korf (ISBN 978-0-470-65654-9; ISBN 978-1-118-689000-4 (mobi) - ISBN 978-1-118-68901-1 (pub) - ISBN 978-1-118-68902 (pdf). The second edition of this book was awarded a First Prize by the British Medical Association in the "Medical" category and the third edition was Highly Commended in the "Science Teaching" category. My publications in beekeeping include "Grooming by honey bees as a component of varroa resistant behaviour" Journal of Apicultural Research 55 (1) 38-48.

I have kept bees for 40 years, specialising in British native A. m. mellifera, and breeding them for varroa resistance. These bees utilise two strategies for eliminating the mites, making them virtually 100% resistant to V. destructor.  I am currently leading a local conservation group, the aim of which is to preserve and propagate these bees, with a view to extending their range locally.