Steve Pernal

Dr. Steve Pernal received his Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of Manitoba and was a postdoctoral fellow at Simon Fraser University. Since 2001, he has been employed by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) as a Research Scientist in Beaverlodge, AB where he leads Canada’s federal apiculture research program. His work has been diverse and included the detection and control of oxytetracycline-resistant American foulbrood disease and devising food-grade therapies against chalkbrood disease. He investigated the effects of the emerging bee parasites Nosema ceranae and Lotmaria passim, and has been an international participant in tracking world-wide honey bee losses. Dr. Pernal also co-led and participated in several Genome Canada projects evaluating markers for resistance to bee diseases and Varroa destructor, and projects aimed at more rapidly diagnosing threats to honey bee health.

Dr. Pernal previously served as President of the Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists and is a contributing member to international bodies focused on honey bee health. He served as the Scientific Program Chair for the 2019 Apimondia International Apicultural Congress in Montreal, and in 2022 received the Hambleton award from the Eastern Apicultural Society for excellence in apicultural research.