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View larger image

The Center for Analytics Research and Education (CARE) at Appalachian State University has launched a global initiative to count the world’s bee and other pollinator population — to raise awareness of the critical role various insects and other pollinators play in food systems. Pictured is one such pollinator — a syrphid fly, also known as a hover fly, atop a black-eyed Susan on Appalachian’s campus. Photo by Marie Freeman

Counting bees, because bees count — App State creates pollinator-tracking app

“Over time, our data will grow until we have a data repository that we and other like-minded researchers can analyze. We can make policy reports about where pollinators reside and what factors are influencing them — and ultimately put measures in place to protect them.”

Dr. Joseph Cazier, executive director of Appalachian’s Center for Analytics Research and Education (CARE)

By Jan Todd
Posted May 18, 2020 at 9:50 a.m.

BOONE, N.C. — “You can’t manage what you can’t measure,” is a saying attributed to Peter Drucker (1909–2005), one of the most widely known and influential management consultants. This adage propelled Appalachian State University’s Center for Analytics Research and Education (CARE) to launch a global initiative to count the world’s bee and other pollinator population.

Approximately 75% of the world’s commercially grown crops depend on pollination, said Dr. Joseph Cazier, professor in Appalachian’s Department of Computer Information Systems and executive director of CARE. Many of the pollinators — including bees (the most common managed pollinator), butterflies, birds, moths and some animals, such as bats — are in decline or facing extinction, endangering the food supply, Cazier said.

“What is missing is a way to track pollinators systematically,” he said.

View larger image

Pictured in fall 2017, Dr. Joseph Cazier, left, and Dr. James Wilkes, members of Appalachian’s Center for Analytics Research and Education (CARE) team, check on beehives installed on Howard Street in Boone. Cazier is a professor in the Department of Computer Information Systems, and Wilkes is a professor in the Department of Computer Science. Photo submitted

In 2019, Cazier and Dr. James Wilkes, a professor in Appalachian’s Department of Computer Science, attended a conference in Rome, where they worked with the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), Apimondia and other international beekeeping organizations on integrating bees and technology. During this trip, they had the idea to develop a smartphone app to engage users around the world to help count pollinators.

“Over time, our data will grow until we have a data repository that we and other like-minded researchers can analyze. We can make policy reports about where pollinators reside and what factors are influencing them — and ultimately put measures in place to protect them.”

Dr. Joseph Cazier, executive director of Appalachian’s Center for Analytics Research and Education (CARE)

Max Rünzel, who worked at the FAO, joined the CARE team as an associate research fellow to help Wilkes design the World Bee Count app, which launched May 16. Participants can use the app to take and upload pictures of pollinators at work in their natural habitats. Location coordinates and other data will be automatically recorded.

The World Bee Count
The World Bee Count
Center for Analytics Research & Education

The World Bee Count's mission is to count every pollinator in the world. Global citizens are encouraged to download The World Bee Count app, take a photo of any pollinator that they see in its natural habitat and await The Global Pollinator Map. This interactive map will highlight key insights about pollinators from information gained by the collective efforts of citizen scientists around the world.

Learn more

“The project is designed to be as simple as possible,” Wilkes said. “We want to build awareness of the critical role various insects and other pollinators play in our food systems.”

CARE’s pollinator research team is funded in part by grants from Bayer, nonprofit bee research organization Project Apis m, the North Carolina Biotechnology Center and other organizations. CARE is also working in partnership with analytics leader SAS, based in Cary, to analyze the data over time to glean insights such as the following:

  • Types of pollinators, based on machine learning algorithms that will identify the species.
  • Where the pollinators live and dates of activity, based on location and time stamps.
  • Other information such as the types of flowers or plants that attract pollinators, based on what is visible in the background of the photos.

In the near term, the collected data will populate an interactive digital map, highlighting key insights about pollinators. Rünzel and Cazier will present the map with preliminary results and analysis plan during the 2020 U.N. World Bee Day on May 20. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the event will be held virtually this year via a livestream broadcast.

During its first year, Cazier said the team plans to collect sample data and build awareness of the project through media exposure, social media and alliances with the FAO and international beekeeping organizations.

“Over time, our data will grow until we have a data repository that we and other like-minded researchers can analyze. We can make policy reports about where pollinators reside and what factors are influencing them — and ultimately put measures in place to protect them,” he said.

What do you think?

Share your feedback on this story.

The World Bee Count
The World Bee Count
Center for Analytics Research & Education

The World Bee Count's mission is to count every pollinator in the world. Global citizens are encouraged to download The World Bee Count app, take a photo of any pollinator that they see in its natural habitat and await The Global Pollinator Map. This interactive map will highlight key insights about pollinators from information gained by the collective efforts of citizen scientists around the world.

Learn more
Support the World Bee Count project
Support the World Bee Count project

Research grants from Bayer and Project Apis m. partially fund the initiative by CARE to analyze and manage data for the World Bee Count project, which involves both faculty and students in this research. Additional donations are needed to continue the work on this important effort.

