Michael Studer has been the Tennessee State Apiarist for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Consumer and Industry Services Division since December of 2007. He is responsible for regulating and protecting the honey bee industry in the state of Tennessee. He was previously employed by the University of Tennessee, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology as a research specialist for 11 years where he was responsible for researching and diagnosing honey bee pests and diseases for the University of Tennessee Bee Lab. Past President of Apiary Inspectors of America, current Southern Regional Director of Apiary Inspectors of America, Past President of Tennessee Entomological Society.