Dr. Jeff Pettis is an entomologist and chief researcher at the USDA’s premier bee lab in Beltsville, Maryland. The mission of the Bee Research Laboratory in Beltsville is to conduct research on the biology and control of honey bee parasites, diseases, and pests to ensure an adequate supply of bees for pollination and honey production.  Pettis conducted research in 2010 on both the effect of pesticides on bees, and also an online assessment of beekeepers hives in the U.S.