Fell, Richard D, PhD

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Richard D Fell, PhD

Title	Professor
Phone	(540) 231-7207
E-Mail	rfell@vt.edu
Address	324 Price Hall Virginia Tech Blacksburg, VA 24061
Education	B.A. (1972) University of Pennsylvania M.S. (1977) Cornell Univeristy Ph.D. (1979) Cornell University

Dr. Fell's responsibilities are in teaching (75%) and extension (25%). He teaches several of the basic undergraduate entomology courses including Insect Biology, Insect Biology Laboratory, and Bees and Beekeeping. He also co-teaches several study abroad courses. In the past 3 years he has taught study abroad courses in South Africa, Mali and Ecuador. In addition he offers independent research projects to 1-2 undergraduate students per year. At the graduate level, Dr. Fell teaches Insect Biology and Systematics and co-teaches the Insect Behavior and Ecology class. He is interested in instructional methodology and the use of computer technology in teaching. In addition to his classroom responsibilities, Dr. Fell serves as a major advisor for the Entomology Minor. At the graduate level he currently serves as a major advisor for 5 students (3 MS and 2PhD) and on 6 - 8 other graduate committees per year. Dr. Fell's extension program is concerned with the apiculture industry and is designed to provide educational information and programs to Virginia beekeepers, as well as to industry groups of the mid-Atlantic region. Information is disseminated through publications and electronic media, but also includes programs for local and state organizations, the presentation of short courses and workshops, and assistance to extension agents. He also provides information on pollination to Virginia growers and beekeepers, and assistance with stinging insect and carpenter ant problems to the pest control industry and general public. Dr. Fell's research program is directed toward biological and behavioral studies of honey bees, pollination biology, and forensic entomology. The past several years his program has focused on 2 major areas; (1) the effects of miticides on the reproductive physiology of honey bees, and (2) the effects of alcohol and other drugs on the development of maggots and their impacts on the determination of post-mortem intervals.

Blurb last modified at 2007-07-31 12:10:23.0.

Professional Memberships

Academy of Teaching Excellence, Virginia Tech
Eastern Apicultural Society
Entomological Society of America
Gamma Sigma Delta
Sigma Xi

Personnel

Student
- Adamson, Nancy
- Beirne, Shana
Wage or Other Employees
- Monthei, Derek

Projects

Concept Mapping on the Web
Evidence suggests that students of agriculture generally do not possess a strong disposition for critical thinking. In addition, instructional goals and assessment in agricultural education are often not aligned. With pressure on educators to integrate science into agricultural education, instructors are being asked to find innovative ways to use computers for the delivery and assessment of instruction, encourage student learning beyond the classroom, and promote cooperative learning and collaboration in the delivery of instructional material between science- and agricultural-based disciplines. An efficient, cost effective, and discipline-independent method to improve students' disposition toward critical thinking is with concept maps. A concept map is a graphical tool that uses concepts and the relationships between and among them to represent an individual's cognitive structure (the way the individual thinks). The primary goal of this project is to develop a web-based concept mapping tool (CMT) that can be used to facilitate instruction, student learning, and collaboration in agricultural science education. The CMT would help to build student competencies for cognitive thinking by allowing them to integrate and synthesize old and new knowledge across science-related disciplines.
Development of an International Study Center in South Africa for Studies in Agriculture and Related Sciences
The primary purpose of this project is to build upon our relaionships with the University of the Free State (UFS) to expand the opportunities for collaborative reserach, teaching, extension, and student exchange activities in southern Africa. The specific objectives of the proposal are to expand and revitalize our current student exchange program, lay the foundation for development of an Internation Study Center at UFS, develop an internship and training program for extension agents that will enhance their capabilities and promote knowledge transfer back to Virginia farmers, and develop internship programs that will provide work experience for students in agriculture. The proposed activities wil strengthen the global competence of scientists, extension agents, and educators, and enhance the capabilites of Virginia Tech to conduct collaborative research in South Africa.
Discovery-based Undergrad Opportunities: Collaborative Research Support Program
An Undergraduate Special Studies course offered by the Entomology Department was designed to introduce students to issues associated with international agricultural research, providing them with an opportunity to observe agricultural research practices by participation in some research activities and to learn about Malian culture. It was offered as a two semester course totaling 4 credits and featured a two-week trip to Mali, West Africa during the winter break.
Discovery-based Undergrad Opportunities: Facilitating Farmer to Farmer Teaching/Learning
Faculty in the Department of Entomology offered an Undergraduate Special Studies course designed to introduce students to issues associated with international agricultural research. It provided them with an opportunity to observe agricultural research practices by participating in some research activities and allowed them to learn about Malian culture as well. It was offered as a two semester course totaling 4 credits and featured a two-week trip to Mali, West Africa during the winter break.
Miticide Effects on the Reproductive Physiology of Queen and Drone Honey Bees
Efforts to control Varroa mites in honey bee colonies have led to an over-reliance on the use of chemical miticides and the potential for sublethal effects on honey bees. Studies in our laboratory have indicated that miticide use can affect the reproductive physiology of both drones and queens, and could be responsible for some of the problems with queen failure reported by beekeepers. The commonly used miticides (fluvalinate, coumaphos, thymol) were examined with respect to their effects on sperm production and viability in drones, and to potential effects on the number and viability of sperm stored in the spermatheca of queens exposed to these compounds during rearing. These studies have shown that several of these miticides can reduce sperm production and viability in drones, as well as the viability of sperm stored in the sspermatheca of queens.
New Paradigm for Discovery-Based Learning: Implementing Bottom-Up Development With Participatory Process And Whole System (Holistic) Thinking
An Undergraduate Special Studies course offered by the Entomology Department is designed to introduce students to issues associated with international agricultural research. It will provide them with an opportunity to observe agricultural research practices by participating in some research activities and to learn about Malian culture. It will be offered as a two semester course totaling 4 credits and featured a two-week trip to Mali, West Africa during the winter break.
Reduced Pesticide Use in Bee Hives through the Development and Promotion of an IPM Program for Mite Parasites
The U.S. beekeeping industry has faced serious challenges after the introduction of the parasitic mites, Varroa destructor and Acarapis woodi. The mites have lead to a significant delcine in the number of managed colonies. Effforts to control the mites have lead to an over-reliance on acaracides and chemical fumigants. Our goal, therefore, is to develop and promote an IPM program that not only provides beekeepers with alternative approaches for the management of mite parasites, but reduces pesticide use and the potential for honey and wax contamination. We will also sample hives (honey and wax) for miticide residues to allow us to monitor changes in hive product contamination.
Studies in Forensic Entomology
Insects can be used for the determination of post mortem intervals (PMI) in cases of unknown death. Several approaches may be used for the estimation of PMIs, including the use of maggot developmental times and the use of successional data. Our research has involved the study of insect successional fauna on carcasses, the effects of ante mortem alcohol ingestion on fly development, and the effects of maggot activity on gunpowder residue retention. Current studies involve the dispersal of Oxycontin in the body and its effects on maggot development.
Virginia Apiculture Program: IPM of Honey Bee Colonies, Queen Breeding and Pollination
Virginia beekeepers have suffered serious colony losses due to the introduction of parasitic mites. The Apiculture Program is designed to improve the pest management practices utilized by beekeepers through the development of research and extension programs. The program will also involve the development of queen breeding programs within the state, and the initiation of programs to improve and promote the use of honey bees for pollination. In addition the program will involve the development of an Africanized Honey Bee Response Plan in collaboration with VDACS.

