Tammy is a long-time collaborator of both ARRI and GFW. She grew up on a farm and was determined to never do science, math, or agriculture when she went to college. She was trained as an English professor, but began beekeeping with her grandfather in 1997 and immediately became smitten with honey bees. Since 2014, she has been the State Apiarist for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Prior to working for the KY Dept. of Agriculture, Tammy founded Coal Country Beeworks while employed by Eastern Kentucky University (2007-2014). Prior to that, she was the Chair of Appalachian Studies at Berea College, where she focused on surface mine reclamation and how it affects pollinators. Tammy has served as President of the KY State Beekeepers Association, President of the Eastern Apiculture Society, and she has served as a director with the Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees. Tammy is a widely respected expert in her field, and has authored several books and technical publications on the benefits of bees and beekeeping, and is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions.