News & Articles

UTSA students explore medicinal potential of honey through hands-on course
May 21, 2025 - UTSA Today
Dr. Ozturk, an Associate Professor of Practice in UTSA's BHE Department, leads the HONEY Pathway, guiding students –like 2025 Texas Honey Queen Oceanna Escribano Perez– to collect and test honey samples from San Antonio and across Texas. Their goal: identify medical grade honey that combats antimicrobial resistance in wound healing.

UTSA professor awarded $2.8M USDA grant to support next generation of urban beekeepers
June 28, 2023 - UTSA Today
Dr. Ozturk secured a 5-year, $2.8 million USDA grant to launch the HONEY Pathway initiative –training UTSA students, high school teachers, and local beekeepers in medicinal honey research, entrepreneurship, and STEM outreach.

UTSA professor seeking local honey to rival overseas medicinal varieties
September 28, 2022 - San Antonio Report
Coverage highlights Dr. Ozturk's goal to elevate U.S. honeys to the level of Manuka honey by testing some 60 Texas samples –35 from San Antonio– against pathogens like MRSA. He also shares how honey research shaped his career path in medicine.

UTSA professor offers hands on experiences to teach honey's healing powers
September 15, 2022 - UTSA Today
Emphasizes Dr. Ozturk's decade-long passion for honey. Undergraduates in his course 'Medicinal Properties of Honey' practice lab techniques and test various floral honeys (e.g., buckwheat) for bacteria-killing effectiveness.

Video Interviews & Presentations

Below are YouTube videos featuring Dr. Ozturk discussing honey's healing properties and the HONEY Pathway.

Career Ready Roadrunners: HONEY Pathway
May 8, 2025 - Discover the innovative research at UTSA's HONEY Pathway program.

Medicinal Honey Research with Dr. Ferhat Ozturk
February 12, 2025 - An interview describing honey's longstanding medical use, the Pathway program, and its scientific significance.

How to Save Lives with Honey – Dr. Ferhat Ozturk (Hives for Heroes)
June 11, 2024 - A compelling presentation where Dr. Ozturk explains honey's role in wound care and bactericidal properties, especially through his nonprofit partner, Hives for Heroes.

Medicinal Uses of Honey with Dr. Ferhat Ozturk
August 2, 2021 - This video offers an earlier deep dive into honey enzyme research and global applications.

Additional Mentions & Events

Bee Sweet Honey TX Partnership
Local beekeeper collaboration: Dr. Ozturk tests honey from 60 Texas apiarists (including BeeSweet) for antibacterial, antioxidant, and bioactivity certification.

Alameda County Beekeepers Zoom Talk
In December 2024, Dr. Ozturk spoke on apitherapy and honey's biochemical properties as part of a Bay Area beekeeper series.

Alamo Area Beekeepers Project
In Spring 2025, UTSA students under Dr. Ozturk's guidance analyzed ~100 local honey samples for bioactivity, engaging the community via AABA events.