Courses

BIOL 4984 Culture and Ecology of South Africa → website
A study abroad course that involves travel to South Africa. Students participating in the course spend 4 weeks traveling in South Africa, visiting national parks, nature reserves, cultural centers, and the University of the Free State. The course provides the opportunity for students to visit the different ecosystems of Sotuh Africa and to study the ecology of these systems. Students in the course must give two class presentations while in South AFrica (one on culture and one on biology), maintain daily culture and biology journals, complete two summary papers on their return (one on biology and one on culture), and complete two phot essays displaying aspects of culture and biology.
BIOL 4984 Studies on the Culture and Ecology of South Africa and North America → website
This course will expose students to Agenda 21 and the interaction of culture and conservation for future sustainable development and survival of the planet. The history of South Africa parallels our own and provides an opportunity to examine how settlement by European nations impact indigenous peoples and preservation of the environment. There are also similarities between apartheid and civil rights issues and the impact on the environment. South Africa is transitioning from a white dominated society to one ruled by a black majority which may have environmental consequences. Further, South Africa, like many third world countries has a host of problems, such as AIDS, that threaten it socially, economically and environmentally. Africa presents a unique opportunity to learn about large animals and indigenous art, especially Bushman paintings and petroglyphs that are over 4,000 years old. This course has fulfilled Area 2 and Area 7 core requirements, a writing intensive course, and for biology students, a biology elective and a laboratory course.
ENT 2254 Bees and Beekeeping
An introduction to honey bee biology, the social organization of the honey bee colony and to modern beekeeping practices.
ENT 2264 Bees and Beekeeping Laboratory
An introduction to the principles and practices of modern apiculture as they relate to honey bee biology. An emphasis will be placed on students gaining practical field experience in the handling of honey bee colonies. Corequisite: ENT 2254
ENT 3014 [BIOL 3014] Insect Biology
Insect Biology is intended to provide a general introduction to the science of entomology. The course will cover the diversity of insects, their biology and behavior, the importance of insects and insect control programs in agriculture, and the effects that insects have had on human history and culture. The course is intended either for students interested in a single basic course in entomology or as a foundation for those planning to take other more specialized courses. Prerequisite: 1 year biology.
ENT 3024 [BIOL 3024] Insect Biology Laboratory
This course provides an introduction to the taxonomy and ecology of the insects commonly encountered. It will include the identification of all orders and many common families. Ecological attributes of each taxon, including food, habitat, life cycle, and behavior will be presented. Corequisite: ENT 3014
ENT 5024 Insect Biology and Systematics
Phylogeny, classification and biology of the insects. Lecture classes concentrate on the biology, ecology and behavior of insects, and weekly discussion sessions on the principles of systematic entomology and insect evolution. Laboratory sessions are devoted to the identification of insect orders and families, and to learning the ecological attributes of each taxon. A collection of adult insects is required. Pre: Graduate standing (3H, 3L, 4C)
ENT 6004 Insect Behavior and Ecology
This course is an updated version of a previous course (ENT 6354, Insect Behavior) that has been revised to include a module on Insect Ecology. The current course is intended to provide a comprehensive introduction to insect behavior and ecology. The primary objectives are to provide knowledge of: 1) general insect ecology, including population and community ecology, 2) foraging behavior, 3) insect communication systems, 4) insect reproductive behavior and ecology, 5) insect social behavior, and 6) applied ecology.

Resources

Beekeeping at Virginia Tech → website
Information on apiculture and social insect programs at Virginia Tech.
Physiology Laboratories
These laboratories provide the opportunity for research using spectrophotometry, spectrofluorometry, respirometry, chromatography (HPTLC, HPLC, and GLC), centrifugation, radioisotopes, microscopy, and many other techniques. Environmental chambers are also available for use. Facilities also allow for the study of histology, fine structure and neurophysiology. These facilities include equipment for tissue sectioning, photomicroscopy and electrophysiology. Both scanning and transmission electron microscopes are also accessible on campus.
The Cyber Cockroach at Virginia Tech → website
This site has been developed to provide visual information on the anatomy and physiology of one of man's most ancient associates... the cockroach! One of its intended uses is as an instructional aid for students studying the biology of insects... entomology. Cockroaches represent a more or less primitive insect and is quite often used as a representative model for studies on insect anatomy.

