Clean. Safe. Smart. The future of hive health
Who we are
The Team
A small, driven group of engineers, researchers, and communicators working to change how beekeepers fight Varroa.
Founder
Daniel Boback
Founder & Design Engineer
Daniel is the founder of ThermaHive and a mechanical engineer focused on building practical, chemical-free solutions for beekeepers. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland and applies a rigorous, data-driven approach to product development, with an emphasis on improving hive health while avoiding residues and resistance associated with chemical treatments.
At ThermaHive, Daniel leads product design, hardware and firmware development, testing strategy, and overall company direction. He works closely with researchers, advisors, and beekeepers to ensure the system is grounded in science and built to meet the realities of modern beekeeping.
Co-Founder
Alexis Boback
Research Lead & Marketing & Communications
A University of Maryland graduate with a degree in biology, Alexis brings both scientific training and a sharp eye for storytelling to ThermaHive. She leads the company’s live hive testing and V1 field research — applying her biological background to observe colony health, document treatment outcomes, and validate ThermaHive’s approach under real-world conditions.
Alongside her research role, Alexis drives ThermaHive’s outreach, branding, and public presence, and handles the administrative and operational responsibilities that keep the team aligned and moving forward.
Team Member
Terrence Pierce
R&D Engineer
A mechanical engineering graduate from the University of Maryland, Terrence brings years of hands-on research experience in experimental design, data analysis, and applied engineering. He will be pursuing his PhD in Mechanical Engineering at Cornell University beginning in August 2026. His methodical approach helps ensure ThermaHive’s treatment protocols are grounded in scientific rigor.
Team Member
Marklin Yi
R&D Engineer
Marklin graduated from the University of Maryland in May 2025 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. He supports ThermaHive through testing, analysis, and validation of system design decisions, helping ensure engineering choices are grounded in sound principles and real-world data.
Our Mentor
Allan Storm
Retired Marine. Master Beekeeper. Maryland State Bee Inspector. Hives for Heroes MD State Leader. The man who opened his apiary to ThermaHive.
Mentor & Advisor
Allan Storm
Master Beekeeper · MD State Bee Inspector · Hives for Heroes MD State Leader
Storm — as everyone who works with him knows him — is a retired United States Marine, the owner of Stormy Acres Bee Farm, and a beekeeper with over 30 years of hands-on experience. He is a certified Master Beekeeper, a Maryland State Bee Inspector, and the Maryland State Leader for Hives for Heroes, a national program that connects veterans with therapeutic beekeeping.
The ThermaHive team first connected with Storm at NAHBE 2026, and he has since become one of the most important voices guiding our work. He generously provides the bees, hives, and equipment powering ThermaHive’s V1 field research — and his mentorship shapes how we think about every aspect of treatment safety, colony behavior, and real-world beekeeping.
Our support network
Advisors & Investors
The experienced minds and generous supporters helping ThermaHive grow the right way.
Investor
Dr. Karen Hamilton
Veterinarian & First Investor
A veterinarian and business owner, Dr. Hamilton earned her degree from The Ohio State University and has built a respected career in veterinary surgery, emergency care, and physical rehabilitation. As ThermaHive’s first investor, she brings both medical expertise and entrepreneurial insight to the mission.
Advisor
Dr. Kenneth Kiger
Keystone Professor, Fluid Dynamics
A Keystone Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Associate Dean at the University of Maryland, Dr. Kiger is a leading expert in fluid dynamics with more than 25 years of research experience. He guides ThermaHive’s design process with a focus on reliability, safety, and real-world effectiveness.
Investor
Mark Boback
Investor & Business Advisor
Mark supports ThermaHive as an advisor, drawing on practical experience running small businesses and supporting long-term operational planning. His guidance helps strengthen the company’s foundation as it scales product development, testing, and customer readiness.
@BugFarmerBees on YouTube · Early Inspiration
The hive heater design shared by @BugFarmerBees helped spark ThermaHive’s earliest prototypes. Several foundational heating concepts from his work still echo in how our units operate today.