Give now
International World Bee Count coverage

Participants in the World Bee Count project are recruited through social media and worldwide media exposure, including recent articles in the following publications:

  • Los Angeles Times.
  • Sunday Times in England.
  • The Australian.
Help save the bees: New app turns users into bee counters [faculty quoted]
Help save the bees: New app turns users into bee counters [faculty quoted]
Los Angeles Times
April 23, 2020

Computer science professor Dr. James Wilkes, who is also a farmer and beekeeper, explains the first World Bee Count and how to participate with a free app for your smartphone and a willingness to snap photos.

Read the story
CARE director presents beekeeping technology to United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, further aligns Walker College with sustainable development goals
CARE director presents beekeeping technology to United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, further aligns Walker College with sustainable development goals
Walker College of Business
April 4, 2019

The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recently invited Dr. Cazier and his cohorts to their office in Rome, Italy to present their research on Open Apiary Management Systems. An apiary management system is a collection of software, sensors, data, knowledge, and best practices to help beekeepers and those that depend on them better manage their bees.

Read the story
Professor receives grant funding for blockchain and bee research
Professor receives grant funding for blockchain and bee research
Department of Computer Information Systems
Oct. 2, 2019

Dr. Joseph Cazier, professor of Computer Information Systems and director of the Center for Analytics Research and Education at Appalachian State University, Ed Hassler, Ph.D. and Director of Technology at CARE, Max Rünzel, MS, MA and Associate Research Fellow at CARE, and Lewis Alexander, J.D. and Data Privacy Advisor for CARE, received a grant award Sept. 6 from the North Carolina Biotechnology Center for $24,000.

Read the story
2019 Green E Awards honor ‘sustainable business champions’ at App State
2019 Green E Awards honor ‘sustainable business champions’ at App State
Oct. 31, 2019

Dr. Joseph Cazier and Dr. Todd Cherry were recognized with this year’s Green E Awards, conferred by the Walker College of Business. The awards honor individuals in the college for their outstanding accomplishments in the area of sustainable business.

Read the story
CARE director presents beekeeping technology to United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, further aligns Walker College with sustainable development goals
CARE director presents beekeeping technology to United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, further aligns Walker College with sustainable development goals
Walker College of Business
April 4, 2019

The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recently invited Dr. Cazier and his cohorts to their office in Rome, Italy to present their research on Open Apiary Management Systems. An apiary management system is a collection of software, sensors, data, knowledge, and best practices to help beekeepers and those that depend on them better manage their bees.

Read the story
Professor receives grant funding for blockchain and bee research
Professor receives grant funding for blockchain and bee research
Department of Computer Information Systems
Oct. 2, 2019

Dr. Joseph Cazier, professor of Computer Information Systems and director of the Center for Analytics Research and Education at Appalachian State University, Ed Hassler, Ph.D. and Director of Technology at CARE, Max Rünzel, MS, MA and Associate Research Fellow at CARE, and Lewis Alexander, J.D. and Data Privacy Advisor for CARE, received a grant award Sept. 6 from the North Carolina Biotechnology Center for $24,000.

Read the story
Saving the bees
Saving the bees

Appalachian student and faculty researchers seek to recover declining honeybee population

July 13, 2017

There’s hope for declining honeybee populations thanks to Appalachian student and faculty research and special projects.

Read the story
From smart to genius: smart hives and beekeeping technology
From smart to genius: smart hives and beekeeping technology
Walker College of Business
April 4, 2018

Dr. Joseph Cazier wrote an article titled “Peering into the Future: A Path to the Genius Hive,” which was featured in Bee Culture, the magazine of American beekeeping. Cazier and two colleagues were inspired by a webinar about the smart hive, a beehive that collects data and can tell you about itself. Our mission, says Cazier, is to take the smart hive to the next level and develop a genius hive.

Read the story
Winners announced for 2019 Chancellor’s Innovation Scholars Program
Winners announced for 2019 Chancellor’s Innovation Scholars Program
March 21, 2019

The winning teams earned awards up to $10,000 each from the Office of the Chancellor and Division of Academic Affairs.

Read the story

About the Center for Analytics Research and Education (CARE)

The Center for Analytics Research and Education is housed within the Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University. The mission of CARE is to engage and utilize the knowledge of students, faculty and staff to help promote prosocial behavioral change within organizations and society. Specifically, CARE uses big data and analytics for research in sustainability, education, economic development, human resources science, and health and wellness. Learn more at https://care.appstate.edu.

About the Department of Computer Information Systems

At Appalachian State University, computer information systems (CIS) students gain valuable professional skills and capabilities that prepare them for careers in a wide variety of technology-related industries. Students learn how to successfully interface between the technical and management aspects within organizations. Part of the Walker College of Business, the Department of Computer Information Systems offers two of 13 undergraduate business majors at App State, all of which promote solid business acumen and technical fundamentals. Learn more at https://cis.appstate.edu.