Publications (last 5 years)

Cline, B. E., Brewster, C. C., Fell, R. D. 2009. A Rule-Based System for Automatically Evaluating Student Concept Maps. Expert Systems With Applications. In press (doi:10.1016/j.eswa.2009.07.044)
Burley, L. M., Fell, R. D., Saacke, R. G. 2008. Survival of honey bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) spermatozoa incubated at rooom temperature from drones exposed to miticides. Journal of Ecomomic Entomology 101(4):1081-1087
Lim, G. T., Kirton, L. G., Salom, S. M., Kok, L. T., Fell, R. D., Pfeiffer, D. G. 2008. Host plants and associated trophobionts of the weaver ants Oecophylla spp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). CAB Reviews: Perspectives in Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Nutrition and Natural Resources, 2008, 3, No. 035, 19 pp.
Lim, G. T., Kirton, L. G., Salom, S. M., Kok, L. T., Fell, R. D., Pfeiffer, D. G. 2008. Mahogany shoot borer control in Malaysia and prospects for biocontrol using weaver ants. Journal of Tropical Forest Science. 20(3): 147-155.
Martin, M. S., Westwood, J., Goble, A. R., Mullins, D. E., Fell, R. D., Dembele, B., Gamby, K. 2008. Characterization of Foliar-Applied Potash Solution as a Non-selective Herbicide in Malian Agriculture . J. Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences
Fell, R. D. 2007. Thoughts on Teaching from Lessons Learned. Teachng Excellence at a Major Research-Centered University; Energy, Empathy, and Enngagement, E. S. Geller and P. K. Lehman [Eds], Pearson Custom Publishing, Boston, MA, pp. 93-98. (Book Chapter)
Gatton, H., Fell, R. D., Weaver, M. J. 2007. Crop Profile for Honeybees in Virginia. National IPM Centers. [http://www.ipmcenters.org/cropprofiles/docs/vahoney.html] .
Pfeiffer, D. G., Baniecki, J., Bergh, J. C., Biggs, A., Chandran, R. S., Demarsay, A., Dively, G., Derr, J., Fell, R. D., Hogmire, H., Kotcon, J. B., Parkhurst, J., Walsh, C. S., Weaver, M. J., Yoder, K., Yuan, R. 2006. 2007 Spray Bulletin for Commercial Tree Fruit Growers. VA. Coop. Extension (Pub. 456-419), Blacksburg (156pp.) [revised annually – 21st revision].
Tabor, K. L., Fell, R. D., Brewster, C. C. 2005. Insect fauna visiting carrion in southwest Virginia.. Forensic Science International 150: 73-80
Tabor, K. L., Fell, R. D., Brewster, C. C., Pelzer, K. ., Behonick, G. S. 2005. Effects of antemortem ingestion of ethanol on the successional patterns and development of Phormia regina (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae).. Journal of Medical Entomology 42: 481-489
Swoboda, L. E., Miller, D. M., Fell, R. D., Mullins, D. E. 2004. The effect of nutrient compounds (sugars and amino acids) on bait consumption by Reticulitermes spp. (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). Sociobiology. 44: 547-563
Tabor, K. L., Brewster, C. C., Fell, R. D. 2004. Analysis of the successional patterns of carrion insects in southwest Virginia.. Journal of Medical Entomology 41: 785-795
Cannon, C. A., Fell, R. D. 2002. Patterns of macronutrient collection in the carpenter ant, Camponotus pennsylvanicus (DeGeer) (Hymenopeta: Formicidae). Environmental Entomology 31(6):977-981
Lafon, N., Norman, G. W., Jeffreys, J. C., Fell, R. D. 2002. Forest clearings management: Insects and vegetation for wild turkey broods. Proceedings Annual Congerence, Southeast Association Fish and Wildlife Agencies 55:547-559