Krispn Given Leads Historic Advanced Instrumental Insemination Workshops at UF and Enterprise State
Banner: Krispn Given with his students at UF/IFAS Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory. Photo Credit: UF/IFAS HBREL
In spring 2026, Krispn Given was invited by the University of Florida Bee Lab and by Enterprise State Community College’s Honey Bee Program to lead two historic advanced courses in instrumental insemination. The courses drew students from across the United States, reflecting the national demand for advanced training in the subject. The first session was held March 5–6 at the UF IFAS Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory. He taught ten students the fundamentals of honey bee queen and drone biology, along with hands-on techniques for collecting drone semen and using specialized equipment to perform instrumental insemination of queens. Typically, only a small handful of students take part in these classes at once. That makes this course the most-attended of its kind in U.S. history!
With honey bee colonies facing significant losses due to stressors like the parasitic mite Varroa destructor along with queen issues, advanced skills, such as instrumental insemination, have become an important tool in strengthening colony genetics and improving survival without over relying on chemical treatments.
That course was followed March 30–April 3 by a five‑day advanced instrumental insemination workshop at Enterprise State Community College in Alabama. Thirteen students participated from five states, making it the largest advanced II course of its kind, as well! The scale of the program drew local and state attention, including visits from Enterprise Mayor William Cooper, ESCC President Danny Long, and former U.S. Representative Jerry Carl.
These courses reflect Purdue Entomology’s national leadership in advanced honey bee breeding training.
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