About the Walker College of Business

The Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University delivers transformational educational experiences that prepare and inspire students to be ethical, innovative and engaged business leaders who positively impact our community, both locally and globally. The college places emphasis on international experiences, sustainable business practices, entrepreneurial programs and real-world applications with industry. Enrolling approximately 3,000 undergraduates in 10 majors and 175 graduate students in three master's programs, the Walker College is accredited by AACSB International – the premier global accrediting body for schools of business. Learn more at https://business.appstate.edu.

About the Department of Computer Science

Appalachian’s Department of Computer Science provides a rigorous, high-quality education that prepares students for the computing industry or graduate education. It offers a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science, which is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, and a Master of Science degree in computer science. Learn more at https://compsci.appstate.edu.

About the College of Arts and Sciences

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at Appalachian State University is home to 17 academic departments, two centers and one residential college. These units span the humanities and the social, mathematical and natural sciences. CAS aims to develop a distinctive identity built upon our university's strengths, traditions and unique location. The college’s values lie not only in service to the university and local community, but through inspiring, training, educating and sustaining the development of its students as global citizens. More than 6,400 student majors are enrolled in the college. As the college is also largely responsible for implementing App State’s general education curriculum, it is heavily involved in the education of all students at the university, including those pursuing majors in other colleges. Learn more at https://cas.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls nearly 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.

“Over time, our data will grow until we have a data repository that we and other like-minded researchers can analyze. We can make policy reports about where pollinators reside and what factors are influencing them — and ultimately put measures in place to protect them.”

Dr. Joseph Cazier, executive director of Appalachian’s Center for Analytics Research and Education (CARE)

The World Bee Count
The World Bee Count
Center for Analytics Research & Education

The World Bee Count's mission is to count every pollinator in the world. Global citizens are encouraged to download The World Bee Count app, take a photo of any pollinator that they see in its natural habitat and await The Global Pollinator Map. This interactive map will highlight key insights about pollinators from information gained by the collective efforts of citizen scientists around the world.

Learn more
Support the World Bee Count project
Support the World Bee Count project

Research grants from Bayer and Project Apis m. partially fund the initiative by CARE to analyze and manage data for the World Bee Count project, which involves both faculty and students in this research. Additional donations are needed to continue the work on this important effort.

Give now
International World Bee Count coverage

Participants in the World Bee Count project are recruited through social media and worldwide media exposure, including recent articles in the following publications:

  • Los Angeles Times.
  • Sunday Times in England.
  • The Australian.
Help save the bees: New app turns users into bee counters [faculty quoted]
Help save the bees: New app turns users into bee counters [faculty quoted]
Los Angeles Times
April 23, 2020

Computer science professor Dr. James Wilkes, who is also a farmer and beekeeper, explains the first World Bee Count and how to participate with a free app for your smartphone and a willingness to snap photos.

Read the story
2019 Green E Awards honor ‘sustainable business champions’ at App State
2019 Green E Awards honor ‘sustainable business champions’ at App State
Oct. 31, 2019

Dr. Joseph Cazier and Dr. Todd Cherry were recognized with this year’s Green E Awards, conferred by the Walker College of Business. The awards honor individuals in the college for their outstanding accomplishments in the area of sustainable business.

Read the story
Saving the bees
Saving the bees

Appalachian student and faculty researchers seek to recover declining honeybee population

July 13, 2017

There’s hope for declining honeybee populations thanks to Appalachian student and faculty research and special projects.

Read the story
From smart to genius: smart hives and beekeeping technology
From smart to genius: smart hives and beekeeping technology
Walker College of Business
April 4, 2018

Dr. Joseph Cazier wrote an article titled “Peering into the Future: A Path to the Genius Hive,” which was featured in Bee Culture, the magazine of American beekeeping. Cazier and two colleagues were inspired by a webinar about the smart hive, a beehive that collects data and can tell you about itself. Our mission, says Cazier, is to take the smart hive to the next level and develop a genius hive.

Read the story
Winners announced for 2019 Chancellor’s Innovation Scholars Program
Winners announced for 2019 Chancellor’s Innovation Scholars Program
March 21, 2019

The winning teams earned awards up to $10,000 each from the Office of the Chancellor and Division of Academic Affairs.

Read the story

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Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.

The migration of materials from other sites is still incomplete, so if you cannot find what you're looking for here, please refer to the following sources:

  • Additional feature stories may be found at Appalachian Magazine
  • Podcasts may be found at Appalachian Magazine
  • Photo galleries and videos published prior to Jan. 1, 2015 may be found at Appalachian Magazine
  • A university-wide Google Calendar may be found at Events at Appalachian

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Archives

Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.

The migration of materials from other sites is still incomplete, so if you cannot find what you're looking for here, please refer to the following sources:

  • Additional feature stories may be found at Appalachian Magazine
  • Podcasts may be found at Appalachian Magazine
  • Photo galleries and videos published prior to Jan. 1, 2015 may be found at Appalachian Magazine
  • A university-wide Google Calendar may be found at Events at Appalachian
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