By Calvin Cho
UOG alumnus Chris Rosario is one of the leading experts in honey bee research on Guam.
Chris Rosario graduated from UOG in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in biological science.
Currently, Rosario is attending the University to complete a masters in environmental science.
His master’s thesis examines the health of honey bees on the island.
“I hypothesize that our bees here are much healthier than the bees in the US,” Rosario said.
But graduate school isn’t the only thing keeping him busy these days.
Rosario was also the person who helped discover the Varroa mite on Guam and the wasp known as the greater bandit hornet.
Rosario said there is a dearth of research on honey bees on Guam.
“I took that opportunity to help get Guam on the map in the honey bee industry,” Rosario said.
Rosario came up with a thesis as to what the honey bees are actually polinating on Guam because honey bees are not native to the island.
His research also explores the potential economic benefits that honey bees might have for the island.
Rosario feels Guam may be able to develop a whole new industry centering around honey bees. The island can create a new market in which it can profit from.
Rosario takes great pride on his research and believes it to be important for Guam.
When he is not on campus, Rosario also works part-time at the Wise Owl Vet clinic, where he serves as a manager.
That position allows him the opportunity to travel to various veterinary conferences to present his research.
He has been to South Africa, Thailand, New Zealand, and by the time this article is printed he will have gone to Colombia.